Junction box allowed in shower ceiling?

[mopowr steve]

This is the code section I was referencing. I don't know if there is a jbox restriction in the NEC, but it seems logical based on this. At minimum, IMHO, the jbox and cover should be wet rated.

410.10 Luminaires in Specific Locations.
(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas. No parts of cord connected
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.

This is got me thinking once.
In reguard to exhaust fans or fixtures which the NEC says nothing about GFCI protection for but manufacturers do, is that typically in the the instructions wil says above tub/shower. Do you think that the instructions follow the footprint as defined in NEC or do you think more as the true footprint proper of the tub or shower?

 

[roger]

A J box is no problem but, what about this?

Roger

 

[ActionDave]

A J box is no problem but, what about this?

Roger

Keep your arms close to your sides

 

[augie47]

Keep your arms close to your sides

at least they left the enclosures exposed and the lid up so you would have somewhere to sit your bar of soap.

 

[Adamjamma]

looks like my last apartment in georgia

 

[kwired]

This is got me thinking once.
In reguard to exhaust fans or fixtures which the NEC says nothing about GFCI protection for but manufacturers do, is that typically in the the instructions wil says above tub/shower. Do you think that the instructions follow the footprint as defined in NEC or do you think more as the true footprint proper of the tub or shower?

Unless more detailed in instructions is an interpretation issue.

 

[FionaZuppa]

Wet location rating only required if subject to shower spray, otherwise damp location rating is acceptable, should apply to luminaires as well as other items.

It's another area in NEC that needs re-wording. Even with min venting in rooms that have showers, a hot "steamy" shower essentially makes the whole room a "damp" location, yet you don't use damp rated stuff much of anywhere in a room that has shower.

A room that has lots of hot misty moisture usually creeps into every place it can, and as soon as the room evacuates all the wet air (assumed by ventilating) the temp drops and the water will condense wherever it is contained.

But how many incidents are on record for being zapped by the AC while in a room with tub and/or shower where the culprit was a jbox or fixture?

 

[kwired]

It's another area in NEC that needs re-wording. Even with min venting in rooms that have showers, a hot "steamy" shower essentially makes the whole room a "damp" location, yet you don't use damp rated stuff much of anywhere in a room that has shower.

A room that has lots of hot misty moisture usually creeps into every place it can, and as soon as the room evacuates all the wet air (assumed by ventilating) the temp drops and the water will condense wherever it is contained.

But how many incidents are on record for being zapped by the AC while in a room with tub and/or shower where the culprit was a jbox or fixture?

Yet outside of direct shower spray situations, most places where I see much for moisture troubles is usually where there is no exhaust fan or the one that is there isn't normally being used.

 

[Coppersmith]

But how many incidents are on record for being zapped by the AC while in a room with tub and/or shower where the culprit was a jbox or fixture?

Or even the light switch?

 

[Stevenfyeager]

Unless more detailed in instructions is an interpretation issue.

I remember seeing a drawing some 20 years ago showing a 3 foot horizontal clearance between the edge of a tub and a ceiling fixture. (if the height was less than 8 ft) In a book or an Elec class.... Does anyone recall seeing this?

 

[kwired]

I remember seeing a drawing some 20 years ago showing a 3 foot horizontal clearance between the edge of a tub and a ceiling fixture. (if the height was less than 8 ft) In a book or an Elec class.... Does anyone recall seeing this?

1993 NEC has similar requirement as in 2014, but more has been added since 1993.

1993 410-4(d): Pendants.
No parts of cord connected fixtures, hanging fixtures, or pendants shall be located within a zone measured 3 feet(914mm) horizontally and 8 feet (2.44m) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim. This zone is all encompassing and includes the zone directly over the tub.



2104 410.10(D):Bathtub and shower areas.
No parts of cord connected 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.