Track lighting over shower area

[chris1971]

I thought people would enjoy this one I saw today while doing a service call to work on something unrelated. I was replacing a bad bathroom GFCI receptacle when I noticed a 6' piece of track lighting used to light up the toilet, vanity and yes right into the bathtub area. The ceiling is an 8' ceiling and they have three pendants attached to the track the one pendant over the tub hangs down in the tub area about 6 1/2' from the floor. The pendants are low voltage 12 volts. The track is 120 volts.

Sorry the picture is sideways.

 

[mxslick]

Is the track on a gfci Circuit? It had better be...

I am wondering if this is really a violation (my gut reaction since the pendant is LV is to say no) but it is not a good idea..who's to say a 120volt pendant won't show up soon?

I do think the overall height of the pendant, even though it is LV makes it a no-no though...

 

[raider1]

Is the track on a gfci Circuit? It had better be...

I am wondering if this is really a violation (my gut reaction since the pendant is LV is to say no) but it is not a good idea..who's to say a 120volt pendant won't show up soon?

I do think the overall height of the pendant, even though it is LV makes it a no-no though...

Take a look at 410.10(D). That track lighting head does not look to be over 8' above the threshold of the shower.

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.

Chris

 

[mxslick]

Thanks Chris, I thought the height was the main problem here.

So with the 6'2" the op mentioned, it's def a violation!

And with an 8; ceiling, there is no luminare that can be installed on that track and be compliant.

 

[chris1971]

Also, track should not be installed in a tub/shower area.

 

[mcclary's electrical]

Also, track should not be installed in a tub/shower area.

code ref please

 

[weressl]

Is the track on a gfci Circuit? It had better be...

I am wondering if this is really a violation (my gut reaction since the pendant is LV is to say no) but it is not a good idea..who's to say a 120volt pendant won't show up soon?

I do think the overall height of the pendant, even though it is LV makes it a no-no though...

If its on GFCI then it will just keep tripping anytime when somebody showers. See the speakers too.....

Seen a 'lovely' idea the other day. This was a remodel of an old condo/townhouse. Small bathrooms. So the remodeler had the 'brilliant' idea to put up a half wall partition into one of the bedrooms that gives privacy, but does not go all of the way up to the celing. So one half of the space remains a bedroom with celing fans, tracklights, etc. and he installs a garden-tub on the other side with waterjet massage features and a sink. Didn't see exhaust fans either.

 

[chris1971]

Going from my 2005 NEC book, (sorry the 2008 is in my truck and I'm to lazy to go get it.) I would say, 410.4 (D) for the track installed in this particular situation.

 

[mcclary's electrical]

Going from my 2005 NEC book, (sorry the 2008 is in my truck and I'm to lazy to go get it.) I would say, 410.4 (D) for the track installed in this particular situation.

You are correct, going from memory, I had forgotten (or never knew) that lighting track made that list.

 

[chris1971]

Its hard to remember all the code requirements. Let alone my first name. LOL.

 

[mxslick]

Its hard to remember all the code requirements. Let alone my first name. LOL.

Yep, that's why I fall into the trap on here sometimes too. :grin:

 

[ty]

If it is low voltage, then putting it on a GFCI will acomplish nothing as far as protection on the 12v side.

 

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

If it is low voltage, then putting it on a GFCI will acomplish nothing as far as protection on the 12v side.

Which it doesn't need. If each head has it's own transformer, then each head is it's own SDS and has no reference to ground. So... lather up and hand the soap on a rope from one of them because there is no danger to the occupant.

 

[sparks2000]

What if the electrician put a wall sconce next to the shower but still in

shower zone (3 ft horizantal and 8ft vert)? Would that be OK, because I see

it done like that a lot...

 

[Ragin Cajun]

As a kid I got the @#$%^& shocked outta me by a speaker!

The speakers don't need to be there as well.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

What if the electrician put a wall sconce next to the shower but still in

shower zone (3 ft horizantal and 8ft vert)? Would that be OK, because I see

it done like that a lot...

It is okay in the area of the tub as long as the fixture is rated damp location (for a tub) and if it has a shower then it must be rated wet location.