International protection or Ingress protection ratings, often shortened to IP ratings, are indicators of water and debris resistance of a light. The first number in the IP rating determines how dust tight a fixture is and the second number indicates the protection level against water.
IP ratings are always important but are especially so in bathrooms. As one might guess, this is due to the moisture in the room. Bathroom light fixtures should come with a minimum IP44 rating. When you can, opting for an IP65 or IP67 rating is even better. It is important to take the IP rating and areas in the bathroom into account when choosing your bathroom lighting.
Liquid Ingress Ratings:
Level 1Â – offers protection against dripping water
Level 2Â – offers protection against dripping water when it is tilted at 15 degrees
Level 3Â – offers protection against water that is sprayed
Level 4Â – offers protection against water that is splashed
Level 5Â – offers protection against jet water
Level 6Â – offers protection against forceful jet water
Level 7Â – offers protection against immersed lights as deep as one meter
Level 8Â – offers protection against immersed lights deeper than one meter
Bathroom Lighting Zones
Zone 0 – This area is located inside the shower or bath and requires a rating of IP67.
Zone 1 – This zone is directly above the shower or bath at a height of 2.25 meters from the floor and requires a rating of IP45.
Zone 2 – This area covers a 0.6-meter perimeter around the shower and bath and needs a rating of IP64
Zone 3 – This zone consists of any area outside of the aforementioned zones. It doesn’t require a special IP rating, but a minimum of IP44 is highly recommended.