Bathroom Lighting Regulations

Bathroom lighting design specifications.

Bathroom lighting regulations.

This article series details guidelines for selecting and installing interior lighting to meet the requirements for different building areas. There are so many beautiful choices out there. The regulations were devised to prevent water wastage misuse and contamination. Zone 1 is 2 5m australia or 2 25m new zealand from the floor directly over the water line in the bath.

This article gives guidelines for lighting location strength and safety for bathrooms. All light fittings that are not enclosed should be out of reach of someone using or still wet from using the bath or shower. General lighting fan circuit required. In our reading of the bathroom lighting regulations document it appears that a 240v standard pendant is allowed over a bath provided it does not protrude into zone 1.

For an existing bath assess the pros and cons of the current layout. If you have a ceiling height of around 3 0m then a pendant may well be. To determine space planning requirements answer the questions below to shed light on how you ll use the space. It is also highly important to choose bathroom lighting that will provide you with good visibility as well helping to brighten your bathroom.

However bathroom lighting isn t all about function. Bathroom lighting zones regulations explained great care needs to be taken when choosing lighting for your bathroom as there are strict regulations regarding the type of lights you can use. Light fixtures and wall switches must be on a separate circuit. A ceiling mounted pull cord switch is the safest option.

Part f ventilation ventilation is especially important in moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms to prevent damp and mould which can be harmful to properties as well as health. The water regulations advisory scheme also applies to bathroom plumbing. A 20 amp receptacle circuit for plug in appliances. Central heating is the safest way to keep a bathroom warm.

Important nec bathroom regulations. Everyday light switches are a danger because of dampness and wet hands. Light fixtures are art says marie lail blackburn certified master kitchen and bath designer and owner of mlb design group in seattle. Bathroom lighting requirements the nec requires at least one overhead light in the bathroom and this can be part of the ceiling fan.

A 15 amp circuit is minimum but this is often a 20 amp circuit especially if there is a heat lamp integrated into this circuit. Fixtures especially vanity lighting also finish the look of any design scheme. Each bathroom should have a circuit for lighting and an exhaust fan according to the code this circuit may be a 15 amp circuit if it serves just lighting but it should be a 20 amp circuit if it is also serving a vent fan. That s a bare minimum and you ll probably want to provide more lights such as vanity lights wall sconces or extra ceiling fixtures for convenience and safety.