When it comes to setting the scene in your bathroom, bespoke lighting is an immediate room enhancer! Though choosing the correct fittings can be a complicated process, it doesn’t have to be. Firstly you need to consider practicality and safety alongside style and beauty, due to the wetter conditions we so often encounter in bathrooms, toilets and en-suites, taking time to assess your space is paramount.
The bathroom is split into specific zones (0-4) and each one is determined by their proximity to water, moisture and other foreign substances. With every zone there is a required IP rating, a term that stands for Ingress Protection Standards. This UK standard categorises electrical appliances and their ability to protect themselves in potentially harmful environments. All fittings must meet a minimum IP standard to ensure safe and efficient use.
In the context of lighting, IP ratings signify the level of protection that light fixtures fair against water, dust particles and moisture. The first digit represents their level of protection against solid particles and the second digit represents a rating against liquids, the higher the number the higher the form of protection.
IP20: The lowest rating, the IP20 is not protected against water infiltration, dust, moisture and shouldn’t be used within a bathroom setting.
IP44: Protected against splashes of water and other foreign bodies and can be used in Zone 2 and outer zones within the bathroom.
IP65: Can withstand moderate splashes and jets of water and can be used in Zone 1 and 2.
IP67: The highest rating, the IP67 is protected from elements and can be submerged within water for a short duration of time. This is safe to use in Zone 0.
In this featured diagram we highlight different zones within the bathroom and their required ratings:
Zone 0: Inside the shower or bath itself and requires IP67 rated fitting.
Zone 1: This is the space directly above a bath or shower, with a height of 2.25m. The minimum rating required for this area is IP44.
Zone 2: This zone is 0.6 metres from the bath and to a height of 2.25m. The minimum rating required for this area is IP44.
Zone 3: Any areas found outside Zones 0,1 and 2 and with a height of 2.25m are not required to have an IP rating, however we advise there should be a level of minor protection from the elements due to wear and tear.
Though we’re experienced in lighting design, our knowledge on IP ratings is limited – if you have more complex queries on the topic, please consult an electrician.
Modern, art-deco, contemporary, classic, plus many more lighting styles, our IP-rated bathroom fixtures combine a blend of durable, weatherproof materials and intricate craftsmanship. Elevate your bathroom interiors with a pair of ornate wall lights, or hang our bespoke IP-rated pendant lights either side of your vanity mirror.
Opt for statement lighting and design a custom chandelier or pendant cluster to dazzle you from over your bathtub, or go that extra mile and create a luxurious bathroom lighting scheme! Relaxation and a calm state of mind is key inside the bathroom setting, so let your lighting reflect that.
Due to our ability to create products in-house, we have one of the largest collections of IP44-rated bathroom lighting fixtures available. Our selection is comprehensive with plenty to choose from but if for any reason our range doesn’t strike a chord with you, we have an alternative approach. Through our bespoke service, you simply choose any light from our shop and we recreate the product with an IP44-rating, ensuring your fitting is safe to use inside your bathroom.
For any bespoke IP-rated lighting enquiries, please get in touch with our design team via email or telephone.
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