Exhaust fan above indoor hot tub.

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JohnE

JohnE

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Location
Milford, MA
Is it legal to install an exhaust fan on the wall right above an indoor hot tub? Picture yourself standing in the tub facing the wall. Eye level is an exhaust fan. Put your arm straight out and you are touching it. Sit on the edge of the tub and lean back and you are leaning against it.

680.43(B) addresses luminaires and paddle fans.

680.43(D) addresses bonding of equipment.

Neither of these articles seem to prohibit this install.

So I'm thinking that 110.3(B) would prohibit it if fan is not listed for wet location.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on this situation.

Thanks,

John
 
jwelectric said:
would this be a wet location?????
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IMO, yes as it's only about 2 - 3' above the water of the hot tub. What do you think about the install. Someone in my dept. needs to make a fairly quick decision on this install. I do appreciate any feedback.
 
j_erickson said:
IMO, yes as it's only about 2 - 3' above the water of the hot tub. What do you think about the install. Someone in my dept. needs to make a fairly quick decision on this install. I do appreciate any feedback.
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Don't know about the NEC, but I sure wouldn't want one that close! Too easy to touch, etc.

RG
 
The determining factor is whether or not the fan is installed in a wet location. If so, than it should be listed as such.
 
I think he is crazy to risk his license on this.Technically he might be allowed only because nec did not say he cant.This is when you earn your money.You and most here see the danger.Perhaps you could exsplain this and he will remove it.
 
The other inspector in my dept. is doing this inspection and making the call. He asked me for my opinion. He obviously feels it is unsafe. I told him I wouldn't pass it, based on what I stated in my OP. I'm truly looking for other opinions. Thanks again,

John
 
j_erickson said:
The other inspector in my dept. is doing this inspection and making the call. He asked me for my opinion. He obviously feels it is unsafe. I told him I wouldn't pass it, based on what I stated in my OP. I'm truly looking for other opinions. Thanks again,

John
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He might demand a code number.
 
Jim W in Tampa said:
He might demand a code number.
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I feel it would violate 110.3(B) unless fan is listed for wet location. In which case if fan were listed for wet location I'd say it is code compliant, but a bad idea.
 
I recall a similar issue in RE: bath fans in the shower stall ceiling. A call to either NuTone or Broan (can't remember which) ensured that the 3 models that were available at the supply house are indeed rated for wet/damp locations when GFI protected. I guess the manufacturer will take the liability then. I don't have one in front of me now, but I recall that the fan motor housing was even stamped with this info. I was quite surprised that the fan could even go in this location, much less that it is desired by the architect. I personally think it is stupid, though. (think safety, or mechanically rusted parts)
 
j_erickson said:
I feel it would violate 110.3(B) unless fan is listed for wet location. In which case if fan were listed for wet location I'd say it is code compliant, but a bad idea.
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It might very well meet the requirements but unlikely they had this use in mind.Best way to handle this is have a talk with the EC and homeowner.Then if they dont back down fail it so that there will be a record incase of a problem.You are in a tough spot.Perhaps demand a letter from the mfg.stating this use is ok.Somehow i dont think they will be willing.
 
Thanks again for all the replies. I'm betting that the fans mentioned are only listed for wet location when ceiliing mounted above a shower. I doubt the manufacturer would approve it as wall mounted.

This was not my inspection, it was the other inspector's in my dept. He had to deal with it yesterday, and I think he was going to fail it.

There are a lot of better ways to do this install such as ceiling mount, remote fan, etc., but for whatever reason, the EC chose to wall mount the fan right along the tub.

Thanks again,

John
 
Exhaust fan above hot tub

Exhaust fan above hot tub

I don't install any electrical devices that you can touch from the tub. As I understand the code I think you should not install anything you can reach from sitting or standing in the tub. I have hung chandlers above tubs before but you could not reach it from the tub and on a GFCI circuit. Semper Fi.Buddy.
 
We can't protect people against bad designs that do not violate the NEC and that do not present a personal safety hazard. Does this install do either of those two bad things? I think not. The GFCI rule is there to prevent a personal safety hazard. And I don't know of any NEC article that specifically forbids this install.

I think that 110.3(B) should not be used lightly. It is to vague, at least as far as the homeowner can see. The HO will think you are falling back to the position "I just don't like it and this is the only thing I can find to cite as the reason for failing the install." That article has its place, and I don't think this is it.
 
Brady Electric said:
"I have hung chandlers above tubs before but you could not reach it from the tub and on a GFCI circuit. Semper Fi.Buddy"

If that chantileer was cord connected and hanging on a chain, cord or cable, it wasn't code compliant. 410.4(D) 2005
steve
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