Bathroom Lighting Explained

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 in different zones of the bathroom. For example a light with the rating IP44 can be placed in Zone 2 which includes around the basin and to the sides of the bath.