- When it comes to bathroom lighting, it’s not just about choosing something that looks good - it also needs to be safe and compliant.
- Because bathrooms are wet areas, there are specific rules around where lights can be installed and the level of water protection they require. These rules are outlined in the Australian standard AS/NZS 3000:2018, and they divide the bathroom into different zones.
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you choose the right lighting for your space.
What Are Bathroom Lighting Zones?
- Bathroom zones are defined areas based on how close a light fitting is to water sources like baths, showers, and basins.
- The closer the fitting is to water, the higher the level of protection (IP rating) required.
Zone 0 – Inside the Bath or Shower
- This is the area inside the bath or shower base, where water is constantly present.
Requirements:
- Must be rated IPX7 (protected against immersion in water)
- Must be low voltage (SELV) - max 12V AC or 30V DC
- The transformer must be installed outside this zone
In simple terms:
- Only fully waterproof, low-voltage fittings are suitable here.
Zone 1 – Above the Bath or Shower
This zone covers:
- The area directly above the bath or shower
- Up to 2.25 metres from the floor
Requirements:
- Minimum IPX4 rating (protected against splashing water)
- If water jets are present (e.g. high-pressure showers or spa jets), IPX5 is required
Common use:
Zone 2 – Around the Bath, Shower & Basin
This includes:
- The area extending 600mm horizontally from the edge of the bath or shower
- The area around basins within a 600mm radius
Requirements:
- Minimum IPX4 rating
- IPX5 required if water jets are present
Common uses:
- Vanity lights
- Wall lights near mirrors
Outside the Zones
- This is any area outside Zones 0, 1, and 2.
Requirements:
- No minimum IP rating required
- However, fittings should still be suitable for a bathroom environment
- Proper ventilation (such as an exhaust fan) is recommended to reduce moisture
Good to know: This is where you have the most flexibility - decorative lighting, pendants, and standard fittings can often be used.
What Does IP Rating Mean?
- IP stands for Ingress Protection, and it indicates how well a light fitting is protected against moisture and dust.
- For bathrooms, the key number to look at is the second digit, which refers to water resistance:
IPX4 = protected against splashes
IPX5 = protected against water jets
IPX7 = protected against temporary immersion
