As everybody knows, water and electricity do not mix. The bathroom can be a very dangerous and potentially life threatening place when it comes to electrical fittings which is why we only supply tried and tested products that have what is called an ingress protection rating. This is very important and all fittings must have one, it verifies the level of protection that a particular light has and the area in the bathroom it can be placed. The higher the protection the close to water it can get. When designing a new bathroom remember the main light should be switched on a pull cord or a light switch situated outside the bathroom. It is best to avoid overly elaborate designs that are difficult to clean and you should try to avoid using anything containing wood, leather or fabric as they can degrade in the humid atmosphere.
What is an IP rating?
A ingress protection rating is split up into two numbers; the first determines the level of protection from solid objects, for example your hands or dust and ranges from 1, which is protection from solid objects greater than 50mm, all the way up to 6 which is completely dust tight. The second number determines its level of protection from moisture and also ranges from 1, which is protection against vertical falling drops of water and ranges up to 8, completely watertight against the effects of immersion under pressure for long periods.
Where can I place my light?
The area you can place you fitting is determined by the above mentioned IP rating. Different IP ratings are allowed to be placed is different zones of the bathroom. For example a light with the ingress protection IP44 can be placed in Zone 2 which includes around the basin and to the sides of the bath.
ZONE 0
Inside the bath or shower cubicle. Rated IPx7.
ZONE 1
The area directly above the bath or shower up to a height of 2.25 metres. Rated a minimum of IPx4.
ZONE 2
This is the area immediately next to ZONE 1. This is 0.6 metres wide, and covers the area directly next to ZONE 1, all around ZONE 1 and also the area above the 2.25 metres high directly above the bath or shower cubicle, zone 2 is also the area around the wash basin. Rated a minimum of IPx4.
Any area not shown below or classes as Zone 0, Zone 1 or Zone 2 is described as Zone 3, an outside zone that has no special requirements unless water jets are used for cleaning purposes.
Why is this important?
It is important to select the style of fitting to suit your furniture and particular style but safety is and must always be the most important factor when choosing a light for your bathroom. The guidelines for bathroom lights, above will help you decide which zone sector the requirements are for the positioning of light fittings in the bathroom.
The light in a bathroom needs to be as bright and as evenly spread as possible without any annoying glare to the eye. The most important area to concentrate on usually, is around the wash basin area for make - up application and shaving etc. It is important to remember that a central ceiling light will create shadows whilst facing into a mirror at the basin area. Tip - The use of mirror lights on or over the mirror will help prevent this.
If you are unsure of anything regarding IP Ratings, Zoning or which light to choose please consult a licensed electrician or send us an email at enquiries@washingtonlighting.co.uk and we may be able to help.
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