Next to the Kitchen, the Bathroom can be one of the most important rooms in the house, when it comes to buying and selling a property. For what is normally one of the smaller rooms in the house and less frequently used, it can be one of the most expensive when it comes to redecorating. I would therefore suggest some careful planning before the builders arrive!!

With "New Builds" and  major building work, where an electrical installation certificate is required, regulations about what products can be put where are very restrictive, so check out our guide below and where necessary make reference to current IEE Wiring Regulations and consult a qualified electrician. n.b. the lighting circuit within the bathroom area should be protected with a 30ma RCD.

Many Bathroom and Outdoor light fittings are given a classification, an "IP" rating - which stands for "Ingress Protection" - this IP rating is always followed by two numbers, i.e. IP67, the higher the second number, the better protected the fitting is against water ingress.

Currently the bathroom is split into 3 clear zones: 0, 1 and 2

Zone 0 : covers the area inside the bath or shower itself and any fitting used here must be low voltage - max 12V - and be rated to at least IP67 ( immersion proof )

Zone 1 : covers the area above the bath / shower to a height of 2.25 metres from the floor, any fitting here should have a minimum rating of IP44.

Zone 2 : covers an area 0.6 meters wide around Zone 1 and to a height of 2.25metres from the floor - plus it is good practice to consider the area around the basin to a radius of 0.6 metres as Zone 2 - all fittings here should have a minimum rating of IP44.

Ceiling Lights - again there is a choice of putting fittings ON the ceiling (Flush or Semi Flush) or IN the ceiling (Recessed Spotlights) and all come with a variety of lamp sources.

Wall Lights - there is a vast choice of wall lights, shaver lights and illuminated mirrors available in all shapes and sizes.

Mood Lighting - lighting mounted in the floor, bath panels and even in the bath / shower itself are available.