Safety Advice

Guidance for use of LED Mirrors in bathrooms, shower rooms, en-suites and wet rooms.

The wiring practice in Britain has now been brought more in line with regulations in Europe than was previously the case. There are now guidelines on safe distances between appliances and the bath or shower itself. In order to simplify these new regulations, a system of zoning has been introduced. (see drawing below)

The bathroom is divided into zones

Zone ‘1’ is above the bath or shower tray/base to a height of 2.25 metres. A minimum of IPX4 is required here.

Zone ‘2’ is above the bath or shower tray/wet room tiles to a height of 2.25 metres with radius of 0.6 metres from the water outlet – This zone requires equipment to carry a minimum IP rating of IPX4 or IPX5 if water jets are likely to be used for cleaning (i.e.: if you use a shower head and hose to clean your bath/shower/tiles) Basins can also be classed as a zone 2 area.

Zone ‘3’ is anywhere outside zones 0, 1 & 2 which require no specific IP rating but, as before, a minimum of IPX5 is required should water jets or shower heads/hoses be used for cleaning.

There are slightly different rules for shower rooms which have a sealed floor and no shower basin. Please refer to British Standard BS 7671 for details.

Currently the IEE Wiring Regulations are BS 7671:2001 incorporating amendments 1 & 2.

This advice is intended as guidance only and is not a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a competent person.