Shower Light

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ashtrak

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Gents: Can I put a recessed fixture in a shower,if allowed I guess there would be a "shower trim", or would it be a different fixture all together. GFI protected? Thanks...
 
Not an easy question to answer.
First, is the fixture listed for damp location?
Second, does the manufacturer specify the circuit be GFI protected?
How close will it be to the highest posible water level?
If you will be using the GFI circuit, does it feed any other bathrooms? If so you may not use it for the light.
I've been here before and these are the answers I got.
The picture I'm painting uses a lot of Gray!
Actually, there's just a bunch of question to answer to answer just one question.
 
Look at 410-4D. If fixture is listed for wet locations where subject to shower spray.

Make sure you usea listed type trim listed for use in showers.
check to see Wheather or Not Recessed light Manufactour requires GFCI protection.
Light can not be connected to A GFCI circuit feeding other Bathrooms unless it is part of another circuit that is not a part of 20 amp circuit required for bathrooms.

Make sure that they Recessed light housing and trim are from same manufactour . Do use a trim from 1 company and rough housing from another this will void the UL listing.
 
For a shower light GFCI protection is most likely not required. The fixture may be of a damp location type if it's not subject to shower spray. That is a very subjective interpretation. IMO most shower fixtures mounted in an typical 8' ceiling, above the shower will not be subject to shower spray. Again this is a call for the AHJ to decide. Or you could play it safe and simply install a wet location fixture. However this may limit your style choices and the amount of light that you'll have in the shower. Most shower lights use lower wattage lamps.
 
ashtrak said:
Gents: Can I put a recessed fixture in a shower,if allowed I guess there would be a "shower trim", or would it be a different fixture all together. GFI protected? Thanks...
Click to expand...

IMO....If the vertical distance from the top of the shower threshold to the lowest part of the light fixture is more than 8'-0" you can generally [excluding track lighting.. IMO (410.101(C)(3)] use any type fixture than you want [410.4(D)] 2005NEC.
If the distance is less than 8'-0" you must use a fixture rated (by the manufacturer) for damp locations. Most recessed cans that I use meet this requirement if you use a shower trim.
If there is a chance that the fixture will be subject to shower spray you should use a fixture rated (by the manufacturer) for wet location.
If the walls of the shower stall go all the way to the ceiling, I would use a fixture rated for wet location regardless the distance.
GFI protection is not necessary unless required by the manufacturer.
I always use a fixture rated for damp locations (at least) regardless of the height if it's above the shower (ever took a hot shower in a cold bathroom?)
The NEC is a minimum. A good installation may require more.
just my 2 cents.
steve
 
hillbilly said:
IMO....If the vertical distance from the top of the shower threshold to the lowest part of the light fixture is more than 8'-0" you can generally [excluding track lighting.. IMO (410.101(C)(3)] use any type fixture than you want [410.4(D)] 2005NEC.
If the distance is less than 8'-0" you must use a fixture rated (by the manufacturer) for damp locations. Most recessed cans that I use meet this requirement if you use a shower trim.
If there is a chance that the fixture will be subject to shower spray you should use a fixture rated (by the manufacturer) for wet location.
If the walls of the shower stall go all the way to the ceiling, I would use a fixture rated for wet location regardless the distance.
GFI protection is not necessary unless required by the manufacturer.
I always use a fixture rated for damp locations (at least) regardless of the height if it's above the shower (ever took a hot shower in a cold bathroom?)
The NEC is a minimum. A good installation may require more.
just my 2 cents.
steve
Click to expand...

I agree, but I would add that any fixture can be installed if it's outside of the tub zone as outlined in 410.4(D). This would include track lighting, pendants, ceiling fans, etc.
 
Sower Can Fixture

Sower Can Fixture

I just roughed a 5,500 sq. ft. house in the mountains of Southern California. The San Diego County Inspector was quite adamant that the can MUST be rated for a WET LOCATION, and that a WET LOCATION trim on a standard can was not acceptable. Again, trim and can MUST be from the same manufacturer to pass his inspection.
 
Halo has several recessed cans that are UL wet location listed shower lights depending on the lens specified. The fixture cut sheet will state that the fixture is a "shower light". I recommend using Halo #H280ICL 70PS. I hope this helps.
 
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