gfci protecting bath lights

[corona]

There does not appear to be anything in the code pertaining to the protecting of light fixtures in a bathroom with a GFCI outlet. It has been a pet peave of various inspectors to either have the lights protected or to specifically not have them protected. Any thoughts?

 

[dave81]

Re: gfci protecting bath lights

I would have to say that the code is bare minimum requirements and that we have to make things homeowner proof, so my rule of thumb is anything within 3ft out and 8 ft up from the water surface I protect.

 

[mjf]

Re: gfci protecting bath lights

I prefer to not protect bath lights(unless over tub/shower), because when hair dryer gets dropped into sink and gfci trips it could be dangerous to be suddenly in the dark!!!!!!!

 

[pierre]

Re: gfci protecting bath lights

I say that if electric is to be installed in a bathroom, remove the sink, shower, tub and toilet. Then there is no need for GFCI protection!

Pierre

 

[electricman2]

Re: gfci protecting bath lights

You would only have to remove the sink. Without a basin it no longer meets the definition of bathroom.

 

[iwire]

Re: gfci protecting bath lights

I believe there are some bath fan/light/heat units that specify GFCI protection, in that case you do not have much of a choice.

 

[mjf]

Re: gfci protecting bath lights

The exhaust fan/light I just roughed in stated " must be gfci protected if installed over tub/shower". It's in the center of the bathroom and not over the tub, so I'm not gfci protecting it.

 

[justin]

Re: gfci protecting bath lights

i beleive there is also a beleif by some electricians that if the lighting outlets are GFCI protected, that allows them to be placed within the 3'x8' space of a bathtub or shower but i haven't been able to find anything in the 02 code that allows that, any comments?

 

[tom baker]

Re: gfci protecting bath lights

A light can be installed in the tub space but it has to be listed for the application. GFCI may be required by the instructions. In my new bath I installed a light over the tub, I went ahead and put on GFCI, but I have other lights in that bath that are not on the GFCI.

[ March 10, 2004, 02:37 PM: Message edited by: tom baker ]

 

[jimwalker]

Re: gfci protecting bath lights

The last thing i would want to see is the light going off while i am in the shower.Just think what could be the out come of that

 

[pierre]

Re: gfci protecting bath lights

Jim
I would think just the opposite, that you would not want to see

Pierre

 

[jimwalker]

Re: gfci protecting bath lights

LOL