Ingress protection (IP) certifies the degree or protection provided by the casing and electrical connections of a product against foreign bodies such as, dust, water, moisture etc. For bathroom areas this is rating is very important as if the rating is not correct based on the zone this may cause malfunction of the product and increase the risk of electric shock for users.
IP codes have the format IPxx, where the x represents numerals from the image below. The first number refers to the objects protection against foreign bodies such as dust and tools. The second number is the ability to keep out water, general humidity.
Bathrooms can be divided into zones based on the distance from various water sources in the bathroom.
Zone 0
Any area submerged in water. Requires electrical products to low voltage (max. 12 volts) and be IPX7 (the mechanical protection is unimportant).
Zone 1
A shower area, whether an enclosed shower or a bathtub. Requires electrical products to be IPX4 or better, or SELV with the transformer located beyond zone 2.
Zone 2
An area 60cm radius surrounds any instance of zone 1. Requires electrical products to be IPX4 or better, or SELV with the transformer located beyond zone 2.
Beyond Zone 2
When the size of bathroom extends beyond zone 2, portable equipment is allowed, however they should be positioned such that that their flex length does not enable them to be used in zone 2.
