18" outside of shower rule?

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Chris6245

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OK. Today one of my guys failed a final because a fan/light combo was within 18" of the "shower space" and not GFCI protected (outside of shower by the way). I have left a message for the inspector to supply me with the code section that he is failing us on and have yet to hear back. I have searched and can not find any such code. This is a NON dwelling unit (office bathroom). I may be wrong but I have also never heard of such a code. Any help with a code section here? If it even exists..

Thank you in advance
 
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Is the fan/light combo listed for installation in a damp location?

410.4(D) requires that luminaires installed within the shower zone be listed for use in a damp location or a wet location if subject to shower spray.

As for the GFCI requirement, does the installation instruction require that the fan/light combo be GFCI protected if installed within 18" of a shower area? There is no NEC requirement other than 110.3(B) that would require a fan/light combo to be GFCI protected.

Chris
 
The fan/light combo has a sticker that says approved for installation ABOVE a shower or tub when GFCI protected. This fan/light is not above the shower space as I see it. It is within 18" of the edge of the shower enclosure but not "within" the shower.
 
Chris6245 said:
The fan/light combo has a sticker that says approved for installation ABOVE a shower or tub when GFCI protected. This fan/light is not above the shower space as I see it. It is within 18" of the edge of the shower enclosure but not "within" the shower.
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Point that out to the inspector and politely explain that the fan/light is not above the shower, but adjacent to the shower.:)

Chris
 
raider1 said:
Point that out to the inspector and politely explain that the fan/light is not above the shower, but adjacent to the shower.:)

Chris
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I have done just that. I am waiting on his reply. I was only asking in here because I thought there may have been a code that I have yet to run into. As for 410.4 (D) I don't see where that even could apply to a fan/light combo?
 
Chris6245 said:
I have done just that. I am waiting on his reply. I was only asking in here because I thought there may have been a code that I have yet to run into. As for 410.4 (D) I don't see where that even could apply to a fan/light combo?
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Are you under the 2002 or the 2005 NEC?

If you are under the 2005 NEC take a look at the last sentence of 410.4(D) this states that luminares installed in a shower zone (3 ft horizontal and 8 ft vertical from the shower stall threshhold) must be listed for damp locations or wet locations if subject to shower spray.

Chris
 
raider1 said:
Are you under the 2002 or the 2005 NEC?

If you are under the 2005 NEC take a look at the last sentence of 410.4(D) this states that luminares installed in a shower zone (3 ft horizontal and 8 ft vertical from the shower stall threshhold) must be listed for damp locations or wet locations if subject to shower spray.

Chris
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We are in 2005...and as I read 410.4(d) it only talks about cord connected,chain,cable or cord suspended or pendant or paddle fans...nowhere does it say recessed fan/light hardwired? Or am I missing something?
 
Sorry...If I were to read the actuall code and not your statement I see where it mentions just luminares in this zone... But that section does not require it to be GFCI protected it only requires it to be damp or wet location rated. Now with the 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet virt. from the shower threashold and I have a 8'6" ceiling height that still will not come into play for even needing to be damp or wet location rated...right?
 
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Chris6245 said:
Sorry...If I were to read the actuall code and not your statement I see where it mentions just luminares in this zone... But that section does not require it to be GFCI protected it only requires it to be damp or wet location rated. Now with the 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet virt. from the shower threashold and I have a 8'6" ceiling height that still will not come into play for even needing to be damp or wet location rated...right?
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GFCI protection is not required by the NEC even if the unit were installed in the shower. The manufacturer of the fan might require GFCI protection if installed over the shower or tub. The only requirement for your installation is that it be rated for a damp location since it's within the 8'x3' shower/tub zone.
 
M. D. said:
8'6 is more than eight feet and your vent/light does not need to be damp or wet rated.
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Wouldn't that mean that the shower basin edge has to be less than 6"?
 
Chris6245 said:
It's only 4"
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Then Mike was correct, the 8'6" ceiling eliminates any requirement that may have applied to installations within the tub zone. Well done Mike.:wink:
 
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