Bathroom lighting is as much about safety as it is about style. While light defines atmosphere and brings out the beauty of materials, in a space with constant exposure to water and steam, it must also meet strict technical standards. IP ratings exist to make that balance clear and your space safe.
Understanding IP Ratings
Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are made up of two numbers – the first number refers to protection against solids such as dust, and the second digit refers to protection against liquids. Together, these numbers describe how well a fixture can perform in different conditions. For example, IP67 indicates complete dust protection and resilience against temporary immersion in water.
Bathroom Zones
Bathrooms are divided into zones that dictate the level of required IP rating.
- Zone 0: inside the bath or shower itself. Lights here must be low voltage and a minimum of IP67.
- Zone 1: directly above the bath or shower and up to 2.25m from the floor. A fixture here requires a minimum of IP44, although IP65 is often recommended by trade professionals.
- Zone 2: the area 0.6m around the bath or shower and to a height of 2.25m, as well as the area surrounding a basin within 60cm of any tap. IP44 is the standard requirement here.
Outside of these zones, no special rating is required, although IP20+ is advised for protection against steam and splashes. Bearing these principles in mind, lighting design becomes easier to navigate in your bathroom, spa or wet room.
The IP Rating of J. Adams & Co
Collections such as Flume, Orbit and Strata are available with IP44 certification, making them suitable for Zone 2. Fixtures like our Nova (IP20) are ideal for spaces beyond the core bathroom zones. Each design reaches these standards without compromising on the aesthetics and function, with the craft and material detail that define J Adams & Co.
Safety First
Lighting in a bathroom should always be installed by a qualified electrician, and our recommendation is to consult with one during the planning of a renovation or build. Ensure the correct IP rating is met for each zone and that residual current devices (RCDs) are used where required. By combining safe specification with crafted design, a bathroom becomes both resilient and refined.
