IPx4

[DickHead]

Trying to choose a light to go above my shower enclosure

Going by an online diagram, above a shower enclosure is zone 2 , which states the light needs to be IPx4 upwards

Now, i'm trying to find a light but can only find bathroom lights that are either IP44 or IP21

Does IPx4 = IP44 and IPx2 = IPx21 ?

So would I be right in saying a light with a IP44 rating is suitable for a zone 2 above a shower enclosure?

Hope someone can make sense of that

Thanks

 

[Spark123]

//www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:other:ip
x simply means it is not rated.
IP44 is suitable for use as where a level of protection to IPx4 is required.
IPx2 does not mean IPx21.

 

[Adam_151]

IP44 meets the IPx4 requirement; the x is a wildcard signifying that there is no specific requirement for that number.

The first number is protection against ingress of solid objects, and the later, that of water (but if you protect against water, then you generally offer some protection against objects, so ratings such as IP04 don't exist in the real world!)

I assume your ceiling is at least 2.25m high?

 

[DickHead]

I'd say the IP21 is IPx1

Think i've just worked it out

 

[DickHead]

fast replys

Thanks

 

[DickHead]

I assume your ceiling is at least 2.25m high?

My ceiling is 2.52m high

 

[outmyway]

I'm a bit confused about the zones thing ...

Will IP44 lights be OK for above my shower tray? Zone 1?

Why do people advertise IPX5 lights - surley they are still good for Zone 1 but good enough for Zone 0 ... so no better than IPx4?

 

[Spark123]

IPX5 is higher than IPX4 so can be used where you would use an IPX4 fitting.
However IPX5 is not suitable for zone 0 where the fitting can be submerged. A minimum rating of IPX7 is required (amongst other requirements).
//www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:other:ip

 

[TicklyT]

The IP rating system is designed to cover a whole range of electrical fittings, not just light fittings. The fittings may be for dometic, commercial or industrial applications.

There are applications for IPx5 light fittings. They may be appropriate for, say, a light fitting in a porch. it isn't necessarily anything to do with lighting in domestic bathrooms.

 

[bernardgreen]

but if you protect against water, then you generally offer some protection against objects, so ratings such as IP04 don't exist in the real world!

It is possible that the protection against objects is higher than protection against liquid. A box with ventilation grills under an "umbrella" fixed to the box can be IP32 to prevent fingers, nails etc being pushed into the box that may be rained upon.

http://www.protectingpeople.co.uk/fire_tech/ip_explained.htm

 

[outmyway]

Thanks for that ... a lot clearer!

I'll get the IP44's I've seen for my Zone 1 (above shower area).

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Will IP44 lights be OK for above my shower tray? Zone 1?

Look in the Wiring Regulations - it will tell you.

Why do people advertise IPX5 lights

Because they are IPx5 rated?

surley they are still good for Zone 1 but good enough for Zone 0

You think an IPx5 luminaire is OK for Zone 0?

I'm a bit confused about the zones thing ...

Yup.

 

[outmyway]

Thanks banm-all-sheds (BTW: what have you got againts sheds?)

Sorry typo re . IPX5's

surley they are still good for Zone 1 but good enough for Zone 0

Should have read

surley they are still good for Zone 1 but not good enough for Zone 0

Its all a lot clearer now .... ordering my IP44's today!!

PS: Does anyone do a mains extractor shower fan that is IPx4?
My electrician told me I must get a 12v one?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Thanks banm-all-sheds (BTW: what have you got againts sheds?)

I mean this:

not this:

PS: Does anyone do a mains extractor shower fan that is IPx4?
My electrician told me I must get a 12v one?

Which zone is it going in?

 

[outmyway]

Ah, those sheds! I live in those places!! (Screwfix counters as well ..)

The extractor fan would be zone 1 (above shower)