What is the required IP rating for a bathroom?

When embarking on a remodelling project or personalising a new construction, prioritising the selection of appropriate lighting is essential.
However, you will quickly realise that not all lighting fixtures are appropriate for bathrooms, shower rooms, and wet rooms. This is due to their requirement for appropriate ingress protection, abbreviated as IP.
To enhance your confidence regarding all matters linked to intellectual property, we will take a few moments to address the most significant enquiries about IP on the Internet. Today, we are discussing Zones.

Question 1: 'What is the required IP rating for a bathroom?'

A variety of IP protections are available to accommodate diverse requirements, ranging from sprays and splashes to complete immersion. The required IP rating is contingent upon the placement of the illumination in Zones 0, 1, or 2.
Lighting installed near a washbasin, shower or bath, where splashes or sprays are unavoidable, necessitates a high Ingress Protection (IP) rating, as these areas fall inside Zones 1 or 2.
Although an IP rating is not mandatory for lighting outside of Zones 0 to 2, electricians frequently advise the installation of lighting fixtures with an IP44 rating or above in bathroom interiors to enhance the durability of the lighting and to provide optimal safety within the home.
 

Question 2: 'What is the required IP rating for Zone 1?'

The necessary IP rating for bathroom lighting is determined by its distance from a water source or fixture. Areas directly above a shower or bath are classified as Zone 1, whilst those within 60 cm of a water source or receptacle are designated as Zone 2. Both Zones need a minimum rating of IPX4, hence IP44 is permissible.
Zone 1 is unique in that a 30mA residual current device (RCD) must be employed to safeguard the circuit while utilising a 230V supply.
Fortunately, you need not sacrifice elegance to choose an excellent IP44-rated lighting solution.