Bathroom Lighting
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Pages:
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Bathroom Lights - Bathroom Light Zones
Well placed bathroom lighting can make a huge difference. A good Bathroom lighting scheme can make the difference between it being just a place to wash and brush up and somewhere to relax and feel comfortable. A central bathroom light fitting or multiple downlights, together with a bathroom wall or mirror light can make your bathroom really stand out.
Lighting in the bathroom is important and must be safe. Regulations have been introduced for your protection.Each zone is rated according to the risk of electric shock.
This zone criteria determines the IP (Ingress protection) rating of each bathroom light and where it may be used.
All bathroom lighting installations must comply with the regulations, which are based on the zone areas above.
Each zone has a specific IP rating and is rated by the degree of risk of electric shock as follows:
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Zone 0 Inside the bath or shower cubicle. Must be 12v (Max) and rated IPx7 or above.
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Zone 1 The area directly above the bath or shower up to a height of 2.25m. Must be rated IPx4 or above
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Zone 2 This is a 0.6m wide area and covers the area directly next to and all around zone 1 including around a wash basin, and includes the area 2.25m directly above the bath or shower cubicle. Must be rated Ipx4 or above.
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Where water jets are likely to be used in zones 1 and 2 the light must be rated Ipx5 or above. For example where water jets are likely to be used for cleaning.
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Zone 3 This area has no special requirements except where water jets may be used for cleaning purposes.
When choosing bathroom light fixtures, safety is the most important factor. The guidelines for bathroom lights, above will help you in deciding your bathroom lighting requirements and the minimum IP rating for the light fitting.
Bathroom lighting needs to be as bright and evenly spread as possible without causing any unnecessary glare. Usually, the most important area to concentrate on is the area immediately around the washbasin or in front of a mirror. This area is most likely to be used for applying make up and shaving.
It is important to remember that a central bathroom ceiling light will create shadows when you face into a mirror at the basin area. The use of a bathroom mirror light, a bathroom wall light or an bathroom mirror with a built in light will help combat this.
If you require any further help or advice on any aspect of home lighting, please contact us for friendly, honest and down to earth advice.
© 2010: Sye Yehya. Universal Lighting Services Ltd: Tel 0151-650-2138
