What IP protection in the bathroom?

Choosing the right lighting for your bathroom is crucial for safety and longevity. Humidity and water splashes place special demands on electrical systems. DIN VDE 0100-701 defines specific protection areas with corresponding IP protection classes.

🛁 Protected areas in the bathroom

The bathroom is divided into different zones that require different types of protection:

• Protection zone 0 : Interior of a shower or bathtub. Only luminaires with protective extra-low voltage (max. 12V AC or 30V DC) and at least IP67 are permitted here, as they must be protected against temporary submersion.

• Protection area 1 : Area above the bathtub or shower up to a height of 2.25 m. Luminaires must have a minimum IP65 rating and may only be operated with protective extra-low voltage.

• Protection zone 2 : 60 cm around the shower or bathtub up to a height of 2.25 m. Here, luminaires with at least IP44 are required to be protected against splash water.

📏 Areas without special IP requirements

Outside the mentioned protection areas, i.e. above 2.25 m height or further than 60 cm from the shower or bathtub, there are no specific IP specifications.

⚠️ Safety instructions

• Sockets and switches may not be installed in protection zones 0, 1, and 2. Exceptions apply only to permanently installed devices with the appropriate protection class.

• Transformers for low-voltage luminaires must be placed outside protection zones 0 and 1.

• Residual current circuit breakers with a maximum tripping current of 30 mA are required for all circuits in the bathroom to provide additional protection.

✅ Conclusion

Choosing the right IP protection rating in the bathroom is essential for the safety and functionality of the lighting. While high protection ratings such as IP67 or IP65 are required in the immediate wet areas, IP20 is often sufficient in drier zones outside of the protected areas. Careful planning, taking the protected areas into account, ensures a safe and pleasant bathing experience.

Here you can find our bathroom lights

Note: The installation of electrical systems in the bathroom should always be carried out by a qualified specialist to ensure compliance with all safety regulations.