Electrical Bathroom Products Information
Electrical products in a bathroom are governed by where they sit in the room. These are the definitions and the zones that decide what may be installed where.
What is low voltage?
According to the Australia and New Zealand Standards — Electrical Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2018, low voltage is anything "not exceeding 12 Volts AC or 30 Volts ripple-free DC".
What does "Wet Area Suitable" mean?
Products that are "Wet Area Suitable" have a suitable IP (Ingress Protection) rating that enables them to be installed in what is classified as Zone 1 in the bathroom.
Bathroom zones
The Australia and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3000:2018 identifies the zones in a bathroom and the IP rating required for electrical items installed in each zone. The illustration below is a guide only; for full details please refer to AS/NZS 3000:2018.
| Fittings, appliances and light fittings | Zone 0 | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light fittings | IPX7 and Safety ELV supply | IPX5 sealed light fitting | IPX4, as for Zone 1. Class II, exterior ball fitting ELV | No IP rating |
| Electrical appliances | IPX7, specifically designed and safety ELV | IPX5 instantaneous water heaters, fans | IPX4 heated towel rails, fans | No IP rating |
Source: New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Homeowner/Occupier's Electrical Wiring Work in Domestic Installations.
Electrical connections
All electricity connections and any subsequent electrical work must be carried out only by a qualified electrician, operating in accordance with current regulations.
