Light fixture in shower

[Frank P. Newman]

I probably overlooked it, but I didn't see the definitions of "wet" and "damp" locations in the code definitions section. Can someone provide tell me where to find those?

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by fnewman

I probably overlooked it, but I didn't see the definitions of "wet" and "damp" locations in the code definitions section. Can someone provide tell me where to find those?

Frank,

Here ya go...

NEC Definitions: from the National Electric Code

Dry Locations: A location not normally subject to dampness or wetness. A location classifi ed as dry may be temporarily subject to damp ness or wetness, as in the case of a building under construction.

Damp Location: Locations protected from weather and not subject to saturation with water or other liquids but subject to moderate degrees of moisture. Examples of such locations include partially protected locations under canopies,marquees, roofed pen porches, and like locations, and interior locations subject to moderated degrees of moisture, such as basements, some barns, and some cold storage buildings.

Wet Locations: Installations underground or in concrete slabs or masonry in direct contact with the earth; in locations subject to saturation with water or other liquids, such as vehicle washing areas; and in unprotected locations exposed to weather.

UL Definitions: from UL Standard Publication 1598

Dry Locations: A location not normally subject to dampness, but may include a location subject to temporary dampness, as in the case of a building under construction, provided ventilation is adequate to prevent an accumulation of moisture.

Damp Location: An exterior or interior location that is normally or periodically subject to condensation of moisture in, on, or adjacent to, electrical equipment, and includes partially protected locations.

Wet Locations: A location in which water or other liquid can drip, splash, or flow on or against electrical equipment. A wet location luminaire shall be constructed to prevent the accumulation of water on live parts, electrical components, or conductors not identified for use in contact with water. A luminaire that permits water to enter the luminaire (during the rain test of Clause 13.5.2 or the sprinkler test of Clause 13.5.3)
shall be provided with a drain hole.

[Frank P. Newman]

Originally Posted by dvalley

Frank,

Damp Location: Locations protected from weather and not subject to saturation with water or other liquids but subject to moderate degrees of moisture. Examples of such locations include partially protected locations under canopies,marquees, roofed pen porches, and like locations, and interior locations subject to moderated degrees of moisture, such as basements, some barns, and some cold storage buildings.

Interesting - so what is a "roofed pen porch"? Are all basements "damp locations" by definition? Mine is as dry as any other area of the house.

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by fnewman

Interesting - so what is a "roofed pen porch"?

I believe they're referring to a "farmers porch"...

Originally Posted by fnewman

Are all basements "damp locations" by definition? Mine is as dry as any other area of the house.

If you've got a dry basement, it's a dry location.
If someone has a damp basement, it's a damp location.

It explicitly states locations that are "subject to moderated degrees of moisture".
They're simply giving examples of locations that could be considered "damp locations".