With the right lighting, you can create a pleasant atmosphere in any room – including the bathroom. Here, however, special requirements apply: because of steam, moisture and splashing water, not every light is suitable for use in the bathroom.
To light your bathroom safely and atmospherically, pay particular attention to the IP rating and the intended area of use when choosing a light.
What does the IP rating mean?
IP stands for "Ingress Protection" and describes a light's degree of protection. It indicates how well the housing is protected against the ingress of foreign objects, dust and water.
An IP rating consists of two digits:
- The first digit describes the protection against foreign objects and dust.
- The second digit indicates how well the light is protected against water and moisture.
As a general rule: the higher the IP rating, the better the light is protected against external influences.
Which IP rating do I need in the bathroom?
The risk of a light coming into contact with water isn't the same everywhere in the bathroom. That's why the room is divided into different protection areas, or zones. The closer a light is to the shower, bath or washbasin, the higher its protection against water should be.
Zone 0, IP67 – directly in the shower or bath
Zone 0 covers the immediate interior of the shower or bath. Lights in this area must be suitable for direct contact with water.
Here, you need lights with a rating of at least IP67 and a correspondingly low voltage.
Zone 1, IP65 – directly above the shower or bath
Zone 1 is directly above the shower or bath and extends to a height of 2.25 metres above the floor.
Lights with IP65 are intended for this area. They are protected against water jets and are therefore suitable for areas exposed to particularly high levels of moisture.
Zone 2, IP44 – around the shower and bath
Zone 2 extends over an area of 60 centimetres around the shower or bath.
Here, lights should have at least an IP44 rating. This means they are protected against splashing water and suitable for many typical positions in the bathroom.
Zone 3, IP21 – areas further away from water
Away from the immediate vicinity of the shower, bath and washbasin, exposure to water is much lower.
For these areas, the underlying classification specifies IP21 as a suitable rating. This means the light is protected against vertically falling drops of water. Please note that regulations vary from country to country.
Safe lighting meets good design
Choosing the right bathroom light is more than a purely functional decision. Different light sources can help you light individual areas precisely while creating a pleasant atmosphere.
Bright, even light around the mirror makes everyday routines easier, while additional wall or ceiling lights create a homely lighting mood.
