Quick answer: UK bathrooms are divided into Zone 0 (inside the bath or shower tray), Zone 1 (above the bath/shower up to 2.25 m), Zone 2 (0.6 m beyond Zone 1) and the area outside the zones. Each zone sets a minimum IP rating and restricts what can be installed: only SELV 12 V IPX7 equipment in Zone 0, IPX4-rated fittings (such as electric showers and suitable extractor fans) in Zone 1, IPX4 fittings and shaver units in Zone 2, and standard accessories beyond. Under the 18th Edition, every bathroom circuit must have 30 mA RCD protection.
The zones at a glance
| Zone | Where it is | Minimum IP rating | What's typically allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | Inside the bath or shower tray | IPX7 | SELV (max 12 V) equipment only, e.g. sealed bath lights |
| Zone 1 | Above bath/shower to 2.25 m from floor | IPX4 (IPX5 where water jets are used for cleaning) | Electric showers, suitable extractor fans, IPX4 downlights, SELV equipment |
| Zone 2 | 0.6 m horizontally beyond Zone 1, to 2.25 m high | IPX4 | IPX4 luminaires, extractor fans, shaver supply units (BS EN 61558-2-5) |
| Outside zones | Beyond Zone 2 | No specific IP requirement (IP20+ typical) | Standard light fittings, isolator switches, sockets only if 3 m+ from Zone 1 boundary and RCD-protected |
Five rules installers follow
1. RCD everything. All bathroom circuits require 30 mA RCD protection under BS 7671 (18th Edition). 2. No standard sockets near water. 13A sockets must be at least 3 m from the Zone 1 boundary — in most UK bathrooms that means no sockets at all, which is why dual-voltage shaver sockets are the standard solution. 3. Pull-cords or outside switches. Light switches inside the zones should be pull-cord type; wall plates belong outside the door. 4. Fan isolation. Extractor fans need a means of isolation — a 3-pole fan isolator switch outside the bathroom. 5. Check the IP rating, not the marketing. 'Bathroom' on the box means nothing; the IP rating and zone diagram do. Our IP ratings comparison and bathroom & wet room buying guide go deeper.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a normal socket in a bathroom?
Only if it is at least 3 m horizontally from the boundary of Zone 1 and the circuit is RCD-protected — impractical in most UK bathrooms. Use a dual-voltage shaver socket (BS EN 61558-2-5) in Zone 2 or beyond instead.
What IP rating does a bathroom downlight need?
IPX4 minimum in Zones 1 and 2 (commonly sold as IP44); IP65 is a sensible default above showers. Outside the zones, standard fittings are acceptable.
Do hotel bathrooms follow the same zones?
Yes — BS 7671 zones apply to commercial and hospitality bathrooms too, and hotels typically standardise on IP65 downlights and Zone 2 shaver units across all rooms for consistency.
Who can do this work?
Bathroom electrical work is notifiable under Part P in England and Wales — use a registered, qualified electrician. This page is general guidance, not a substitute for the regulations or professional advice.
Shop compliant bathroom electrical
- Electric showers
- Fan isolator switches
- Downlights (check IP rating per zone)
- Bathroom & wet room electrical buying guide
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