All installations must comply to guidelines which are based on a zonal concept similar to that used for the installation of lighting around swimming pools.
Each zone rating (IP) is determined by the degree of risk of electric shock.
Zone 0
This is the area inside the bath or shower basin and is rated at IPx7.
Zone 1
Refers to the area above the bath or shower up to a height of 2.25 metres and carries a minimum rating of IPx4.
Zone 2
Covers an area 0.6 metres wide immediately next to, and all around zone 1, plus the area over 2.5 metres high directly over the bath or shower. Wash basins should also be treated as zone 2. The minimum rating here is IPx4.
Where water jets are likely to be used for cleaning purposes in zones 1 and 2, the rating is a minimum IPx5.
Zone 3
Has no special requirements, unless water jets are likely to be used for cleaning purposes.
Equipment installed outside zones 0,1,2 and 3 must be suitable for the conditions most likely to prevail at that particular point.
