Attention: Usually the IP marking of a fixture consists of two numbers; in rare cases, bathroom fixtures may have a three-digit IP. The third number indicates the impact resistance of the product. But with regard to bathroom lamps, it does not matter much, since in the bathroom it is only important that the lamp is insulated from steam and drops.
Depending on what IP a certain lamp has, it can be placed in one or another area of the bathroom. The marking is indicated either on the device body or in the accompanying documentation.
Marking of luminaires (IP index value)
Lamps IP20 and IP40. Why can’t they be installed in production and warehouse premises?
When selecting lamps for the bathroom and planning their placement, you should proceed from the area of the bathroom in which you are going to install them. Conventionally, a bathroom can be divided into four such zones, differing in humidity levels.
Expert opinion
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GOST R IEC 60598-1-2011 Lamps. Part 1. General. | Dokipedia IP53 IP55 for heavy industrial facilities, rooms with high levels of air pollution and a large number of corrosive particles. Ask, I'm in touch!
How to place luminaires with different IP ratings
The specific operating conditions of a particular lamp model are determined by the degree of its protection from harmful external influences. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common uses of devices with different IP levels:
- IP20– the most vulnerable type of lamp. Devices of this class may only be placed in rooms with low or normal humidity levels and the absence of large accumulations of dust. In houses and apartments, it is better to place such lamps in living rooms, bedrooms and children's rooms. IP20 devices are not suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.
What kind of lighting do you prefer?
Built-in Chandelier
Considering all the variety of options for operating lighting equipment, not only the quality of light, but also the service life of the device will depend on the correct selection of the IP protection class. If the technical characteristics of the lamp correspond to external conditions, it will serve you for as long as possible without any complaints or complex repairs.
Illumination standards
| Types of premises | Illumination according to standards (lux) | |
| Russian (SNiP 23-05-95) | International (IKO) | |
| General offices using computers | 200-300 | 500 |
| Large, open-plan offices | 400 | 750 |
| Drawing offices | 500 | 1000 |
| Conference rooms | 200 | 300 |
| Stairs, escalators | 50-100 | 150 |
| Corridors, halls | 50-75 | 100 |
| Archives | 75 | 200 |
| Shops, supermarkets, car dealerships, showrooms | — | 500 |
| Storerooms | 50 | 100 |
Lighting standards for various rooms
| Name of buildings and premises | Illumination of working surfaces, lux | Cylindrical illumination, lux | |
| With combined lighting | With one general lighting | ||
| Administrative buildings, design and research organizations | |||
| — Offices and other work rooms | 400*/200** | 300 | — |
| — Design, engineering and drawing bureaus | 600*/400** | 500 | — |
| — Reading rooms | 400/200** | 300 | 100 |
| — PC rooms, display rooms | 750/300** | 400 | — |
| — Conference rooms, boardrooms | — | 200 | 75 |
| — Laboratories | 750*/300** | 300 | — |
| Financial institutions, lending and insurance organizations | |||
| — Operating rooms, cash registers | 400*/200** | 300 | — |
| — Collection | — | 300 | — |
| Schools, secondary and higher educational institutions | |||
| — Classrooms, auditoriums, study rooms, laboratories | — | 500 (vertical in the middle of the board) | |
| — | 300 (horizontal on tables and desks) | ||
| — Offices and rooms of teachers | — | 200 | |
| — Gyms | — | 200 | |
| — Recreation | — | 150 | |
| Children's preschool institutions | |||
| — Reception rooms, dressing rooms, group rooms, playrooms, dining rooms | — | 200 | |
| — Bedrooms | — | 75 | |
| Sanatoriums, holiday homes | |||
| — Chambers and sleeping rooms | — | 150 | |
| Spectacular buildings | |||
| — Auditoriums for events of republican significance | — | 500*** | 150 |
| — Theater auditoriums, concert halls | — | 300*** | 100 |
| — Auditoriums of clubs, theater foyers | — | 200*** | 75 |
| — Exhibition halls | — | 200*** | 75 |
| — Foyers of cinemas, clubs | — | 150 | 50 |
| The shops | |||
| Trading halls: | |||
| - grocery stores | — | 400 | 100 |
| — clothing, linen, footwear, fabric, fur, hats, perfume, jewelry stores | — | 700 | 100 |
| - tableware, furniture, sporting goods | 500 | 75 | |
| Fitting booths | — | 300 (vertical at 1.5 m from the floor) | |
| Hotels | |||
| — Service Bureau | — | 200 | |
| — Living rooms | — | 150 | |
| — Rooms | — | 100 | |
| Auxiliary buildings and premises | |||
| — Sanitary facilities: | |||
| washrooms, latrines, smoking rooms | — | 75 | |
| showers, dressing rooms | — | 50 | |
| — Lobbies and dressing rooms for outerwear: | |||
| in schools, universities, theaters, clubs, hotels and main entrances to large industrial and public buildings; | — | 150 | |
| in other industrial, auxiliary and public buildings | — | 75 | |
| — Stairs: | |||
| main staircases of public and industrial buildings; | — | 100 | — |
| staircases of residential buildings; | — | 10 | — |
| the rest of the stairs | — | 50 | — |
| — Corridors and passages: | |||
| main | — | 75 | — |
| floor-to-floor in residential buildings | — | 20 | — |
| other corridors | — | 50 | — |
| Notes: | |||
| * horizontal illumination at a level of 0.8 m from the floor with the combined action of general and local lighting; | |||
| ** the same, but only from general lighting; | |||
| *** when using incandescent lamps, the level is standardized | |||
Types of waterproof lamps
Waterproof equipment is usually divided into different types depending on the installation location, installation method and type of light bulbs. Each type of lamp has both pros and cons. Therefore, it is impossible to single out any type of lighting fixture as the best.
