Shower Lights

[wire nut]

Folks,

Are there any NEC issues regrading installation of a shower light directly above the tub? The tub is a tub, not a hot tub or a jacuzzi or swimming pool. The shower light bezel is from Halo and is rated as a shower light and the housing can is of an air tight construction. No light switches within 5 feet of the tub and the light will be activated by the main ceiling light switch.

Any information would be greating appreciated.

John

[ August 08, 2003, 04:39 PM: Message edited by: wire nut ]

 

[pwhite]

Re: Shower Lights

try nec 2002 article 410.4(d) - restricted zone

3 ft from the edge of the tub & 8 ft from the top of the tub rim or shower stall threshold to the light. this is not the exact wording.

hope this helps

 

[usmcray]

Re: Shower Lights

If the light is rated for damp or wet locations it doesn't have to be 8 feet above shower.

 

[BAHTAH]

Re: Shower Lights

410.4(D) Does not restrict the use of a recessed fixture with a shower trim above a bathtub. A listed surface or recessed fixture would be allowed. The restriction is for Pendant fixtures, Track lighting and Paddle fans. Switches only have to be located outside the tub, there is no code distance requirement from the tub 404.4. The 3ft restricted zone from the edge of the tub does not apply to switches.

 

[pierre]

Re: Shower Lights

John

To add to what Grant has to say, building codes might have something more to say about this type of installation. As far as the NEC, Grant has said all that is needed to be said.

Pierre

 

[wire nut]

Re: Shower Lights

Folks, Thanks for the information... The light trim is shower/wet/damp location rated.

Have a nice day...
John
New Jersey

 

[gregory]

Re: Shower Lights

The question is, is the ceiling above the tub considered a wet or damp location. If you look at the requirements for bath tubs and showers for trailers and recreational vehicles it says that you need to have a listed shower light. I think that this also applies to homes. If you look at the definition for damp locations it says areas indoors subject to moderate levels of moisture are damp locations. As such you should use a fixture suitable for damp locations. Most towns do require this.

II. Luminaire (Fixture) Locations
410.4 Luminaires (Fixtures) in Specific Locations.
(A) Wet and Damp Locations. Luminaires (fixtures) installed in wet or damp locations shall be installed so that water cannot enter or accumulate in wiring compartments, lampholders, or other electrical parts. All luminaires (fixtures) installed in wet locations shall be marked, ?Suitable for Wet Locations.? All luminaires (fixtures) installed in damp locations shall be marked, ?Suitable for Wet Locations? or ?Suitable for Damp Locations.?