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Joined: Oct 2000
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This new upscale home has recessed lights directly above the shower and the tub. However, there is also a ceiling at least ten feet high. Would you require the light trims to be of the enclosed "shower" type?

- renosteinke
[Linked Image]

Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 806
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Yes. Even if the Code is not clear on the point, it is very likely for water splash from the shower to hit the hot bulb and break it, with some very unpleasant results for the person under it.


Stupid should be painful.
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,803
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Reno, thats gotta be the worst grouting I ever saw. And 10 ft. is well within range of a showerspray.

Alan


Wood work but can't!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 89
D
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My light fixture is 3' from the shower and it still gets a lot of moisture from the hot water. One above, regardless of ceiling height, would need a shower trim.

Joined: Jan 2005
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Cat Servant
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Alan, I should have explained....the shower has not had tile set as yet, nor has the shower pan been formed. The home is still under construction; the floors haven't been done, either.

Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,233
H
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I think that a shower trim would be the best thing for a light however sec. 410.4(D) (2002) NEC says...8' vertical from the top of the bath tub rim or shower stall threshold. So that means in my eyes that this install might be in OK as per the NEC.

Joined: Jan 2005
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Cat Servant
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Just for the sake of this discussion...

1) Is there any other area of the NEC that discuss lights above, say, tubs? When does the light have to be enclosed, or GFI protected?

and

2) Would replacing the reflector bulb with an outdoor "PAR" bulb meet the requirements?

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 91
G
Member
I believe that style baffle and a regular R-30 are rated for damp locations.

As for the shower spray issue, I believe it would depend on what type of shower head is installed, as to whether or not it would be subject to shower spray.
  • An overhead rain-shower-whiz-bang head sprays straight down, and is not likely to be replaced with a wand.
  • If a wand is present at the final inspection, I would say an inspector would be very justified in failing this installation.
  • If it were a regular shower head seen in every motel across the US (and perhaps points abroad), then it should pass as is.

For me, I always install a shower can over a shower, anticipating a wand. But, I have a wand and can't picture showering without one. [Linked Image]


-George
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 209
H
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Reno,
Lightolier makes an open reflector (1184WH)that is rated for a wet location with a Par 38-75watt bulb. So I don't think it needs to be enclosed...just rated for a wet location.

Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 354
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Just tell the customer that the light needs to be waterproof and err on the safe side. What would the price difference be anyway ?

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