Help! IPX4 lighting query

[Vicks]

Hiya [:)]

Can anyone advise us about the types of lighting we can put in the bathroom?  The man from Consuel has been round to see us but wasnt happy with the 12v  spots we have above the bath, apparently we have to install lights with rating IPX 4 but we can't find any!  We have found spots with an IP 65 rating which seem to cover the requirements but can't find any info about their suitability in any of our books.  We would be a bit annoyed if we put them in and M. Consuel didnt like them when he comes back to visit!!

For info, the above mentioned M. Consuel doesn't like 240v shower units, unless you are willing to fit them on the opposite side of the bathroom.

Any assistance/ advice much appreciated as the alternative is to shower in the dark!!

Vicks 

[BJSLIV]

This gives a pretty good summary of the new regs

http://www.positron-libre.com/cours/electrotechnique/norme-electrique/nfc1500.htm

 

Is part of the problem that you haven't got the required 2.25 metres above the bath?

Is the shower plumbed in using copper or plastic piping?

 

 

[Vicks]

Thanks, we'll have a look at that;

Yes, the ceiling is lower than 2.25m if measured from the bottom of the bath!  ...and the water pipes are plastic, does this make a difference?

[bejay]

Vicks Hi there

You wont  find IPx4 lighting  there is a missing number. Very commonly it will be IP44. The first number indicates the protection against solids and the second indicates the level of protection against liquids.

In a shower below 2.25m the minimum requirements are 12V and IP44 The generally recommended standard is IP65 and as you are in France a French one!

The reason is  to prevent hot bulbs shattering if water makes contact with them, the electrical safety is supplied by the 12V.

This is my understanding, if those more familiar see an error please say so.

bj

[Deimos]

I thought that in the IPx4, the x meant “does not matter” – i.e. the dust ingress rating is not important, only the water one. Thus, IPx4 and mean IP14, IP24, IP34, etc.

Ian

[La Guerriere]

Bejay has it right. Over the bath (voilume 1) you have to have 12V (TBT = tres basse tension) spots with a rating of at least IP24. Use French fittings only. You can also use state-of-the-art LED lights, but they come at state-of-the-art prices !