Alabaster lighting guide
Can Alabaster Lights Be Used in a Bathroom? IP Ratings Explained
Only in the right place. Natural alabaster is porous and softer than marble, and most alabaster fixtures are rated for dry indoor use. Keep them out of showers, baths and splash zones. In a bathroom, use them only outside the zones, or choose a fitting with an explicit IP44 or higher rating for the zone.
What does an IP rating mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The first digit rates protection against solid objects and dust, the second against water. An X means that part is not rated.
- IP20: protected against fingers and objects larger than 12.5 mm, with no protection against water. Dry indoor rooms only.
- IP44: protected against objects larger than 1 mm and against splashing water from any direction. A common minimum for fittings near baths and showers under IEC and UK-style rules.
- IP65: dust-tight and protected against water jets. Typical for exposed outdoor use.
What does SPACE361 say about its own fittings?
- Marmo wall light: IP20. Its product FAQ says it must be installed in dry indoor locations only, away from bathroom zones and outdoor use.
- Elara semi-flush ceiling light: no IP rating specified. Install it only in unzoned areas of a bathroom (outside Zones 0, 1 and 2) or in dry rooms. For bath and shower areas, choose a fitting with an explicit IP44 or higher rating.
- Aurelian wall light: not listed with an IP rating, so it is intended for general interior use rather than bathroom Zones 1 or 2. Contact SPACE361 before ordering if you plan to use it in a bathroom outside the splash zones.
Bathroom zones in plain English
Under IEC 60364-based wiring rules used in the UK and much of Europe, bathrooms are divided into zones. Exact distances differ slightly by country and edition, so confirm locally.
- Zone 0: inside the bath or shower tray. Needs IPX7.
- Zone 1: directly above the bath or shower, up to about 2.25 m. Typically at least IPX4.
- Zone 2: the area around the bath or shower, about 0.6 m. Typically at least IPX4.
- Outside the zones: no specific IP requirement, but humidity still matters.
In the US and Canada, fixtures are listed for dry, damp or wet locations instead of IP codes. Ask your licensed electrician which listing your bathroom needs.
Why does natural stone need extra care?
Alabaster is porous and softer than marble. SPACE361's care guidance is to wipe it gently with a dry, soft microfibre cloth, use a barely damp cloth with distilled water for stubborn marks, and avoid soaking the stone or using household sprays, polishes or chemical cleaners. Steam, splashes and aerosol cleaners all work against that advice, so choose well-ventilated, unzoned positions.
Where can alabaster work near a bathroom?
- A powder room or cloakroom with an extractor fan, with a wall light beside the mirror and outside any splash zone. The Aurelian page mentions flanking a bathroom mirror, subject to zone and IP requirements.
- A dressing area or corridor leading to the bathroom.
- A larger bathroom where the wall is clearly outside Zones 0–2.
What should you use near the shower?
Choose a fitting with an explicit IP44 or higher rating for Zones 1 and 2, then bring alabaster in with a wall light placed outside the zones. That keeps the natural stone texture without putting it in the splash path.
Frequently asked questions
Is IP20 acceptable in a bathroom?
Not within the bathroom zones. IP20 offers no water protection and is for dry indoor rooms only.
Will steam damage an alabaster light?
Steam and constant humidity are not ideal for porous stone. Use good ventilation and keep alabaster outside the shower area.
Can I clean alabaster with bathroom cleaner?
No. Use a dry microfibre cloth, or a barely damp cloth with distilled water. Avoid sprays, polishes and chemical cleaners.
Which IP rating do I need above a bath?
Over a bath or shower (Zone 1) fittings typically need at least IPX4 under IEC-based rules. Confirm local regulations with a qualified electrician.
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