Is any type of hanging light fixture allowed to be installed directly over a bath tub? I read 410.10(D). Reason I am asking is I am wiring a new home for a customer and am being told that the home they had built 5 years ago had a hanging pendant over their garden tub. The fixture was installed and present at the final inspection and it passed. I always install recessed lighting over tubs. Is there some exception I am missing? Thanks
Bath tub space
- Thread starter nizak
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- Location
- Placerville, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Retired PV System Designer
1. Well, a garden (?) tub might not by itself define a space which can be designated as a bathroom, so pool rather than tub rules might apply. Is this outdoors, and what is surrounding it?
2. There is a limit on how low above the floor of the tub/bathroom the fixture could hang. Regardless of specific code language, I would not want it low enough that anyone standing in the tub or alongside the tub could reach it without some sort of step stool or ladder.
3. It might not even be necessary for the fixture to be rated for damp area use if there is no ceiling to collect moist air at the level of the fixture. Unlike a shower, you would not be worried about spray or splash that high.
- Location
- Placerville, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Retired PV System Designer
It is also possible that the fixture was changed, either by owner or trade, after the inspection.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
A hanging fixture would be permitted if it were outside of the 3' X 8' zone from section 410.10(D).
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
I my experience many inspectors as well as ec's are not aware of this code article. I have seen it allowed and if you look at those home magazines they show it all the time.
I agree with Trevor- if it is outside the zone then it is not an issue
I agree with Trevor- if it is outside the zone then it is not an issue
goldstar
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
From what I remember if the bottom of the hanging fixture is not lower than 8' it is permitted. So, if you have a 9 or 10' ceiling or a vaulted ceiling it might work. I believe the intent is so that if you're in the tub and you slip you don't grab onto the light fixture for support. I once installed wall sconces in a tub area but because they were just outside the footprint of the tub (floor to ceiling) it was allowed. I'll try to find the Code section and post it.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
This is true but the measurement would be from the top of the tub rim (sides) . This is possibly but you don't often see a bath area that large.
A tub is at least 2' then you need another 8' plus the fixture- probably another 2'--- that leaves a minimum of a 12' ceiling. Of course a garden tub is often higher but they also can be sunken down into the floor.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Seems like many home improvement shows love the chandelier over the tub. FWIW some of those are filmed in Canada.
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