Why Your Bathroom Lights Failed the EICR: Non-IP Rated Fittings Explained (London Guide)

EICR Certificate

15 October 2025

EICR Faults & Failures

Why Your Bathroom Lights Failed the EICR

If your latest EICR report flagged a C2 fault for non-IP-rated bathroom lights, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common issues our electricians see in London properties, and it’s one that can be easily fixed once you understand what it means.

In this complete guide, we’ll explain:

Why non-IP-rated lights fail an EICR inspection
The difference between IP44, IP65, and other ratings
How this affects landlords and homeowners
And most importantly how our team can make your bathroom compliant the same day

⚡ What Does “Non-IP-Rated” Mean?

“IP” stands for Ingress Protection a rating that tells you how well an electrical fitting is protected against water and dust. In bathrooms, where moisture is constant, fittings must have the correct IP rating to prevent shock or fire risk.

For example:

IP20 = No water protection — not suitable for bathrooms
IP44 = Protected from splashes — safe for bathroom zones 2 & 3
IP65/IP67 = Fully sealed — ideal for shower zones and ceilings

If your light fittings don’t meet these standards, your electrician will mark it as C2 – “Potentially Dangerous” on your EICR report.

🚫 Why Non-IP-Rated Bathroom Lights Fail EICR Inspections

During an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), the inspector checks every circuit and fitting for compliance. Bathrooms are considered special locations, meaning extra protection is required.

Your property fails the EICR when:

The light fitting isn’t IP-rated for its zone (e.g., an IP20 light above the shower).
Moisture could reach live electrical parts.
Old, corroded, or cracked fittings expose wiring.
The circuit isn’t protected by an RCD or bonding is missing.

Any of these issues will trigger a C2 fault, meaning remedial work is legally required before the installation can be considered safe.

👉 Learn more about C2 faults and EICR remedial work here.

🏠 What Happens When You Get a C2 Fault for Bathroom Lights

A C2 fault doesn’t automatically make your property unsafe to occupy, but it does mean you must fix the issue as soon as possible.

Your EICR will not pass until the remedial work is completed. For landlords in London, this is especially serious under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, you’re legally responsible for ensuring the property meets the required safety standards.

Failure to comply can result in:

Fines of up to £30,000
Tenants refusing occupancy
Invalid property insurance

If your report mentions “Non-IP-Rated Bathroom Lights – C2,” contact a qualified electrician immediately.

📞 You can book your remedial work online here and get compliant lighting installed the same day.

💡 What Type of IP Rating Do You Need in Bathrooms?

Bathrooms are divided into zones depending on how close fittings are to water. Here’s a quick guide:

Zone	Location Example	Required IP Rating
Zone 0	Inside the bath or shower	IP67 (fully submersible)
Zone 1	Above the bath or shower up to 2.25m high	IP65 (protected against jets)
Zone 2	0.6m around bath or basin	IP44 (splash-proof)
Outside Zones	Anywhere else in the bathroom	IP20 minimum (but RCD still required)

If your light is below the correct IP rating for its zone, it’s a fail.

🧰 How to Fix Non-IP-Rated Bathroom Lights

Fixing this issue is straightforward. Our NICEIC-approved electricians handle hundreds of these remedial jobs every month across London.

Here’s how we do it:

Identify all bathroom lights that are below IP44.
Safely remove the non-compliant fittings.
Install new IP-rated lights (usually IP44 or IP65).
Test the circuit for correct RCD protection.
Issue a new certificate showing compliance.

🧾 Most bathroom remedial jobs cost between £85–£180, depending on the number of fittings and accessibility.

For an instant quote, visit our EICR Certificate Cost page.

🏙️ Why This Is Common in London Properties

Many older London flats and houses were wired decades ago, before modern electrical regulations came into effect.

Common reasons we find non-IP-rated bathroom lights include:

Decorative ceiling fittings installed years ago
DIY renovations without professional testing
Poorly ventilated bathrooms causing corrosion
No RCD or supplementary bonding in place

If your property was built before 2005 and hasn’t had a recent EICR certificate, it’s very likely this issue exists.

⚡ Why You Should Never Ignore This Fault

Moisture and electricity are a dangerous combination. Ignoring non-IP-rated fittings can lead to:

Electric shock risks from condensation
Burnt wiring inside ceiling roses or junction boxes
Flickering or short-circuits
Fire risk from corroded contacts

Replacing the fittings immediately restores safety and ensures your EICR certificate becomes Satisfactory.

🛠️ How London EICR Certificates Can Help

At London EICR Certificates, our team provides:

Full EICR inspections for landlords and homeowners
Same-day remedial work for failed EICRs
Replacement of non-IP-rated lights
Certified reports valid for 5 years

We operate across Central, East, North, South, and West London, covering areas like Battersea, Chelsea, Fulham, and Canary Wharf.

Whether you’re managing a rental portfolio or upgrading your own flat, we’ll ensure your bathroom lighting is safe and compliant.

👉 Book your EICR remedial work now or call 020 8050 4593 for a quick quote.

🧩 Related Reading

🧠Frequently Asked Questions About Bathroom Lights Failing EICR Tests

1. Why did my bathroom lights fail the EICR test?

Most failures occur because the lights are not IP-rated to withstand moisture. A non-IP-rated light in a bathroom increases the risk of electric shock and is coded C2 – Potentially Dangerous on your EICR report.

2. What does “Non-IP-Rated Bathroom Light” mean?

It means your light fitting isn’t designed to protect against water ingress. Bathroom lights must meet a certain IP (Ingress Protection) rating, usually IP44 or higher, depending on how close they are to water sources.

3. Is a non-IP-rated bathroom light a C2 or C1 fault?

It’s typically recorded as a C2 fault on your EICR – meaning potentially dangerous and requiring urgent remedial action. It isn’t an immediate hazard (C1) but it must be fixed before the installation is deemed satisfactory.

4. Can I still use my bathroom lights if they’re non-IP rated?

You can temporarily, but it’s unsafe long-term. Moisture can reach live parts, leading to corrosion, shocks, or fire risk. It’s best to have a qualified electrician replace them as soon as possible.

5. What IP rating should my bathroom lights have?

Zone 0 (inside bath/shower): IP67 Zone 1 (above bath/shower): IP65 Zone 2 (around bath/basin): IP44 If your light doesn’t meet the rating for its zone, it will fail the EICR.

6. Do all LED bathroom lights need to be IP-rated?

Yes the type of bulb doesn’t matter. Even LED lights must have an appropriate IP-rated fitting to prevent moisture damage and ensure compliance.

7. How much does it cost to fix non-IP-rated bathroom lights in London?

Remedial work to replace non-IP-rated lights usually costs £85–£180, depending on how many fittings need replacement and the level of access.

8. Can I fail an EICR for just one non-IP-rated bathroom light?

Yes even one unsafe fitting can cause a C2 fault, making the overall report unsatisfactory until it’s replaced or upgraded.

9. Can I replace the bathroom lights myself to pass the EICR?

No. It must be done by a qualified electrician who understands bathroom zoning and can certify the installation. DIY work could invalidate your EICR and insurance.

10. How can I prevent EICR failures in the future?

Book regular EICR inspections every 5 years, use IP-rated fittings in bathrooms, and ensure your property has RCD protection.

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