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Bathroom electrics: the zones explained

Zones 0, 1 and 2, IP ratings, shaver socket and 30 mA RCD: what is allowed around the bath and shower.

2026-11-12 · 7 min read

Around a bath or a shower, the RGIE divides the space into zones. The closer to the water, the stricter the rules.

The zones

  • Zone 0: the inside of the bath or shower tray. Only safety extra-low voltage is permitted there.
  • Zone 1: above the bath or tray, up to 2.25 m high. Waterproof equipment and fixed appliances intended for this location, such as a water heater.
  • Zone 2: a 60 cm band around zone 1. Suitable luminaires, shaver socket with isolating transformer; no ordinary socket.

Outside the zones

Beyond that, sockets are permitted, protected like all circuits in the wet room by a 30 mA RCD.

IP ratings

The second digit of the IP rating indicates protection against water. In zones 1 and 2, aim for at least IPX4.

Equipotential bonding

Metal parts (pipework, metal bath) are connected to each other and to earth by supplementary equipotential bonding.

With Disjoncto. Place the bath: the zones are drawn around it, and every point placed inside is checked.

The exact dimensions and exceptions are in the RGIE, in the part covering rooms containing a bath or shower.