Buying guide
Bathroom zones & IP ratings, made simple.
Bathrooms are split into zones by how likely a fitting is to meet water. Each zone needs a minimum IP rating — here's what goes where.
Inside the bath or shower IPx7 minimum
The interior of the bath tub or shower tray itself.
Low-voltage only — SELV 12V, with the transformer outside zones 0–2.
Above, up to 2.25m IPx4 minimum
Directly above the bath or shower, to a height of 2.25m.
Mains or SELV 12V (source outside the zones).
0.6m around, and above 2.25m IPx4 minimum
A 0.6m band beyond zone 1, and the area above 2.25m.
Mains or SELV 12V (source outside the zones).
Outside the zones there's no formal IP requirement, but in a steamy room a moisture-resistant fitting (IP44+) is always the safer choice. Any SELV supply unit must sit outside zones 0–2.
Reading an IP rating
"IP" plus two digits: the first is protection against solids, the second against water. Higher is more protected.
First digit — solids
| 0 | No special protection |
| 1 | Objects over 50mm (e.g. a hand) |
| 2 | Objects over 12mm (e.g. a finger) |
| 3 | Tools and wires over 2.5mm |
| 4 | Solids over 1mm |
| 5 | Dust-protected |
| 6 | Fully dust-tight |
Second digit — water
| 0 | No special protection |
| 1 | Dripping water |
| 2 | Dripping at up to 15° |
| 3 | Sprayed water (to 60°) |
| 4 | Splashed from any direction |
| 5 | Water jets |
| 6 | Powerful jets |
| 7 | Immersion to 1m |
| 8 | Continuous submersion |