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All Lights and Electrical Fittings for Bathrooms must have a IP Rating and be suitable for the zonal location in which they are being placed.
The Zones
Zone 0 - The smallest cuboid volume that contains the bathtub or shower cubilce etc.
Zone 1 - The area above Zone 0, up to a height of 2.25 meters above the floor.
Zone 2 - The area above Zone 1 up to a height of 3 meters, as well as the area that
is horizontally within 0.6 meters from Zone 1.
Zone 3 - If referred to, is the area outside of the previous Zones. This includes
any space under the bath or shower that can only be accessed with a tool.
PROTECTION
All electrical circuits within bathrooms must be protected by Residual Current Devices (RCD) not exceeding 30mA. This applies to all electrical equipment whether it is controlled by a switch in the bathroom (which in itself is an issue) or remotely switched.
ELECTRICAL ITEMS - IP Ratings - PELV & SELV classifications
Electrical equipment may be identified as having a certain level of mechanical and
moisture protection, these are quoted as 'Ingress Protection' (or IP) plus two numbers. The higher the number, the better the protection. If a piece of equipment does not have an IP number it must not be used in Zones 0, 1 or 2 (or elsewhere having a wet/vamp environment).
As well as IP numbers, items may be classed as PELV or SELV:-
Protected Extra Low Voltage (PELV) - Low voltage but connected to earth.
Separated Extra Low Voltage (SELV) - Low voltage but output isolated from input.
In Zone 0 the equipment must be low voltage and have an IP number ending in a 7. In Zones 1 or 2 the IP number must end in a 4 (or higher number) or have a SELV protection with the transformer beyond Zone 2.
If water jets are likely to occur, then at least an IP number ending in 5 is required in Zone 1-3. Otherwise, in Zone 3 and beyond, an ingress protection rating of IP20 is the minimum.
REGULATIONS ARE ALWAYS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND SOMETIMES INTERPRETATION. IF IN DOUBT SEEK THE ADVICE OF A SUITABLY QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL.
