Understanding Bathroom Lighting and IP Ratings Infographic

Sometimes it can seem a bit daunting and confusing when you look at IP ratings on light bulbs. But actually once you've read just a little info about the subject, it becomes much more clearer.

We've designed this infographic to give you more insight into IP ratings and how they help you choose the right bulb or light for your bathroom.

Due to the presence of water vapour, bathroom lighting requires a particular certification to be deemed safe for use. This certification is called 'Ingress Protection' or IP rating for short. This gives a light fitting a rating based on two factors. 

A rating is shown as the letters 'IP' followed by two numbers, so for example in this case its IP rating is 'IP44'. The first number refers to the resistance of solids. The second number refers to the resistance of liquids. We will focus on the liquid rating as the most important for bathrooms.

We've already published several blogs which gives further information on bulb protection ratings, LED lights. Have a dig and see:

www.valuelights.co.uk/ip-ratings-for-shower-ceiling-lights-explained

www.valuelights.co.uk/what-are-ip44-lights

www.valuelights.co.uk/do-led-bulbs-save-money

www.valuelights.co.uk/how-to-plan-kitchen-lighting

Bathrooms are divided into zones dependant on their proximity to water sources. Each zone has a minimum  IP liquid rating.

Requirement Zone One: Extends 2.25m above the bathtub and requires a minimum IP liquid rating of 4

Requirement Zone Two: Extends 75cm above and 60cm either side of zone 1. Requires a minimum IP liquid rating of 4.

Any area that is outside zone 1 and 2 - no requirement but we always recommened IP44 as a minimum in bathrooms.

See bathroom lighting ideas in our shop by room category.