Water and electricity don't mix, which is why the UK has clear rules for bathroom lighting. They come from the wiring regulations (BS 7671), and they are simpler than they sound. This guide explains the bathroom zones, what IP ratings mean, and how to choose a light that is safe for each spot.
Quick answer
For a light above the bath or shower, or close beside it, choose a fitting rated IP44 or higher. Inside the bath or shower itself, you need a special low-voltage light rated IP67. Away from water, there is no legal minimum, but IP44 is still a sensible choice around a basin or mirror.
What does an IP rating mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The two numbers tell you how well a light keeps things out:
- First number - solids (dust and fingers), from 0 to 6.
- Second number - water, from 0 to 8.
The ratings you'll see most often:
- IP20: no protection against water. For dry rooms only - living rooms, bedrooms, hallways.
- IP44: protected against splashing water from any direction. The standard choice for bathrooms.
- IP65: dust-tight and protected against jets of water. Used for outdoor lights and for spots that may be hit directly by water, such as inside a shower enclosure.
- IP67: can be briefly submerged. Needed inside the bath or shower tray (zone 0).
The UK bathroom zones
Zone 0 - inside the bath or shower tray
The area that can actually hold water. Only lights rated at least IP67 and running on low voltage (12 V maximum) are allowed here.
Zone 1 - directly above the bath or shower
The space above the bath or shower tray, up to 2.25 m from the floor. Lights here need to be rated at least IP44 (often written IPX4).
Zone 2 - around the bath or shower
A band reaching 0.6 m out from the edge of the bath or shower, up to 2.25 m high. Lights here also need to be at least IP44.
Outside the zones
Anywhere further away. There is no minimum IP rating here, but steam and splashes still travel, so an IP44 light around a basin or vanity mirror is the safe, long-lasting choice.
One more rule applies to the whole room: every bathroom circuit must be protected by a 30 mA RCD. Your electrician will check this.
Which bathroom lights to choose
- Above the mirror: a vanity bar lights your face evenly without shadows. The LED Mirror Wall Light is IP44 rated and comes in lengths from 40 cm to 90 cm, in black, gold or silver.
- Several heads in a row: the Arlo LED Bathroom Wall Light (2, 3 or 4 lights) and the 3-Light Bathroom Wall Light are both IP44 with integrated LEDs.
- Beside a narrow mirror: the slim Orla 2-Light Bathroom Wall Light is IP44, just 12.7 cm wide, in matt black, brushed silver or brushed gold.
- Natural and calm: the Wabi Sabi Travertine & Wood Wall Light brings stone and wood into the bathroom, and is IP44 rated.
Do I need an electrician?
Yes. Bathroom wall and ceiling lights are hardwired, and in England and Wales electrical work in a bathroom often falls under Part P of the Building Regulations. A registered electrician can do the work and give you the certificate. The rules differ slightly in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and your electrician will know what applies.
Frequently asked questions
What IP rating do I need for a bathroom light?
At least IP44 in zones 1 and 2 (above and around the bath or shower). Inside the bath or shower tray (zone 0) you need IP67 and low voltage.
Is IP44 waterproof?
IP44 means splash-proof: protected against water splashing from any direction. It is not designed to be sprayed directly or submerged.
Can I put any light outside the bathroom zones?
Legally there is no minimum IP rating outside the zones, but bathrooms are steamy, so an IP44 light is the sensible choice anywhere in the room.
How high is zone 1 in a bathroom?
Zone 1 runs from the top of the bath or shower tray up to 2.25 m above the floor.
Unsure which light suits your bathroom layout? Email our UK team at contact@jfhabrightnest.com - we usually reply within a few hours. Every order comes with free UK delivery and 30-day returns.
This guide is general information. Always have bathroom lighting installed by a qualified electrician, who will confirm the right zones and products for your room.