What is IP Zoning?

To illustrate IP zoning regulations, we show a bathroom area divided up into areas or ‘ZONES’ which are classified using the numbers 0, 1 & 2. Luminaires are then assigned an ‘IP RATING’ which indicated how much protection they provide against ingress of water and other particles. Each zone has a minimum IP requirement that must be met if a fitting is to be installed in this area.

• ZONE 0 (IP67 RECOMMENDED) Inside the bath or shower. Any Fittings used here must be SELV (max 12V) and have a minimum rating of IPX7 (protected against immersion in water).
• ZONE 1 (IP65 RECOMMENDED) Above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m. A minimum rating of IPX4 is required. *(See note 1)
• ZONE 2 (IP44 RECOMMENDED) The area stretching to 0.6m outside the bath or shower and above the bath or shower if over 2.25. An IP rating of at least IPX4 is required. *(See note 1)
• OUTSIDE ZONES (IP NOT ESSENTIAL) Anywhere outside zones 0, 1 & 2. Where water jets are not to be used for cleaning purposes, the general rules of BS7671 apply. *(See note 1) NOTES In zones 1 & 2, if there are is a likelihood of water jets being used for cleaning purposes, a minimum of IPX5 is required In zones 1 & 2, SELV or 240V luminaires may be used (subject to IP rating) The above information is intended as a guide only. For detailed information refer to the I.E.E. Wiring Regulations or speak to your electrician.

NOTES

1. In zones 1 & 2, if there are is a likelihood of water jets being used for cleaning purposes, a minimum of IPX5 is required.

2. In zones 1 & 2, SELV or 240V luminaires may be used (subject to IP rating)

3. The above information is intended as a guide only. For detailed information refer to the I.E.E. Wiring Regulations or speak to your electrician.

“IP” (“Ingress Protection”) RATING

FIRST DIGIT

Protection against ingress of foreign bodies e.g. tools, dust, fingers, ect.

SECOND DIGIT

Protection against ingress of liquids i.e. IP44 is protected against solid objects greater than 1mm and water sprayed from all directions.

FOREIGN BODIES 

FIRST DIGIT

0. No protection

1. Protected against solid objects greater than 50mm (e.g. accidental touch by hands)

2. Protected against solid objects up to 12mm (e.g. fingers)

3. Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5mm (e.g. tools & wires)

4. Protected against solid objects greater than 1mm (e.g. small tools & wires)

5. Protected against dust, limited ingress (e.g. no harmful deposit)

6. Totally protected from dust

LIQUIDS

SECOND DIGIT

0. No protection

1. Protection against vertically falling drops of water (e.g. condensation)

2. Protection against direct sprays of water up to 15 degrees from vertical

3. Protection against direct sprays of water up to 60 degrees from vertical

4. Protection against water sprayed from all directions - limited ingress permitted

5. Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions - limited ingress permitted

6. Protected against high pressure jets of water (use on ship deck) - limited ingress permitted

7. Protected against the effects of immersion between 15cm and 1m

8. Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure

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