ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Shower Light

Mustang, I would haveto agree with e57 and not have the switch for the shower to accessable. As for the tub switch I think it is done via a pressure switch, no electrical power here. What I normally do is to install a receptical under the tub near the motor (as they all come with a plug & cord) on the load side of a GFI receptical for resetting if needed. Most always the GFI is on the backside of an adjoining wall (toilet area, etc.).

Shower light trims for recessed lights are listed for wet locations.
Thus, I would agree with shortcircuit that this area is a wet location and only lightling fixtures listed for such should be used.

Hey guys,

I'm new to this site. I found it while looking for the definition of a wet/damp location in regards to a shower stall. I must say that I have a different opinion about a shower stall ceiling being a wet location. I believe it is a damp location by definition that it occasionally will become wet but mostly is damp. It does not get "saturated with water" as defined by a wet location. I also would submit that the building code only requires ceramic tile (or other impervious barrier) to be installed 6 ft. above the shower base. I did find an interpretation from UL that also declares it a damp location

Wecome HLCbuild !
You may be correct but I only install fixtures rated for wet locations in shower stalls. It could be a little bit of over design but it makes me feel better. Most, if not all fixtures I have come across that are designed for installation in a shower stall are listed for wet locations. Now, I'll give you that this does not necessarily equate shower stall to wet location but apparently it makes the manufacturer feel better too.

Electric Ian,

I commend you for using wet location fixtures in the shower, but the largest wattage fixture I could find for this application was 60 watts in an insulated ceiling and some of my customers don't like showering in the dark. I've installed both types

Hmm, interesting. Can you point me to a "damp location" only fixture that is advertised as being compliant for shower stall installation? I honestly can't find one. Every hit I've checked for "shower stall" lights, specifically states "listed for wet locations" or "damp/wet locations"

I don't believe the fixture has to be specified for a shower...just approved for use in a damp location. I use Lightolier fixtures and almost all ot the incandescent trims are rated for use in damp locations. I've been doing quite a bit of research on this subject, even contacted the VA State code administrator for an opinion. His reply was "the ceiling above a shower stall was considered a damp location"

We're all entitled to our opinions. I consider it a wet location.

I thought there was a reference in the code requiring lights in a shower stall to be approved for wet locations. So, being as my wife is working tonight and there's nothing good on TV I start looking for this in the good book. So, interestingly enough, I find an explicit reference to this in the article on mobile and manufactured homes (see below). But for the life of me, I cannot locate the same explicit statement anywhere else in the code. Is it possible the code considers this area a wet location in a mobile/manufactured home but the same location in a standard home is considered a damp location. I don't get it? Any other opinions out there?
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550.14(D) Bathtub and Shower Luminaires(Fixtures). Where a luminaire (lightingfixture) is installed over a bathtub or in a shower stall, it shall be of the enclosed and gasketed type listed for wet locations.
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I install Nutone fan/light combination units in shower stalls and they are rated for a 100 watt bulb...plenty of lumens!

shortcircuit