Bathroom lighting: zones 0, 1 and 2, mirror lighting and choosing downlights

Written by Engin Demirel · Electrical technician, master instructor · 12 years of experience

Short answer: Bathrooms are divided into zones by distance from water (IEC 60364-7-701). Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower tray: IPX7 and 12 V (SELV) fittings only. Zone 1 is above the bath or shower up to 2.25 m: at least IPX4 (IPX5 where water jets reach). Zone 2 extends 60 cm beyond zone 1: at least IPX4. Outside the zones there are no special requirements, but IP44 fittings throughout are the safest choice. Bathroom circuits must be protected by a 30 mA RCD. Local rules may differ slightly.

Bathroom zones

Zone 0: inside the bath or shower tray. Only IPX7 fittings designed for it, at no more than 12 V AC / 30 V DC (SELV), with the transformer outside the zones.
Zone 1: above the bath or shower tray up to 2.25 m from the floor (for walk-in showers, a 1.2 m radius from the shower head). At least IPX4; IPX5 where shower jets may reach.
Zone 2: 60 cm horizontally beyond zone 1 and around the basin, up to 2.25 m high. At least IPX4.
Outside the zones: the rest of the room. No special rules; IP44 is recommended against steam.

The first digit of the IP code is dust protection, the second water protection. X means not tested for that; IP44 and IP65 fittings meet the IPX4 requirement.

Ceiling lighting

Above the shower: IP65 recessed downlights or surface fittings. Placing them slightly in front of the shower head, not directly above it, reduces glare in steam.
General light: 3–4 downlights or a single IP44 ceiling light in a small bathroom; about 200 lux.
Do not line downlights directly above the basin: they cast hard shadows on the face in the mirror.

Mirror lighting

The mirror is the most important light for shaving and make-up. Light the face evenly from the front and sides:

Vertical linear fittings either side of the mirror at eye level, or a linear fitting above the mirror slightly wider than it.
A backlit LED mirror gives ambient light but does not light the face on its own.
Colour: 3000–4000 K, CRI 90 or higher so skin tones look natural.

Ambient and night light

Concealed LED strip in niches, shelves or around the bath (IP-rated for its zone, 12–24 V, driver outside the zones) creates a warm atmosphere. A low, motion-activated night light avoids dazzling at night.

Safety

All bathroom circuits must be protected by a 30 mA RCD.
Switches and sockets must be outside zones 0, 1 and 2, except special products such as shaver sockets.
Drivers for LED strip and 12 V fittings belong in a dry, accessible place.
Zone rules vary slightly by country; installation must be done by a qualified electrician.

In Bursa, ENGN supplies and installs suitable fittings for bathrooms and wet rooms.

Frequently asked questions

What IP rating do bathroom lights need?

IPX7 (12 V) in zone 0, at least IPX4 in zones 1 and 2, and IPX5 where shower jets reach. IP44 throughout is the safest choice.

Can I fit a downlight above the shower?

Yes, a downlight rated for zone 1 — at least IPX4, preferably IP65. Placing it slightly in front of the shower head reduces glare in steam.

What is bathroom zone 1?

The area above the bath or shower tray up to 2.25 m from the floor; fittings there need at least IPX4.

How should a bathroom mirror be lit?

With linear fittings either side at eye level or above the mirror, lighting the face evenly from the front; 3000–4000 K and CRI 90 are recommended.

Can I use LED strip in a bathroom?

Yes, with an IP rating suited to its zone (e.g. IP65/IP67), at 12–24 V, and with the driver outside the zones.

Does a bathroom need an RCD?

Yes, bathroom circuits must be protected by a 30 mA RCD.