Lamp location
Mounting method
According to this feature, lamps are divided into three types:
- Built-in (mortise). Installed on the ceiling, in walls or floors, in furniture or any other interior items. They are characterized by a significant variety of dimensions and shapes. At the same time, they are the simplest in design: they are a housing equipped with clamps.
- Overlays (external). Such devices are placed on solid foundations. External models are popular in cases where it is impossible to install a mounting niche (for example, when it comes to a concrete ceiling). Also, overhead devices are used if the lighting device is used not only for its intended purpose, but also as decoration. There are many variations in execution: from the most unremarkable to the most exquisite. Based on their location, overhead devices are divided into ceiling-mounted and wall-mounted.
- Hanging. This type of lamps is the least used. Such devices are suspended from a ceiling mount. In this case, the device is not located flush with the ceiling, but at a certain distance. For fixation, hooks, hangers, or even a power cable are used. Any ceiling is suitable, including slatted, suspended ceiling, concrete, and plasterboard. The main condition is that the ceiling height must be sufficient for mounting the lamp. Suspended models are also available for wall mounting and are mounted on adjustable brackets.
Bulb type
The brightness of the light and energy consumption depend on the type of lamp installed in the lamp. Most lamps are suitable for any type of light bulb, so the choice of a specific type depends on the preferences of the residents.
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How to choose lamps for the bathroom? (IP44; IP65) Please note that this standard covers all electrical, thermal and mechanical safety aspects. Ask, I'm in touch!
What type of lamps is better to use in the bathroom ↑
When deciding which bathroom fixtures are best, you should not forget about the type of lamp installed in the device. There are several distinctions:
- Incandescent lamps. The main advantage is low cost. The disadvantages include too much power consumption and strong heating during operation. In addition, if water accidentally enters, especially cold water, such lamps will burst.
- Halogen lamps. They are characterized by low energy consumption and affordable price. However, they are very sensitive to possible voltage surges.
- Energy-saving lamps. The main advantage is low energy consumption. Require special disposal conditions.
- LED devices. They are characterized by low energy consumption, long service life, insensitivity to voltage changes and relatively low cost.
Practical LEDs are the best choice for the bathroom
Bathroom lamps: types, requirements and selection rules
- Classic style. The interior, made in a classic style, is associated with the use of natural materials (stone, wood, leather). This style is suitable for both a ceiling lamp (for example, a chandelier) and a wall lamp (for example, a sconce or spot). Classic solutions also include the use of forged products and crystal and bronze elements.
- Japanese style. The solution is distinguished by external calm and tranquility. The light from lighting fixtures is soft, slightly diffused. The shape of the lamps is often unusual, replete with complex outlines.
- Modern style. All design elements have some function. There are no parts that are useless from a practical point of view. Modern is more suitable when zonal rather than central lighting is organized. LED lighting is often used in this style.
- Provence style. This style requires the presence of a window in the bathroom. To organize sufficiently high-quality lighting, large chandeliers or floor lamps are used. Moreover, the light sources should resemble plants in their shape or finish. All forms are characterized by free lines, without geometric regularity.
The best manufacturers
The most popular products from the following companies:
- Downlight Lug. The Polish company primarily produces lamps for bathrooms. Waterproof and impact-resistant products are equipped with specially shaped housings and lampshades, thereby preventing excessive light scattering. The devices allow you to redirect the light flux in the desired direction, which is convenient for zoning the room. There are several lines of this Polish manufacturer, including Vandallug, Diamond and Star Premium lamps.
- Massive (Belgium). The products of the Belgian manufacturer belong to the upper price category and are of high quality. Lamps of various protection classes are produced. Some products are designed to work in saunas or baths, and not just bathrooms. The range includes both ceiling and wall lamps. The company has several product lines that differ in style: Aqua Oasis, Katie and Adrio.
