Bathroom Lighting in Australia: IP Ratings and Wet Zones Explained
Why bathroom lighting needs more thought
In a bathroom, where a light goes matters as much as how it looks. Water and electricity don't mix, so Australian wiring rules divide every bathroom into zones and set a minimum level of water protection for each one.
Get it right and you can have beautiful, flattering light that lasts for decades. Get it wrong and your electrician may refuse to install the fitting you've fallen for, or worse, it may fail early from moisture.
This guide covers three things: what an IP rating actually means, which zones of your bathroom need which rating, and how to layer light so the room is both practical for getting ready and relaxing at the end of the day.
What an IP rating means
IP stands for Ingress Protection. It's an international rating that tells you how well a light fitting keeps out solids (like dust) and liquids (like water). You'll see it written as IP followed by two digits.
- The first digit (0–6) is protection against solid objects and dust. 6 means fully dust-tight.
- The second digit (0–8) is protection against water. This is the one that matters most in a bathroom.
- An X in place of a digit means that part hasn't been tested. IPX4, for example, is rated for water but not for dust.
The ratings you'll come across most often for bathrooms:
| Rating | Protects against | Typical bathroom use |
|---|---|---|
| IP20 | Fingers and large objects; no water protection | Outside the wet zones only |
| IP44 / IPX4 | Splashing water from any direction | Vanity wall lights, ceiling lights near the shower |
| IP54 | Limited dust, plus splashing water | Downlights and wall lights near showers and baths |
| IP65 | Fully dust-tight, plus low-pressure water jets | Inside showers, and anywhere hosed down for cleaning |
| IP67 | Fully dust-tight, plus temporary immersion | Inside the bath or shower base (with low-voltage supply) |
A higher number is always acceptable in a lower-risk spot. An IP65 downlight is perfectly fine outside the shower, and it gives you extra peace of mind in a steamy bathroom.
Australian bathroom zones, explained
In Australia, the rules for electrical fittings near baths, showers and basins sit in the wiring standard AS/NZS 3000 (section 6.2). It divides the room into zones by how likely they are to get wet. The closer to the water, the stricter the requirement.
| Zone | Where it is (typical) | Minimum for light fittings |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | Inside the bath, or the shower base and floor where water collects | IPX7, extra-low voltage (12V), and designed specifically for use in a bath or shower |
| Zone 1 | The shower itself: within 1.2m of the fixed shower head, up to 2.5m above the floor | IPX4 for homes (communal bathrooms such as aged care or hotels need IPX5) |
| Zone 2 | A 0.6m band beyond Zone 1 or the bath, up to 2.25m high, plus the wall area just around and above a basin | IPX4, or an approved alternative such as double-insulated, extra-low voltage or recessed into the ceiling |
| Outside the zones | Everywhere else in the room | No IP requirement, though IP44 or better is still wise in a humid room |
Two practical points catch people out:
Vanity lights are often in Zone 2.The basin creates its own small zone, so a wall light either side of the mirror may need to be IP-rated even if it's nowhere near the shower. A light on one side can be compliant while the same light on the other side isn't, depending on where the taps sit.
Walk-in showers can widen Zone 1.Zone 1 is measured out from the shower head, and in a walk-in shower with no full screen that radius can take in more of the room than you'd expect. Ask your electrician how your screen or wall layout affects it.
The exact measurements depend on your layout, so treat this table as a planning guide, not a compliance check. Your licensed electrician has the final say, and it's worth showing them your lighting plan before you order.
Layer the light: ambient, task and accent
Compliance tells you what's allowed. Layering is what makes a bathroom feel finished. The best bathrooms combine three kinds of light, each on its own switch or dimmer.
Ambient
Fills the room evenly so you can move around safely, usually from IP-rated downlights or a ceiling light. Space downlights so they wash the walls rather than sitting in a single line down the middle of the ceiling.
Task
For shaving, makeup and skincare. A single downlight above the mirror throws shadows down your face. Wall lights either side of the mirror, at about face height, are far more flattering. Over a wide double vanity, a linear light above the mirror works well.
Accent
Adds mood: a soft glow in a shower niche, a recessed strip under a floating vanity, or a wall light on a feature tile. Dimmed low, it doubles as a gentle night light.
Choosing the right fittings
Once you know the zones and the layers, a few specifications make the difference between a bathroom that looks good in photos and one that's a pleasure to use every day.
