Bathroom Lighting Zones in Australia

To make sure you always choose the correct lighting for your bathroom, we have created an easy step by step guide. This is based on the AS/NZS 3000 Lighting Standard.

bathroom lighting zones

Zone 0

Includes:

  • Baths: inside the bath.
  • Showers: shower walls, shower floor and inside the shower cubicle.
  • Showers over baths: shower walls, shower floor, inside the bath and below the shower head.

Minimum requirement: 

  • Lights: with IP rating IPX7 or above, not exceeding 12V, designed specifically for use in a bath, shower or water container, and electrical supply from outside zone 0
  • Sockets: not allowed

Zone 1

Includes:

  • Baths: the vertical area from the rim of the bath, up to 2.5m above the floor.
  • Showers: from the top of the shower cubicle, up to 2.5m above the floor.
  • Showers over baths: 1.2m radius out from the shower head, up to 2.5m above the floor.

Minimum requirement: 

  • Residential: lights with IP rating IPx4 or above 
  • Communal: lights with IP rating IPx5 or above
  • No sockets

Zone 2

Includes:

  • Baths: 0.6m outside the bath, up to 2.25m above the floor.
  • Showers: 0.6m outside the shower, up to 2.25m above the floor.
  • Showers over baths: 0.6m outside the zone 1 radius, up to 2.25m above the floor.
  • Sinks: 0.6m radius around the sink.

Minimum requirement: 

  • Residential: lights with IP rating IPx4 or above
  • Communal: lights with IPx5 rating or above
  • Sockets: shall be either automatic switching per AS/NZS 3194 or protected by an RCD with a fixed rated residual current not exceeding 30 mA and enclosed in a cupboard 

Zone 3 / Outside Zone

Includes:

  • All areas outside zones 0, 1 and 2

Minimum requirement:

  • Residential: no minimum requirement
  • Communal: lights with IPx5 rated rating or above
  • Sockets: protected by an RCD with a fixed rated residual current not exceeding 30 mA, or supplied individually as a separated circuit, or supplied as an SELV or a PELV system

Who defines the requirements for bathroom lighting zones in Australia?

In Australia, bathroom lighting requirements are governed by the Electrical Wiring Regulations (AS/NZS 3000:2018) and the Building Code of Australia (BCA). 

What is the FORMAL definition of zone 0?

Zone 0 shall be the area of the interior of a bath or a shower base. 

NOTE: A shower base may be defined by either a raised hob or a depression in the floor.

What is the FORMAL definition of zone 1?

Zone 1 for a bath shall be the area limited by the following: 

(i) Zone 0. 

(ii) The vertical projection of the internal rim of the bath above Zone 0. 

(iii) When the bath contains a shower, by the vertical plane 1.2 m radius from the shower fixed plumbing connection. 

(iv) In Australia, by the floor and a horizontal plane 2.5 m above the floor. 

(v) In New Zealand, by the floor and a horizontal plane 2.25 m above the floor. 

(vi) The height of the fixed plumbing connection, if higher than the horizontal plane specified in Item (iv) or (v). 

NOTE: A barrier of a height at which the shower connection is made to the fixed plumbing, or 1.8 m, whichever is the greater, may be used to reduce the 1.2 m dimension in Item (b)(iii).

Zone 1 for a shower shall be the area limited by the following: 

(i) Zone 0. 

(ii) For a fixed plumbing connection on the wall, by the vertical plane 1.2 m radius from the fixed plumbing connection. A barrier of a height at which the shower connection is made to the fixed plumbing, or 1.8 m, whichever is the greater, may be used to reduce the 1.2 m dimension. 

(iii) For a fixed plumbing connection on the ceiling, by the vertical plane horizontally distant from the fixed plumbing connection, and as follows: 

(A) In Australia, a radius of 0.6 m. Exception: A barrier with a minimum height of 1.8 m may be used to reduce the 0.6 m dimension. 

(B) In New Zealand, a radius of 1.2 m. Exception: A barrier with a minimum height of 1.8 m may be used to reduce the 1.2 m dimension. 

(iv) In Australia, by the floor and a horizontal plane 2.5 m above the floor. 

(v) In New Zealand, by the floor and a horizontal plane 2.25 m above the floor. 

(vi) The height of the fixed plumbing connection, if higher than the horizontal plane specified in Item (iv) or (v). 

NOTE: Examples of barriers include a hinged or sliding door, or a shower curtain.

What is the FORMAL definition of zone 2?

Zone 2 shall be the area limited by— 

(i) the vertical plane limiting Zone 1 and the parallel vertical plane 0.6 m external to Zone 1; and 

(ii) the floor and the horizontal plane 2.25 m above the floor.

What is the FORMAL definition of zone 3?

Zone 3 shall be the area limited by the following: 

(i) The vertical plane limiting Zone 2 and the parallel vertical plane 2.4 m external to Zone 2. 

(ii) In Australia, by the floor and a horizontal plane 2.5 m above the floor. 

(iii) In New Zealand, by the floor and a horizontal plane 2.25 m above the floor. 

(iv) In Australia, Zone 3 shall include the area above Zone 2 up to 2.5 m above the floor.

What are common mistakes in installing Australian bathroom lights?

Improper installation of bathroom lights in Australia can lead to safety hazards such as electric shocks or fires. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when installing Australian bathroom lights:

  1. Using Incorrect IP Ratings: As mentioned earlier, Australian regulations require specific IP ratings for different bathroom zones. One of the most common mistakes is using light fixtures with incorrect IP ratings in the wrong zones. This can cause the fixtures to malfunction, potentially leading to electric shock or fire.
  2. Incorrect Placement of Fixtures: Installing light fixtures too close to water sources such as showers or baths can also be dangerous. Always ensure that light fixtures are placed at a safe distance from these areas to avoid water damage or electric shock.
  3. Not Using a Licensed Electrician: DIY installation of bathroom lights is not recommended as it can be dangerous and may not comply with Australian regulations. Always use a licensed electrician to install your bathroom lights to ensure that they are installed safely and correctly.
  4. Not Using a Residual Current Device (RCD): An RCD is a safety device that cuts off the power supply if it detects a fault or leakage current. It is mandatory to use an RCD when installing bathroom lights in Australia to prevent electric shocks.
  5. Choosing the Wrong Type of Bulbs: Not all light bulbs are suitable for bathroom use. For example, standard incandescent bulbs may not be suitable for use in bathrooms as they produce excess heat and can explode if exposed to water. Always choose light bulbs that are specifically designed for bathroom use.
  6. Poor Ventilation: Poor ventilation can cause moisture to accumulate, leading to mold and mildew growth, which can damage your lighting fixtures. Always ensure that your bathroom has proper ventilation to avoid such issues.

Overall, it's important to ensure that your bathroom lights are installed safely and correctly. Always consult with a licensed electrician or a lighting specialist to avoid these common mistakes and ensure that your bathroom lighting complies with Australian regulations.

Please note: this is a guide only and not definitive. Always consult a licensed electrician when making decisions around lighting installation.

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