Bathroom Lighting Information
Of all the rooms in the house, the bathroom needs the most flexible lighting scheme. It should be bright enough to enable you to put on make-up or shave, but you don't want to take a relaxing bath under a 100 watt bulb. It must also be safe.
European safety regulations are rightly rigorous, stating that bathroom fittings must be completely encased to avoid shorting and electric shocks, and double insulated with the bulb and all metal parts covered. Don't ever be tempted to use a conventional light fitting that's not intended for bathroom use. Light switches must be either outside the bathroom or fitted with a pull cord.
Bathroom lighting needs to be bright and fresh giving good visibility through a variety of techniques. Ideally the scheme should be flexible ensuring a bright and invigorating light by morning to a softer more subdued ambience for evening. This can be achieved by installing a bathroom dimmer switch ensuring adaptability to changing needs.
Great care needs to be taken when choosing bathroom lighting as the regulations are strict concerning the type of light you can use.
For the purposes of installing electrical equipment, a bathroom is divided into zones. The criteria for each zone are based on the risk of electric shock. The zones relate to the IP rating of products and where they can be safely installed.
Zone 0 - the interior of the bath or shower that can hold water. Requires electrical products to be low voltage (max 12V) and rated IPX7.
Zone 1 - the area directly above zone 0, limited to a height of 2.25m above the bath or shower. Requires electrical products to have an IPX4 or better. Products should use safety extra low voltage (SELV) with the transformer located in zone 3 or beyond.
Zone 2 - the area beyond zones 0 and 1, stretching 0.6m horizontally and up to 2.25m vertically. Also includes the recessed area of a window with a sill next to the bath. Requires electrical products to have an IPX4 or better. SELV with the transformer located in zone 3 or beyond.
Zone 3 - the area beyond zone 2, stretching 2.4m horizontally and up to 2.25m vertically. There is not a specified IP number for this zone, although some products are marked as not for bathroom use. SELV or shaver units are permitted; all other portable electrical equipment is not.
In addition to the above, if there is a likelihood of water jets being used for cleaning purpose in zones 1,2 and 3 a fitting rated a minimum IP65 must be used. Full details can be found in the latest copy of the IEE wiring regulations.
For perfect bathroom lighting a few tips...
- To maximise natural daylight, take down blinds, fussy curtains and unnecessary window dressing. If you're worried about being overlooked, a cheap solution is to frost your window - either pay a glazier or use a frosting-effect spray from DIY stores.
- If you have only a harsh central light operated by a pull cord, one of the easiest ways to create instant ambience is to ask an electrician to fit a dimmer switch just outside the bathroom door instead.
- Replace existing fittings with frosted ones - you'll immediately get a lovely diffused light.
- Stud the ceiling with several low-voltage spotlights or downlighters, which wash the walls with light. Down lighters cast pools of light onto the surface below and are great for water and glass. Get your builder to put in a false ceiling to hide the wiring.
- Fit down lighters with a dimmer. You don't want to be blinded by the light when you go to the loo in the night.
- To light your mirror, install a row of light bulbs, dressing-room style, around it. They give a good, even light from all sides. If that look's not your style, fit diffused wall lights on each side. Either way, avoid a single strip above the mirror or you'll end up with shadows below your nose and above your mouth. If the light's too soft, it will flatter your skin but you won't be able to see well enough to get your make-up right. If it's too bright, it will give you a ghostly pallor.
- Put all the lights on different switches so you can alter the mood - for shaving you could use the lights round the mirror and a wall light but, when you're in the bath, just the wall light dimmed right down and a few candles.
- If you have a period bathroom you can fit shades to wall-mounted fittings, but they must be approved for bathroom use.
- Make sure you can see when you're in the shower with the cubicle door shut - try fitting a pressure-mounted waterproof light inside the door.
- Lights specifically designed for underwater use, such as fibre optics, can look fantastic.
