My EICR test guy says I need to change my bathroom ceiling light to an IP65 rated.

[NoelRob]

My EICR test guy says I need to change my bathroom ceiling light to an IP65 rated. Research says I need an IP44. The lamp is about 2.45m above the floor and about 30cms outside the side of the bath. Has he made a mistake or have I?

 

[UNG]

As with a lot of these types of post a picture or two would help

 

[loz2754]

This is really up to the inspector to decide.

Although technically outside any of the zones, being above 2.25m from the floor, (and therefore not required to comply with zoning regulations) the light still has to be suitable for the environment it is installed in.

If the light was in zone 2, then the MINIMUM applicable IP rating would be IPX4. If it was possibly subject to splashing of water from a shower head, then the minimum would be IPX5.

 

[NoelRob]

As with a lot of these types of post a picture or two would help

OK, I will try to get photo posted. It's just a standard light fitting which I've never had problems with as it is away from any water source.

 

[NoelRob]

This is really up to the inspector to decide.

Although technically outside any of the zones, being above 2.25m from the floor, (and therefore not required to comply with zoning regulations) the light still has to be suitable for the environment it is installed in.

If the light was in zone 2, then the MINIMUM applicable IP rating would be IPX4. If it was possibly subject to splashing of water from a shower head, then the minimum would be IPX5.

The light is nowhere near any source of water. My confusion is why he said the fitting must be IP65, not IP44 (or IPX4) as in the regs. I'll try to post a photo.

 

[Intoelectrics]

Has it been coded as a requirement or an advisory? It may well be justified, without the pics it's difficult to assess. However, there is no harm in asking the inspector to explain his reasoning behind the requirement.

 

[Electro-tech]

So if the standard light fitting is probably only IP 20 and above 2.25M of Zone 2, then how would you code it, & maybe it is RCD protected as well?

 

[DefyG]

Had a similar scenario and our NIC inspectors argument was that it was reachable from the bath and an enclosed fitting would be an improvement so RCD protection aside C3

 

[NoelRob]

As with a lot of these types of post a picture or two would help

I am trying to show a photo on here but I have no idea how to. Any suggestions please?

 

[NoelRob]

Here is a photo of my bathroom light fitting.

 

[loz2754]

So if the standard light fitting is probably only IP 20 and above 2.25M of Zone 2, then how would you code it, & maybe it is RCD protected as well?

I sometimes come across metallic fittings that are not in any zone but are corroded. In this case I might C3 them, as they are clearly unsuitable for their environment.

In some cases I might choose not to allocate a code, but add a comment in the report that, in my expert opinion, the light is not suitable and should really be changed.

 

[DefyG]

That may well be a suitable fitting, is there a seal between glass and base?

Biggest problem with this type of enclosed fitting is unprotected/wrong cable, ie overheating becoming brittle. 100w lamp fitted when max should be 60w!