Bathroom lights are classified by their British Standard IP rating. IP stands for 'ingress protection' and the letters are followed by a two-digit number.

The first digit indicates the degree of protection against dust particles or solid objects. It's largely irrelevant in bathrooms.

The second digit is the important one, and it indicates the degree of protection from the ingress of moisture. The range is 0 to 8. While 0 means no protection, 8 means that the light may be submerged in water to a stipulated depth.

Lights suitable for installation in bathrooms must have at least a rating of IPX4. The number 4 indicates that the light will resist splashing from any direction. Portable lights may not be used in bath and shower rooms.

For installation guidance, the bathroom is split into 4 zones. The IP rating of a light dictates in which zone it may be fitted.

Zones 1 and 2 cover the area within 0.60m of a bath or shower, and lighting within these zones must have a minimum rating of IPX4.

There are no regulations for wash basins. In a large bathroom, outside the restricted zones, you can safely install a chandelier if you want to.

Please refer to British Standard Wiring Regulations BS7671 of March 2004 (a brown pamphlet containing 2 amendments). Please visit or call Cameron Peters for further advice, or consult a qualified electrician.

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