- Colour temperature. Warm white (2700K–3000K) feels relaxing and suits most homes. If you do detailed makeup, 3000K–3500K at the mirror gives a crisper, more accurate view. Avoid mixing very different colour temperatures in the one room.
- Colour rendering (CRI). CRI measures how accurately a light shows skin tones and colours. Look for CRI 90 or higher at the vanity, so foundation that looks right in the bathroom still looks right outside.
- Dimming. Put each layer on a dimmer. Check the fitting's dimming type (such as phase, or DALI ) matches your dimmer, and ask your electrician to confirm compatibility before installation.
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Finishes that match your tapware. Many bathroom wall lights come in brushed nickel, chrome, matt black, brass and bronze. Matching the light to the taps and accessories pulls the room together.
Our picks for each layer
You can filter our bathroom lighting collection by IP rating, so you can shortlist by zone before you fall in love with a design. A few favourites to start with:
For ambient light: IP-rated downlights
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Astro Pro Range downlights are commercial-grade, with IP65 versions that suit the shower as well as the rest of the room. Choose a Fixed IP65 model for wet areas; the adjustable Pro Range models are IP20, so keep those outside the zones.
- The Trimless PRO Round Fixed IP65 plasters in flush, so all you see is the light, not the fitting.
- The Minima PRO Round Fixed IP65 has a slim, minimal trim and comes in white or black to match your tapware.
- The Minima PRO Square Fixed IP65 suits square-edged, contemporary bathrooms.
- Every model comes in phase or DALI dimmable versions, so it can match a standard home dimmer or a commercial control system.
- The Brick in the Wall 200 Cent Fixed Trimless (IP54) sits flush with the ceiling for a clean, architectural look.
- The Pixo Trimless Fixed Bathroom (IP54) is a compact, near-invisible option for smaller bathrooms.
- Browse the full Astro Pro Range and our IP-rated downlights.
For task light: vanity and mirror lighting
- The Juniper THIN Linear Surface is a slim, refined linear light for beside or above a mirror.
- The Astro Atticus 600 is a long, even light for over a wider vanity.
- The Astro Ottavino Wall and Ortona Twin work beautifully in pairs either side of the mirror.
- See the full vanity mirror lighting range.
For accent and mood
- Our bathroom accent lighting and bathroom pendants add softness over a freestanding bath (always check the zone first).
- Near the beach, start with our coastal-rated lighting.
- Pair your lighting with a designer mirror from Deknudt.
Your bathroom lighting checklist
- Sketch your bathroom and mark the shower head, bath and basin
- Work out roughly which zone each light will sit in
- Plan three layers: ambient, task and accent
- Put task lights beside the mirror, not just above it
- Check the IP rating of every fitting against its zone
- Choose a consistent colour temperature, with CRI 90+ at the vanity
- Put each layer on its own dimmer, and confirm dimmer compatibility
- Coastal home? Choose corrosion-resistant materials
- Show the plan to your electrician before you order
Frequently asked questions
What IP rating do I need for a bathroom light?
It depends on the zone. Inside the shower and in the area around it, you'll generally need at least IPX4. Inside the bath or shower base, fittings must be IPX7 and extra-low voltage. Outside the zones, no rating is required, though IP44 is a sensible minimum in a steamy room.
Can I put a pendant over my bath?
Often, yes, provided it sits outside the zones or carries the right rating for its position. A pendant usually needs enough height above the bath rim to sit clear of Zone 1. Confirm the position with your electrician before you buy.
Is IP44 the same as IPX4?
For water, yes: both protect against splashing from any direction. IP44 also confirms protection against small solid objects, while the X in IPX4 means that wasn't tested.
Do I need special downlights in the bathroom?
Downlights over or near the shower and bath need to be IP-rated for their zone. Many designers use IP-rated downlights throughout the bathroom for consistency and peace of mind.
Need help with your bathroom lighting?
Every bathroom is different, and the zones can be tricky to work out from a floor plan. Our team can help you choose fittings that look beautiful and suit your layout. Get in touch for advice, or browse our bathroom lighting collection.
Architects and interior designers: working on a project? Join our Trade Portal for trade pricing and specification support, or request a quote.
This guide is general information only. Bathroom lighting must be installed by a licensed electrician in line with AS/NZS 3000 and your local regulations.
