Bathroom electrical zones

The diagram above is supplied as a guide to Bathroom Electrical Zones as referred to in IP ratings of light fittings, illuminated mirrors and electrical heating elements. Please refer to the latest edition of BS 7671:2018+A2:2022(18th Edition) to ensure conformity.

It is important to install light fittings, illuminated mirrors and electric towel rail elements in the correct bathroom zone (e.g. the zone referred to in the IP rating of the element). This is not an installation guide and reference should be made to the latest edition of the IET Wiring Regulations or a qualified electrician member of NICEIC or IET.

Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower tray itself. Any appliance used in this zone must be rated at least IP67 which is total immersion proof.

Zone 1 is the area above the bath or shower tray to a height of 2.25m from the floor. In this zone, a minimum rating of IP44 is required and elements must also be protected by a 30mA residual current device (RCD) to protect the circuit. The electrical connection to the power supply for these must be in Zones 2/3 of the bathroom in compliance with BS 7671:2018+A2:2022(18th Edition) - IET Wiring Regulations.

Zone 2 is an area stretching 0.6m outside the perimeter of the bath and to a height of 2.25m from the floor. In this zone, an IP rating of at least IP44 is required. In addition, it is good practice to consider the area around the wash basin, within a 60cm radius of any tap to be considered as zone 2.

Failure to have electrical products installed and certificated by a qualified electrical engineer will invalidate any product guarantee.

For full details, reference should be made to the latest copy of the IET Wiring Regulations and all applicable British Standard and European norm specifications.