IP Ratings of Equipment in Bathrooms
The IP rating of electrical equipment in a bathrooms depends on where exactly the equipment is to be installed within the bathroom.
Rooms containing a bath or shower are classed as special locations, this is due to the the increased risk.
Where a room contains a bath or shower there are certain restrictions to the type and location of electrical equipment which can be installed in accordance with BS 7671 in order to minimize the risk of the dangers associated with water and electricity.
A bathroom contains zones, these zones are commonly known as bathroom zones.
IP ratings of electrical equipment and accessories within bathrooms is also relevant to shower rooms, wet-rooms and any other room containing a bath or shower.
The chart below is printed from the Electrical Tools & Reference App and shows what is, and what is not permitted within certain zones of a bathroom.
As you may see from the table, along with the minimum IP rating requirements other safety requirements may also apply, such as 30mA RCD protection, or socket outlets can only be installed at a distance of at least 3 meters away from zone 2 or shaver sockets must be to BS EN 61558-2-5.
IP Ratings IPXX – IP68
The most common IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are displayed as IPXX up to IP68.
1st number is to denote the level of protection against the ingress of solid objects or dust, the 2nd number is to denote the level of protection against the ingress of water.
For additional information see IP Ratings Codes Explained
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