- Eglo (Austria). The products are characterized by a unique design: the lamps are made in curved shapes with soft outlines. Lampshades are usually plated with chromium or nickel, since these metals protect the base material from oxidation. Some products are made of plastic and covered with fiberglass for greater durability. The company's product range includes wall and ceiling lamps. Among the brands worth noting are Palmera and Mono.
- Arte Lamp (Italy). The products of the Italian company are distinguished by high quality, bold design and long service life. Product lines: Hall, Aqua.
- Kanlux (Poland). The company produces both built-in and hanging lamps (ceiling and wall). The scattering elements are made of metal with polymer inserts. The fasteners are made of stainless steel. Pendant light housings are usually polyester or fiberglass. Of all the listed manufacturers, Kanlux produces the most affordable products. The most popular brands are Volin, Argus (with switch), Turk.
Protection of lamps
For some device models, a third digit is provided, indicating the degree of shock resistance of the device. However, for bathrooms the third number is unimportant, and the first two are decisive. It is the moisture resistance and ability to resist dust that determines whether the installation of a particular lamp model is suitable for the bathroom.
IP protection indices
The tables list the characteristics corresponding to a particular class of protection against dust or moisture specified in the IP.
Compliance with dust protection classes is shown in the first table:
| Index indicator | Characteristics |
| 0 | Lack of any protection |
| 1 | The lamp is protected from large solid elements smaller than 5 centimeters in size from entering the housing |
| 2 | The lighting device is protected from contact with objects whose size exceeds 12 millimeters |
| 3 | The device is protected from penetration by elements larger than 2.5 millimeters |
| 4 | Any particles larger than 1 millimeter are not dangerous. |
| 5 | The device is protected from the ingress of dust that could affect the performance of the lamp |
| 6 | The maximum achievable degree of protection of the luminaire from dust contamination |
The following table shows the moisture protection classes:
| Index indicator | Characteristics |
| 0 | No protection from moisture |
| 1 | The lamp is protected from water drops falling onto the device vertically. Protection only against condensed moisture is possible |
| 2 | The lighting device resists particles hitting it at an angle of up to 15 degrees relative to the vertical |
| 3 | There is protection against drops falling on the lamp at an angle of up to 60 degrees |
| 4 | The device is reliably protected from water penetrating from any side and at any angle. |
| 5 | Protection not only from drops, but also from water jets |
| 6 | Ability to work in seawater conditions |
| 7 | The device operates under fluid pressure conditions. This protection class is required when immersed under water to a depth of 1 meter |
| 8 | The lamp operates at great depths |
Useful tips Connection diagrams Principles of operation of devices Main concepts Meters from Energomer Precautions Incandescent lamps Video instructions for the master Testing with a multimeter
How to light a bathroom?
The correct answer to this question greatly depends on the size of the room, its design features and the design objectives set.
Some bathrooms have windows. This is a positive point, since through the window a person receives the maximum amount of natural light, and the lamps can only be turned on at night. Light decoration, furniture, and plumbing make such a space visually larger and lighter.
There are lovers of dark interiors. They like to be surrounded by almost black stone or concrete walls, where lighting is implemented by accenting key elements (sink, bathtub, wall niche). But if you are one of those romantics who likes to read a book or magazine in the bath, then you cannot do without even general lighting (on average, illumination is 150–200 lux).
For those who like non-standard solutions, lighting can be organized using LED strips that indicate only the contours of architectural elements. Visually, it seems as if objects are floating in the air. And to create a romantic or meditative mood, decide on dynamic lighting, install LED RGB lamps and strips.
Letter designations
Less commonly used are additional letter designations that express clarifying conditions.
An additional letter from the first group expresses the degree of human protection from the dangerous effects of the device. It is used in cases where dust protection is not specified (or marked with an X), or impact protection exceeds general protection (for example, touching parts is safe). The table shows the correspondence of the letter designation to permissible penetration into parts of the device.
LetterExplanationABCD
| Back of the hand |
| Finger |
| Tool |
| Wire |
The letter of the second group of additional symbols indicates the features of the device or test conditions.
LetterDecodingHMSW
| High voltage equipment |
| During water protection tests, the device worked |
| The device did not work during water protection tests |
| Weather protection |
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
The video describes the main factors for choosing an electrical appliance, the requirements for lamps for rooms with high levels of humidity, and also provides recommendations for zoning space using lighting:
A competent choice of lamp and successful placement of light accents can visually enlarge the enclosed space of the bathroom . Of no small importance in arranging a comfortable and practical room will be the selection of brightness, color rendering and shade of the lamp.
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