Bathroom Safety Guide: Electrical Zones & IP Ratings

Safety 5 min read

UK wiring regulations (BS 7671) define specific zones in bathrooms so that electrical equipment is only used where it's safe. This guide explains the zones in plain English and what IP ratings you need in each area.

Bathroom electrical zones (BS 7671). Zone 0: inside bath/shower. Zone 1: directly above to 2.25 m. Zone 2: 0.6 m around Zone 1.

Zone 0 - Inside the bath or shower

This is the area inside the bath or shower basin - where water sits or runs. Only extra-low-voltage (SELV) equipment is allowed here, and it must be rated IPX7 minimum (suitable for immersion). No 230 V sockets, switches, or standard lights are permitted in Zone 0.

Minimum IP rating: IPX7
Allowed: SELV only (e.g. 12 V waterproof LED strips, pumps designed for the zone)
Not allowed: 230 V sockets, switches, or fixed 230 V equipment

Zone 1 - Directly above the bath or shower

Zone 1 is the space directly above the bath or shower, up to 2.25 m (about 7 ft 4 in) from the floor. This is where steam and spray are most likely. Equipment here must be fixed (not portable) and protected against water. BS 7671 specifies IPX4 minimum; for shower areas many installers use IPX5 for better protection against jets.

Minimum IP rating: IPX4 (BS 7671); IPX5 often used above showers
Allowed: Shower units, IP-rated extractor fans, IP-rated lighting (fixed)
All circuits must have RCD protection

Zone 2 - Around the bath or shower

Zone 2 is the band that extends 0.6 m (about 2 ft) horizontally around Zone 1, again up to 2.25 m high. Splash and condensation are still a concern, so equipment needs to be splash-proof. Minimum rating here is IPX4. Standard sockets are not allowed in Zone 2; shaver sockets (see note below) are permitted if they meet the rating and siting rules.

Minimum IP rating: IPX4
Allowed: IP44-rated lighting, shaver sockets (suitably located), extractor fans
Not allowed: Ordinary 230 V sockets except approved shaver supply units

Outside zones

Anywhere beyond Zone 2 is �outside� the wet zones. Standard electrical equipment can be used here, with a minimum of IP20 (protection against touch). All bathroom circuits must still be RCD-protected.

Minimum IP rating: IP20
Standard lighting, switches, and sockets (with RCD) are acceptable

Note: Shaver sockets are permitted in Zone 2, provided they are located where direct spray from the shower is unlikely.

IP rating cheat sheet

When you see �IP44� or �IP67� on a product, the numbers refer to protection against solid objects and water. For bathrooms, the second digit (water) is what matters most:

IPX4 - Splash-proof. Good for general bathroom use (e.g. Zone 2, some Zone 1).
IPX5 - Protects against water jets. Ideal for power showers and above the shower (Zone 1).
IPX7 - Can be fully submerged. Required for anything inside the bath or shower (Zone 0).