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Guide to IP Ratings & GUIDANCE ON BATHROOM LIGhTING SPECIFICATION

IP = Ingress Protection. The IP rating classifies the degree of protection from dust and moisture and is recognized in most European countries.

An example of IP rating is IP54 where the first digit (5) relates to the ingress of dust and the second digit (4) relates to the ingress of moisture.

 FIRST DIGIT IP?X

IP -

Degree of protection against dustI

0

No protection

1

Protected against solid objects greater than 50mm diameter, eg hand

2

Protected against solid objects greater than 12mm diameter, eg fingers

3

Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5mm diameter, eg tools and thick wires

4

Protected against solid objects greater than 1mm diameter, eg thin wire

5

Protected against limited ingress of dust, eg no interference in operation of unit

6

Protected against any ingress of dust

 SECOND DIGIT IPX?

IP-X

Degree of protection against moisture

0

No protection

1

Protected against vertically dripping water

2

Protected against vertically dripping water and up to 15 degrees from vertical

3

Protected against spraying water up to 60 degrees from vertical

4

Protected against splashing water from any direction

5

Protected against jets of water from any direction

6

Protected from powerful jets of water with limited ingress with no harmful effect

7

Protected against total immersion in water for limited periods

8

Protected against total immersion in water under pressure for an indefinite period.

 

SPECIFICATION OF BATHROOM FITTINGS

 

ZONE

LOCATION (See Below)

RESTRICTIONS (See Above for IP ratings)

0

The interior of the bath tub or shower basin

Only SELV not exceeding 12v AC nominal voltage. Transformers must be sited outside Zones 0,1,2. IP rating must be at IPX7

1

Area immediately above bath or shower tray

IP rating of at least IPX4.
Where water jets are likely to be used for cleaning purposes in communal baths & showers at least IPX5 is required

2

Within 0.6m of the outside edge of the bath or shower

IP rating of at least IPX4.
Where water jets are likely to be used for cleaning purposes in communal baths & showers at least IPX5 is required

3

Anywhere outside Zones 0,1,2

No specific IP rating unless where water jets are likely to be used for cleaning purposes in communal baths & showers at least IPX5 is required