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Bathroom IP rating guide
Choosing the right IP rating in the bathroom is essential for safety and reliability. Bathrooms are divided into zones, and each zone requires a different level of protection against water. On this page, you’ll learn what IP means, how the two-digit code works, which IP you need per bathroom zone, and how to select suitable fixtures for each location.
What does IP mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection (also known as International Protection). An IP code contains two digits—for example, IP54:
First digit (0–6): resistance to solid particles (e.g., dust).
Second digit (0–8): resistance to moisture and water.
For bathroom lighting we primarily look at the second digit (water protection).
Pick the right IP rating in the bathroom
- Submersion risk (e.g., in a bath): choose at least IPX7.
- Spray or splashing water (e.g., shower wall): choose at least IPX4.
- No direct water contact, but condensation present: IPX1 is sufficient.
As a broader rule of thumb: where water does not hit the lamp directly, IP44 or higher is suitable; where direct contact with water may occur, choose IP65 or higher; for temporary immersion, choose IP67 or higher.
Common IP codes & what the water digit means
| Typical luminaire IP | Water protection (second digit) |
|---|---|
| IP20 | IPX0: Not protected against water. |
| IP21 / IP41 | IPX1: Protected against vertically dripping water. |
| IP22 | IPX2: Dripping water protected, even when tilted 15°. |
| IP23 | IPX3: Protected against spraying water (angles up to 60°). |
| IP44 / IP54 | IPX4: Protected against splashing water from any direction. |
| IP65 | IPX5: Protected against water jets from any direction. |
| IP66 | IPX6: Protected against powerful water jets. |
| IP67 | IPX7: Protected against temporary immersion. |
| IP68 | IPX8: Protected for continuous immersion; suitable for underwater use. |
Bathroom zones & required IP ratings
Bathrooms are divided into zones, each with different requirements:
Zone 0 – Under water
- Location: inside the bath or shower tray (underwater).
- Voltage: max 12 V SELV.
- Minimum IP: last digit ≥ 7 (e.g., IP67).
Zone 1 – Frequent water contact
- Location: shower or bath wall/area subject to direct spray.
- If using 12 V or higher, choose IP with last digit ≥ 4 (e.g., IP44 or IP54). Higher protection like IP65 or IP67 is always allowed.
Zone 2 – Splashing water
- Location: the areas adjacent to bath/shower or around the washbasin that can be exposed to splashes.
- Minimum IP: last digit ≥ 4 (e.g., IP44).
Zone 3 – No direct water contact
- Location: general room lighting with no direct water exposure (e.g., ceiling fixtures away from the shower).
- Recommended IP: last digit ≥ 1 (e.g., IP21).
Good, sufficient bathroom lighting
Bathroom lighting shapes the look and comfort of your space—especially around the mirror, where clear, even light is crucial for grooming. Combine general lighting with task lighting near the mirror for the best results.
Types of bathroom lights
- Ceiling lights for general illumination.
- Wall lights near or around the mirror.
- (Recessed) spots for focused or accent lighting.
Safe & moisture-resistant fixtures
Safety is key in bathrooms. Our bathroom fixtures are selected for appropriate IP ratings—high enough to withstand water where they’re installed. Always match the IP rating to the specific zone: for example, the IP for built-in lighting inside a bath must be higher than for a wall light mounted well away from water sources.