Light fixture in shower

[pdickerson]

As I recall, light fixtures in a shower are required to be damp-proof if lower than 8' off the floor of the shower. This one is under 8'. How do I know if it a damp-proof fixture? Is this OK?

[Bruce A. King]

I would report that it could not be verified as correct for the application.

If you are really concerned, advise not to use the shower until it has been verified or replaced.

[Speedy Petey]

That IS an outdoor (WET location) fixture, and is fine in that application.

http://www.mikeholt.com/newsletters....y&letterID=397

[David P. Valley]

If you can't determine if it's a waterproof fixture, simply call it for an Electrician's evaluation.

"Click to Enlarge"

[Speedy Petey]

David, that graphic is a bit misleading. You ARE allowed a fixture in that area, just not a hanging fixture.
This one is a bit clearer:

[Greg Fretwell]

I know this may not seem right but if you trhink of it, there is not much difference between being in the shower and standing on the front porch in the rain.
I would like to see that GFCI protected but it is just a desire, not a rule.

[Marc D. Shunk]

Seems like lately I've noticed a label on a lot of exterior weatherproof fixtures that say "exterior use only". That fixture pictured has a bit of age on it, so I'm nearly certain that it doesn't feature that label. Some modern outdoor fixtures are coming through that way now, however.

[Greg Fretwell]

Maybe I should go look at the jelly yars in my attic.

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by Greg Fretwell

Maybe I should go look at the jelly yars in my attic.

That brings back a flashback for me.

I wired a home in which the owner ran out of money for fixtures, but still wanted a final inspection. Every sidemount light ended up being jelly jar fixtures, and every overhead light or fan ended up being a keyless. That was one funny looking house. It was near 4,000 square feet and 3 stories. I bet I put a case of keyless lampholders in that house.

[Greg Fretwell]

That was a question at an IAEI meeting I was at and it was more than half that said a blanked off box was "a lighting outlet". Most agreed you needed a real light in places where they are required by other articles but the glaring exception seemed to be the switch operated light in a room if everyone (builder, inspector, H/O) agreed the customer was going to install their own luminaire. I still voted with those who said the only way I would do this is if they had a switched receptacle.
An unqualified person still needs to be able to get a light in that room. I agreed with your keyless or perhaps even a 5-15 in a round cover on the ceiling.

That's when I invented the "quick light" fast change ceiling box/luminaire system but it never went anywhere, mostly because of my inactivity.

[jlybolt]

For some reason I thought the wall switch had to be a certain distance from the tub or shower enclosure. But these diagrams dont show that. Was this a rule of thumb in the past?

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by jlybolt

For some reason I thought the wall switch had to be a certain distance from the tub or shower enclosure. But these diagrams dont show that. Was this a rule of thumb in the past?

No code requirement for switches outside the shower area. Not allowed within the shower enclosure.

"Click to Enlarge"

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Factually.......the fixture shown would be fine I guess under existing standards because they codes are not retroactive...However it is important to note that if you guys are inspecting NEW construction be aware of the listing requirement below:

(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."

(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas.

No parts of cordconnected
luminaires (fixtures), chain-, cable-, or cordsuspended-
luminaires (fixtures), 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
zone directly over the tub or shower stall. Luminaires
(lighting fixtures) located in this zone shall be listed for
damp locations, or listed for wet locations where subject to
shower spray.

[William C. Martin]

(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."

(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas.

No parts of cordconnected
luminaires (fixtures), chain-, cable-, or cordsuspended-
luminaires (fixtures), 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
zone directly over the tub or shower stall. Luminaires
(lighting fixtures) located in this zone shall be listed for
damp locations, or listed for wet locations where subject to
shower spray.

[/quote]


To any of the Sparky Corps:

Do you have a reference for above. Local AHJ, Sparky, Realtor and I are in a discussion on this subject.

Thanks much

Bill

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by wmartin

To any of the Sparky Corps:

Do you have a reference for above. Local AHJ, Sparky, Realtor and I are in a discussion on this subject.

Thanks much

Bill

National Electrical Code Article #410 – Lighting Fixtures, Lampholders, Lamps, and Receptacles


#410-4 Luminaires (Fixtures) in Specifi c Locations

a) Wet and Damp Locations.

Luminaires (fixtures) installed in wet or damp locations
shall be installed so that water cannot enter or ac cu mu late
in wiring compartments, lampholders, or other electrical parts.
All luminaires (fixtures) installed in wet locations shall be
marked, “Suitable for Wet Locations”. All luminaires (fi xtures)
installed in damp locations shall be marked, “Suitable for
Damp Locations”.

410.4(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas

No parts of cord-connected luminaires (fixtures), chain, cable, or cord suspended luminaires (fixtures), 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 zone directly over the tub or shower stall. Luminaires (lighting fixtures) located in this zone shall be listed for damp locations, or listed for wet locations where subject to shower spray.

Handbook Commentary:

A revision of 410.4(D) simply clarifies that securely fastened luminaires installed in or on the ceiling or wall are permitted to be located in the bathtub or shower area. Where they are subject to shower spray, the luminaires must be listed for a wet location. Luminaires installed in the tub or shower zone and not subject to shower spray are required to be listed for use in a damp location.

The intent of 410.4(D) is to keep cord-connected, chain-hanging, or pendant luminaires and suspended fans out of the reach of an individual standing on a bathtub rim. The list of prohibited items recognizes that the same risk of electric shock is present for each one.