IP Ratings Explained

IP (ingress protection) rating is used within the lighting industry as a measure of waterproofing to identify products suitable for certain applications, such as bathroom, and exterior lighting. IP ratings consist of two digits, the first pertaining to protection against solid foreign objects (e.g. dust) and the second to protection against water.

• Zone 0 : inside the bath or shower, fixtures must be maximum 12V and have a minimum rating of IPX7 (protected against immersion in water).
• Zone 1 : Above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m. A minimum rating of IPX4 is required
• Zone 2 : The area extending to 0.6m outside the bath or shower and above the bath or shower if over 2.25m. An IP rating of at least IPX4 is required.
• Zone 3 : Anywhere outside zones 0,1 & 2. Where water jets are not to be used for cleaning purposes, the general rules of BS7671 apply - No IP Rating necessary.

Please refer to the adjacent diagram for IP rating zones and their explanations above.

Visit our Bathroom Lighting section for a selection of our IP rated fixtures.

We have a vast range of energy saving light bulbs, please visit our shop for further information.

posted: 16 January 2010 - in Help Documents