Fixtures over tub

Status
Not open for further replies.
P

pwrguy333

Member
Location
Payson, Arizona
I have been told I have to use a damp location fixture over a tub if the fixture is within 3 feet of the tub. Our town uses the 2002 NEC. I have read the old posts and still don't fully understand what makes a fixture on the ceiling 2 feet away from the tub a damp location? 410-4 seems to be about types of fixtures you can not use, not content of moisture in the air. Also, as a side note how would you define a "hanging light"? Any help appreciated.
 
pwrguy333 said:
I have been told I have to use a damp location fixture over a tub if the fixture is within 3 feet of the tub. Our town uses the 2002 NEC. I have read the old posts and still don't fully understand what makes a fixture on the ceiling 2 feet away from the tub a damp location? 410-4 seems to be about types of fixtures you can not use, not content of moisture in the air. Also, as a side note how would you define a "hanging light"? Any help appreciated.
Click to expand...

I am not sure of the 2002 but 2005 says it must be listed for damp location unless it is subject to spray.

A hanging light is a fixture that is not attacked directly to the ceiling.

The code is what makes the area a damp location. I am assuming that the concept of steam from the shower head or tub will rise and affect an area within 3' of the tub.

Just put 2 recessed cans in over the tub. If there is a shower you will have to use shower trims otherwise just use open trims. Halo and Juno are suitable for damp location.
 
pwrguy333 said:
I have been told I have to use a damp location fixture over a tub if the fixture is within 3 feet of the tub. Our town uses the 2002 NEC. I have read the old posts and still don't fully understand what makes a fixture on the ceiling 2 feet away from the tub a damp location? 410-4 seems to be about types of fixtures you can not use, not content of moisture in the air. Also, as a side note how would you define a "hanging light"? Any help appreciated.
Click to expand...

Last sentence of 410.4 which doesn't appear in the 2002 NEC:
*Luminaires (lighting fixtures) located in this zone shall be listed for damp locations, or listed for wet locations where subject to shower spray.*

This is a case where the 2005 isn't in force in your jurisdiction but it still contains information that helps to understand the requirement which preceeded 2005.

"Also, as a side note how would you define a "hanging light"?"

Look at the picture on page 495 of the 2005Handbook

David
 
In the 2002 code 410.4(D) does not require the fixtures within the zone to be rated as anything , it excluded cord connected , track, pendant fixtures and paddel fans from the 3'x8' zone. 410.4(A) was were the requirement for fixtures in wet and damp locations were found.
 
interesting..I am putting in 2 can lights over Jacuzzi tub and one in the shower..they are rated for wet locations with frenzel trims (glass), sealed fixtures..the code is the minimum standard not always the best way to do job..if you are in 2 person tub and frolicking around ans splash water up on hot light and bulb explodes pieces fall into the tub with occupants..frolicing is finished and hospital visit might insue..pieces of glass go through pumping system and they have major repair and why..because we installed just what was required by code..
 
Wow..too funny

Wow..too funny

OK, it sounds like the short answer is that the 2002 code does not define that area as a damp location. Unfortunately I don't have a 2005 handbook because I don't work anywhere where it is required yet, so I can't look at the pictures. Also, unfortunately I already have a ceiling box, and don't care for the idea of putting a can in when I just installed what the plan called for. Oh well, thanks for the help
 
From what I've heard the requirement for a damp location fixture within 3' of the tub has been removed from the 2008 NEC.
 
infinity said:
From what I've heard the requirement for a damp location fixture within 3' of the tub has been removed from the 2008 NEC.
Click to expand...

Yes this section has been reworded in the 2008 NEC.

Here is what the new section says:

(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas. No parts of cordconnected
luminaires, chain-, cable-, or cord-suspended luminaires,
lighting track, pendants, or ceiling-suspended
(paddle) fans shall be located within a zone measured
900 mm (3 ft) horizontally and 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically from the
top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. This zone is
all encompassing and includes the space directly over the tub
or shower stall. Luminaires located within the actual outside
dimension of the bathtub or shower to a height of 2.5 m (8 ft)
vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower threshold
shall be marked for damp locations, or marked for wet locations
where subject to shower spray.
Click to expand...

Chris
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top