IP Rating Explained
First, make sure your pendant bathroom light has the correct IP rating. IP (Ingress Protection) ratings refer to the level of protection an electrical item offers against solids and liquids. Each number at the end of the IP code has a specific meaning. The first number indicates the degree of protection against a solid object, for example, dust or a hand. Meanwhile, the second number defines the protection level from various forms of moisture, such as drips, spray, and submersion.
When considering a pendant light in the bathroom, it is imperative your fixture adheres to the IP rating system. Please use the guide below to determine the meaning of your fixture's IP rating:
IP ratings
IP20 – Protects from fingers and solid objects greater than 12mm. No protection against liquids.
IP44 – Protected from tools, wires (greater than 1mm), and water spray from any direction.
IP54 – Protected from limited dust ingress and water spray from any direction.
IP65 – Protected from total dust ingress and water spray from any direction.
IP67 – Protected from total dust ingress and immersion between 15 centimetres and 1-meter depth.
Electrical Bathroom Zones
Next, you must take particular care when positioning and installing modern bathroom lighting. It's known that there is an increased risk of electric shock when using electrical goods in the bathroom due to the appliances being in close contact with water. For this reason, lighting fixtures should be installed in their designated electrical zone to eliminate any threat. Below is a guide to the three electrical zones and which IP rating will suffice for each.
Zone 0
Zone 0 refers to any area within the bathroom that can hold water, including the bath, sink, and shower. This means only electrical appliances with protection against total submersion will be compatible with zone 0. Although zone 0 does not apply when installing pendant lights in the bathroom, it is still important to note that IP67 is the only protection rating suitable.
Zone 1
Zone 1 is referred to as the 'splash zone' because it is the point at which the electrical appliance is likely to get splashed but not submerged in water. The minimum IP rating for any appliance in zone 1 is IP44 because it is directly above zone 0. The fixture must have protection against all solid objects and any splashing liquid to be suitable for use in the splash zone.
Zone2
Zone 2 is the area that is least likely to get wet. The appliance requires protection against mist and splashes, meaning IP44 or higher is the correct rating for this zone. Pendant lights are best suited to zone 2 as it is the furthest point from the water source and will most likely be located in the centre of the room.
Remember: you must ensure your search for bathroom pendant lights starts with choosing a fixture with an IP rating of IP44 or higher to guarantee safety and product longevity.
Alternative Bathroom Lighting
There are countless ways to modernise your bathroom with lighting, and due to a rise in fixtures with suitable IP ratings, the opportunities are endless.
Recessed lighting is a multi-functional lighting solution that will not only illuminate your bathroom in style but keep the focus on existing decor. The sleek and simple style ensures the fixtures don't attract attention, while the compact design means recessed lighting is the perfect alternative for homes with low ceilings. Although understated by design, recessed lighting can make a substantial impact on any bathroom aesthetic.
An increasingly modern bathroom lighting trend is mirror lights. They are exceptional for brightening your space when getting ready for the day or perfecting your skincare routine at night. By installing a light source on either side of the mirror, such as two decorative wall lights, you will create a shadow-free, flattering light for perfect illumination. With a number of styles on offer, mirror lights are ideal for adding a decorative feature to your bathroom.
If modern designs are more your style, illuminated bathroom mirrors are a fantastic choice. These fixtures combine light and mirror to make a more practical and convenient lighting solution. Sought-after features, such as Bluetooth connection, adjustable light, and colour control, make illuminated mirrors an innovative product that will create a contemporary element in your bathroom.
