GFI protection for recessed light over jacuzzi tub?

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DEC01

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I am doing a residential remodel that calls for a couple of recessed lights over a jacuzzi tub. I think The lighting circuit that feeds these lights is required to be GFI protected but I can't find it in the code. Am I thinking of a code article that doesn't exist?
 
GFI protection only applies to receptacles (other than 210.52(C)-boat hoists), unless there is a listing requirement in the light or there is a local Code amendment.
 
DEC01 said:
I am doing a residential remodel that calls for a couple of recessed lights over a jacuzzi tub. I think The lighting circuit that feeds these lights is required to be GFI protected but I can't find it in the code. Am I thinking of a code article that doesn't exist?
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See 680.43 (B)
 
It's basically a regular looking bath tub with a pump motor (120V 13.5 amp) for water jet therapy. No heater accessory kit installed. It's installed in a master bathroom in place of a standard bath tub. The lights are considerred low voltage but are fed with a 120V switchleg with an integral transformer. They have a 50Watt MR-16 lamp and will be trimmed with a "shower trim"
 
DEC01 said:
Am I thinking of a code article that doesn't exist?
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Why did you think one did exist?

IMO myths and legends can very easily become law of the land. By mearly bringing up the topic - some inspector somewhere now thinks there is some code like that - he is going to make some convincing statements to a few others. They will in-turn do the same at some code seminar - next thing you know someone giving the seminar will be teaching people that there is. Some debate will happen as to whether there is a code or not, and low and behold there will be one some day soon. Meanwhile - beware of the butterfly effect of even asking the question...... ;) Since you asked the question thinking there was a code for such a thing means we are already half-way there to actually having one. Please do all you can to reverse this by telling EVERYONE that will lend an ear that there is not, and that there should not be a code requiring anything of the sort. Or even remotely of the sort.

Please say, "a bath tub is not a pool" 10X's :D
 
j_erickson said:
Most guys in my area call a hydromassage tub a "jacuzzi". And a spa or hot tub a "hot tub". I guess we need to know which he is referring to.
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Totally dissagree a jacuzzi by me (and I live in a resort area where every house has a swimming pool hot tub and tennis court) is a hot tub. 40-60 2pole piped and gfci protected. Disco and gen use outlet . Cha -Ching!
 
shock hazard

shock hazard

Don't you have to have a GFI protected receptacle within so many feet of a sink? The reason is so someone won't get killed right? So you are telling me someone can stand up in tub full of water and turn on a light and the light doesn't have to be GFI protected? My suggestion is if it is not a code requirement, I would put one in for my piece of mind. Imagine a child in the tub turning on the light.
 
smkdeb123 said:
My suggestion is if it is not a code requirement, I would put one in for my piece of mind. Imagine a child in the tub turning on the light.
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Well you would be wrong. Why would turning on a light switch pose any danger? Why would it be any different if it were a child or an adult? Receptacles must be GFCI protected because equipment that is plugged in to the recep. usually have cords and possible exposed parts esp. if it falls in the water. We cannot control the cords that may be frayed but a switch is a different animal. :smile:

Back to an older discussion I contend that the switch can be directly over the tub as long as there is no shower .
 
switch

switch

Have you ever turned on a light switch and seen the flash as the contacts are made? Imagine if your hands are wet while you are in the tub, soapy water makes a great conductor. The code is the bare minimum you have to do. Just because the code doesn't tell you have to have it GFI protected doesn't mean you can't. I would err on the side of caution. Maybe thats just me.
 
I have never installed a wall light in a shower but I would most likely GFCI protect it as well ,.. I have installed non protected above tub/ showers though ,.. I lose about as much sleep over that as I do when I wire non GFCI protected outside lights.
 
j_erickson said:
Most guys in my area call a hydromassage tub a "jacuzzi". And a spa or hot tub a "hot tub". I guess we need to know which he is referring to.
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quogueelectric said:
Totally dissagree a jacuzzi by me (and I live in a resort area where every house has a swimming pool hot tub and tennis court) is a hot tub. 40-60 2pole piped and gfci protected. Disco and gen use outlet . Cha -Ching!
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So you disagree that guys in my area call a hydro tub jacuzzi?:wink::grin:
 
smkdeb123 said:
Have you ever turned on a light switch and seen the flash as the contacts are made? Imagine if your hands are wet while you are in the tub, soapy water makes a great conductor. The code is the bare minimum you have to do. Just because the code doesn't tell you have to have it GFI protected doesn't mean you can't. I would err on the side of caution. Maybe thats just me.
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I can not even count how many times I have been dripping wet and turn on a switch in my bathroom and I have never been worried about it. As long as the cover is on you can not touch any energized parts.
 
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