Within our experienced guide to buying bathroom lighting, we investigate the traditional actions when buying bathroom lighting, analysing IP ratings, bathroom electrical zones and exploring different types of bathroom lighting
One unquestionably important thing for someone to know is that water and electricity never mix, which is why buying bathroom lighting can often become a struggle.
Naturally the bathroom is wrapped in strict safety regulations in regards to electricity, with that in mind an experienced and qualified electrician may need to be hired for installation, unless of course you have the ability to do it yourself safely.
However this hindrance shouldn't ever block you from choosing the perfect bathroom lighting for your home, in our convenient guide to buying bathroom lighting you will find plenty of practical knowledge in regards to IP Ratings, Electrical zones in the bathroom and we explore the many types of bathroom lighting.
IP Rating Analysis
Every light fitting that is sold has its own IP rating, IP represents "Ingress Protection" this demonstrates the water resistance of each fitting. The greater the rating the greater the protection, easy peasy right?
The IP Rating consists of two numbers. The first, indicates the degree of protection the fitting provides against external objects. The Second, indicates the fittings moisture resistance.
We need a specific IP Rating for bathroom lighting based on different electrical zones in the bathroom, we will come on to this a bit later on.
Examples of IP Rating
IP20
Bathroom Electrical zones Analysis
Depending on the scale of a bathroom and where the location of the items, a bathroom will be separated into different zones that are applicable for various electrical fittings.
The illustration below establishes distinct zones and clearances between different components in the bathroom.
Exploring the many types of Bathroom Lighting
Now that we are more aware of the safety measures surrounding bathroom lighting, lets dive right in to the many types of bathroom lighting.
Ceiling Lights
In the past bathroom ceiling lights were always regarded as extremely functional, yet they tend to have a lack of choices when it came to the design. Not anymore!!
Although we can still find effortless designs, like flush bathroom ceiling lights we now have much larger selection of bathroom lighting. We now have the ability to match lighting designs with our decor, like decorative bathroom chandeliers or new modern fixtures.
Spotlights and Downlights
The new and modern decision for bathroom lighting presents itself in the form of downlights, slotting into, or sitting flush to, the bathroom ceiling, whilst being extremely discreet these lighting fittings give a proportional radiance throughout the entire room.
Of course this will require extra work when fitting as opposed to any bathroom single light fitting, however the end result and the overall outcome is quite simply remarkable. Additionally, certain downlights come with a beam angle to allow you to point the light to certain parts of the room like a picture or the bath.
We can also find bathroom lighting specifically designed for the ceiling above the shower, creating a more enlightening experience, however these bathroom fittings frequently come with a larger IP Rating such as an IP65.
Wall Lights
If it is a mellow mood your after, wall lighting is the obvious choice. Many wall lights can work individually as they come with a pull cord to operate the on/off switch.
Mirror and Cabinet Lighting
Something that many people forget to consider is adding a feature to illuminate the bathroom cabinet with light. No matter the mood you choose, there is no doubt that this feature will have a massive impact and be very effective when bringing added radiance to the bathroom. There are four ways to achieve this:
- 1. Strip Light this light attaches to the underside of the bathroom cabinet
- 2. LED Light this light attaches to the underside of the bathroom cabinet
- 3. Flexible LED Lighting this light allows you to shape it around curves of your bathroom cabinet