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2026-11-02T09:16:18

Bathroom IP Rating Explained: IP44, IP65, IPX7 and IEC Zones 0, 1, 2

卫生间IP防护等级怎么看：IP44、IP65、IPX7与IEC 0、1、2区

A bathroom IP rating shows how well a light, switch or socket resists dust and water. Under IEC 60364-7-701:2019, equipment in zones 1 and 2 must be at least IPX4, in zone 0 at least IPX7, and anything hit by cleaning water jets at least IPX5. An IP44 light is fine for splash areas, but not for a shower floor where water collects.

Key Facts

What the two digits in an IP code mean

The IP (Ingress Protection) code comes from IEC 60529. The letters IP are followed by two digits. The first, 0 to 6, shows protection against solid objects and dust. The second, 0 to 9, shows protection against water. If one was not tested, it is replaced by X, as in IPX4.

  • IP2X: protected against fingers or objects over 12.5 mm.
  • IP4X: protected against objects over 1 mm, such as thin wires.
  • IP5X: dust-protected; a little dust may enter as long as it does not affect operation.
  • IP6X: fully dust-tight.

For water, IPX4 resists splashing from any direction, IPX5 resists jets from a 6.3 mm nozzle, IPX6 resists powerful jets from a 12.5 mm nozzle, and IPX7 survives immersion up to 1 metre for 30 minutes. Note that water ratings are not cumulative beyond IPX6. A device that passes the IPX7 immersion test may not pass the jet test. If it passes both, the label reads, for example, IPX5/IPX7.

Bathroom zones under IEC 60364-7-701

The installation standard IEC 60364-7-701:2019 divides a bathroom into zones by distance from water:

  • Zone 0: the inside of the bathtub; for showers, 10 cm above the finished floor within 120 cm of the shower head.
  • Zone 1: above zone 0 up to 225 cm from the floor, or to the height of the fixed shower head if that is higher.
  • Zone 2: for bathtubs only, a 60 cm band outside zone 1. Showers have no zone 2.

Fixed walls and shower doors that are closed during use can limit the zones, but shower curtains may not be used as a boundary.

Minimum bathroom IP rating per zone

  • Zone 0: only fixed equipment suitable for that zone, at least IPX7, on SELV of up to 12 V AC or 30 V DC with the supply outside zones 0 and 1.
  • Zone 1: fixed equipment suitable per the maker's instructions, or SELV/PELV equipment up to 25 V AC; at least IPX4.
  • Zone 2: fixed equipment and accessories at least IPX4. Sockets only on SELV or PELV circuits.
  • Exposed to cleaning jets: at least IPX5.

When a light spans two zones, the stricter zone applies. Circuits serving the bathroom must also have an RCD with a residual current of no more than 30 mA. Wiring buried in walls that bound a zone must sit at least 6 cm deep unless extra protection is used.

How to choose bathroom lights and sockets

  • Downlights above a shower: choose at least IP44; IP65 adds dust-tightness and jet resistance.
  • Lights inside a water-filled area: must be IPX7 and low-voltage SELV, with the transformer outside zones 0 and 1.
  • Sockets and switches: place them outside the wet zones; use covered models near the basin.
  • Check the label: the IP code should be printed on the product or packaging, not just "waterproof".

In Indonesia, home installations follow PUIL 2020 and should be done by a competent installer. homeX supplies lights, switches and electrical fittings from several brands for your bathroom renovation.

bathroom IP rating: related articles and products

FAQ

Can an IP44 light go above a shower? Yes, because zone 1 requires at least IPX4. Make sure the light is fixed and the circuit has a 30 mA RCD.

What is the difference between IP44 and IP65? IP44 resists objects over 1 mm and splashing water. IP65 is dust-tight and resists jets from a 6.3 mm nozzle.

Is IPX7 better than IPX5 in every case? Not always. Water ratings are not cumulative beyond IPX6, so an IPX7 device may not pass the IPX5 jet test.

For building and renovation material needs, reach the homeX team on WhatsApp +62 821 1818 998, by email at homex9998@gmail.com or through our contact page.

Sources: Wikipedia, IP code (summary of IEC 60529, accessed 2 Nov 2026); IEC 60364-7-701:2019, official preview via iTeh Standards (accessed 2 Nov 2026)