Protection areas in the bathroom

Area 0

Inside the bathtub or shower only lamps of IPX7 may be used (protected against the effects of immersion). In addition only fixed devices with a protective low voltage <12 volts or battery-powered devices (<12 Volt) may be installed. An underwater lighting in the hot tub meeting these requirements is allowed.

Area 1

The area covers bathing or shower tubs up to a height of 2.25 m above the floor. Within a radius of 120 cm around a solid source of water, the lamps must at least comply with protection class IP X5 (protected against hose water). Only the installation of permanently installed consuming devices (e. g. boilers, ventilation devices) is permitted whereby the electrical supply lines to these devices must always be installed vertically. Only lighting with safety extra-low voltage (low-voltage technology) is permitted. An installation of transformers is only allowed in area 2 or above.

Area 2

This area is limited to areas with a depth of 60 cm in front of  the bathtub or shower, at the sides of the wall to a height of 2.25 m and in the area of the walls from floor level. The same requirements as for area 1 apply, but the installation of lighting and the connection of washing machines is possible. Not allowed are sockets and switches. This area is getting smaller when a partition wall protects the electrical equipment against water splashes. The lights must have a minimum protection of IPX4 (splash-proof).