GFCI protection for recess shower light?

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mendownunder

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I was recently rejected by a local inspector for not having a recessed shower light (with shower trim) gfci protected...where in the code does it specifically state this?! :confused:
Code:
 
Re: GFCI protection for recess shower light?

It's actually the way the can is listed. I imagine you've seen 410.4 (D), noticed that recessed can aren't mentioned; but it goes on to mention that "...(lighting fixtures) installed in this zone {8' x 3' from threshold} shall be listed for damp locations, or listed for wet locations where subject to shower spray."

If you look inside the can, or with the documentation that came with the can, you'll find it says that it's suitable when GFCI protected and used with a shower trim.

Sorry bud.
 
Re: GFCI protection for recess shower light?

I have installed many different recessed lights over showers and have yet to run accross one that requires GFCI protection.
 
Re: GFCI protection for recess shower light?

I have never seen this requirement on any recessed light I have used. Juno, Halo, Lightolier. Either way iy is not an NEC requirement.
 
Re: GFCI protection for recess shower light?

I thought this rule only applied to exhaust fans located within the shower space and not to recessed lights with shower trims. Ask your inspector to cite the code section that requires a GFI protected circuit for this purpose. While you're at it - ask him where you're supposed to tap off and come up with GFI protection. If he says that you can come off the bathroom receptacle circuit - then you'll know for sure that he's from outer space and you should contact NASA or some other government agency !!! The only way you can do that, by the way, is if that 20 amp circuit feeds only that bathroom and goes nowhere else from there.
 
Re: GFCI protection for recess shower light?

I have also been cited for this, but after showing the inspector the installation instructions did not require a gfci, he saw the light. When I first questioned this call I was told by the chief inspector that the requirement was under "wet location" it is not. They are requiring this if included in the listing and labeling of the unit. Other than that there is no NEC requirement for this.
 
Re: GFCI protection for recess shower light?

Hey George... thanks to all of you for the great info on the shower can requirement...but...if the can is ABOVE the 8' zone ..(this is a shower stall not a bathtub) does it STILL require GFI protection??
 
Re: GFCI protection for recess shower light?

Negative. But it sounds like your inspector's gonna insist on asking for too much. Depending on what your history is with this guy, I'd just give in. Throw the GFI in the closet, pull a 14-2 line to it, and come back with a 14-2 load to power the light. Junction it all in the can. It'll be faster than arguing this with him, or his boss, and he'd probably hold that against you for a long time.

Rest assured, if your can isn't labeled "Suitable for Shower use with trim #x and GFCI protection", and you're outside the 8' from the threshold, you are right. Have the codebook in your hand, smile real nice, give it a shot. But you can't argue with the man with no eyes...
 
Re: GFCI protection for recess shower light?

Greg...I think that you are right on the "suitable for wet locations" if GFI protected....by the way...it is a "Halo" can...thanks
 
Re: GFCI protection for recess shower light?

Originally posted by georgestolz:
But it sounds like your inspector's gonna insist on asking for too much. Depending on what your history is with this guy, I'd just give in. .

[/QUOTE
That is sad. :roll:
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Re: GFCI protection for recess shower light?

I just looked at several different Halo cans. All say "Suitable for use in wet location when used with shower trim...." No mention of gfci protection whatsoever. Also 410.4 (D) has nothing to do with this situation. George you omitted all the relevant wording when you quoted that section.

[ December 04, 2004, 01:40 PM: Message edited by: electricmanscott ]
 
Re: GFCI protection for recess shower light?

Also 410.4 (D) has nothing to do with this situation. George you omitted all the relevant wording when you quoted that section.
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Mmmkay. Here's what I'm seeing along what I think you're thinking. 410.4 is in Section II of the article, and lo and behold, Recessed Cans are in section XI. Since there's nothing regarding wet locations there, you're clear, right?

Right on. Now let's put that can in a closet. No mention of it in Section XI--but wait, what's this in Section II? 410.8(D)(3), putting stipulations on where I can put that can in my closet.

Again, I use Capri's, so I may have overstepped a touch in stating something along the lines of "all cans are *UL Listed* with a GFCI statement." I do know that when I peer into a Capri can, I see that statement. It's not NEC, other than 410.4 where it mentions lights should be *listed* for a damp or wet location.

Regardless, he's out of the zone. Shouldn't be an issue. Around here, you pick on inspectors, they pick you to death. Unless you're buddies. Then they can be reasoned with. If you point out the code, and the inspector won't go for it, your options diminish. I'd love to dig in and fight, but it really comes down to every house in that AHJ's hood, not just the controversial can.

I think if these two were buddies, he wouldn't have posted, but that's speculative.

Another issue here is, granted, the can is out of the zone. It could be argued that it doesn't even need a shower trim. But when Shirley drops the hydromassage wand, fumbles, sprays herself in the face, hits that hot bulb with the spray, she's covered in broken glass. Still seems like a good idea to put the shower trim on, ey?

That is sad. [[Roll Eyes]]
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I think the GFI'ed can is stupid. That's why I don't voluntarily do it with my Capri's, until the inspector sees it. But I'm not going to risk failing my next six houses (for "1/4 of sheathing not entering box in outlet in living room, conductor 5 7/8" from entrance to box") based on a $10 GFI, either. You don't pick your battles?
 
Re: GFCI protection for recess shower light?

So George even though your can says it must be gfci protected you don't do it unless an inspector makes you? :eek: As for picking my battles If I am right I am right. Whats to battle about? Some people think inspectors are a higher power. I do not. They are people just like you and me. Beleive it or not they can actually learn new things. Just as you and I can learn from them. As for 410.4 (D) the wording is clear and specific to the types of lighting they are referring to. Recessed lights are not part of that.
 
Re: GFCI protection for recess shower light?

Originally posted by georgestolz:
I think the GFI'ed can is stupid. That's why I don't voluntarily do it with my Capri's, until the inspector sees it.
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:eek:
 
Re: GFCI protection for recess shower light?

Originally posted by electricmanscott:
Is the question can you put the receptacle behind the refrigerator?
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Originally posted by iwire:
Yes Scott, I guess that is the question, and I think can pretty much guess what your response will be.

I also locate the outlets behind the refrigerators and will continue to do so until an inspector enforces the code as written.

Just because we have always done it that way does not mean it is code compliant.
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:D :cool:
Gotcha...
 
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