DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Can someone explain to me (in plain english) what the difference is between a standard light fitting and one that is labelled suitable for a bathroom

Websearch for "IP rating". At least one of the answers will provide you with a table that does just that.

Cheers

Possibly due to the likely hood of being able to touch live parts, when the power is on,or when relamping

Hi tsb,
Due to the fact that bathrooms can become damp/wet due to the nature of the place.
Specified Zones are within the bathroom rangeing from Zone zero to Zone 3. These zones are identified to the risk factor of the potential that you may get an electric shock due to water. i.e Zone Zero is inside the bath, Zone 1 is 600mm from the bath and so on....
So when they say suitable for bathrooms that is what the manufacturer is stating, but be carefull just because it says suitable bathroom it may mean Zone 3 which should be stated on the box and that zone 3 is a measurement and don't asume you can put it anywhere in the bathroom.
I hope this info was what you was asking for and was easily understood.
Regards
KB

Provision for earth wires is required all electrical items in a bathroom have to be connected together. They must be able to stand being damp. Often they have covers that require tools to remove. And they comply with British Standards like BS 5042 for lamps, with protective shields BS 3535 if shaver socket included or BS 3676 if it uses a pull cord. Often they are SELV which means separated extra low voltage in which case less than 12 volt. Most items are type approved. And some types are not allowed I think edison screw is not allowed.

Hello, I'm sort of in the same boat as tsb, I just bought some spot lamps for the bathroom, for the ceiling. now on the diagram on the back of the box it says only suitable for zone 3, which I am happy with but it says ceilings are out of zone? but if I put one above the bath im entering into zone 2 because my ceiling is not 3m high, but is it ok to go above the bath because its the ceiling and out of zone?

I really hope that i have explained this ok, basically im confused!

Many thanks :)

Hi salslad,
If the lamps is a zone 3 and your ceiling above the bath is lower than 3 meters you are then in Zone 2 and can not put that lamp there, if the ceiling height above the bath is more than 2.25 meters you can put a Zone 2 lamp there instead.
Hope that has clarified your querry
KB

Thanks very much kbrownie, I wasn't sure because the instructions made it appear the lights where ok as the ceiling was out of zone,.

Thanks again,

(every day is a school day!)

Like brownie says the zone extends up ABOVE THE BATH 3 metres .
Before it becomes no zone

This is so you dont try to change the bulb whilst your in the bath or get the urge to clean the shade.

Unless you have a ladder in the bath also!