A ceiling light above showers is acceptable, as long as the light is rated for moist/damp locations and the bottom of the light fixture is at least 8 feet from the top of the shower stall. Guidelines for Light Above Showers
Full Answer
What type of lighting is best for a shower room?
Multiple types of recessed lights are ideal for shower rooms. They are designed especially to light up the place with perfectly dispersed lightings to create the perfect ambiance. Both the fluorescent and the led lights can prove to be ideal for the shower rooms.
Can you put ceiling light above a shower?
While it may be tempting to place a decorative fixture above a shower, it's not simply a matter of just picking out any ceiling light you like. A ceiling light that goes directly over a shower must be rated for damp or moist areas, and certain types of ceiling light are generally not suited for over-shower placement.
Can a shower light be used in a wet area?
A light used in a shower area must be rated "wet" or "shower location" to meet electrical code rules, as well as to withstand the conditions in this humid area of the home. Some light fixtures are specially designed for the wet conditions experienced in a shower.
Can a fan and light fixture be used above a shower?
Fan Club. A fan and light combination is sometimes used above a shower, but as with just a light, only certain combination fixtures are designed for such use.
Can you install a can light over a shower?
And, unlike regular wall or ceiling mounted light fixtures, recessed bath lights can be installed in shower stalls or over tub areas. When using recessed lights for the bathroom mirror, place the fixtures as close to the plane of the mirror as possible.
What lights can go above a shower?
Recessed lighting can be added to the ceiling over the tub. If you have just a tub below the light, then you can use a damp rated recessed lighting fixture. If you also have a shower over the tub area, then you should use a wet rated recessed lighting fixture.
Do you need a special light bulb above a shower?
A light used in a shower area must be rated "wet" or "shower location" to meet electrical code rules, as well as to withstand the conditions in this humid area of the home.
Can you put an LED light over a shower?
So, while you technically don't need damp-rated LEDs in some parts of your bathroom, it's safest to get them if you can. If you do find an LED light you love that's not damp-rated, make sure it's installed at least 600mm from showers, bathtubs, and basins so that they're safe to use.
What is a wet rated light?
Wet-rated fixtures are designed to withstand direct exposure to outdoor elements like rain or snow.
How can I make my shower light up?
15 Great Ideas to Add Lighting to Your ShowerInstall a Large, Circular Light for a Modern Result. ... Add Extra Lighting With Dark Shower Walls. ... Maximize the Natural Light Coming In. ... Focus on Keeping the Whole Room Bright. ... Look for a Modern and Glamorous Hanging Light. ... Get Small and Unobtrusive Ceiling Lights.More items...•
What kind of light bulb goes in a shower?
Find a Compatible Light Bulb: MR16 or PAR20 halogen lamps are common for shower recessed lighting, but newer LED recessed retrofits on the market enable you to incorporate energy-efficient LED lighting into your bathroom.
Do shower light bulbs need to be waterproof?
While damp-rated lights are recommended in some parts of your bathroom, they're not necessary for dry spots.
Is a shower considered a damp or wet location?
Outdoor areas that are exposed to the elements are considered wet locations. Indoor locations like showers are also considered wet locations. If an area can have water splash or flow with direct contact to a light fixture, then it is considered a wet location.
How close can switch be to shower?
Is there a minimum distance a switch has to be from a residential shower / tub? There is no NEC specified distance. The only restriction is that the sw cant be "in" the shower/tub area- see 404.4(C).
Can LED strip lights get wet?
LED strip lights are available uncoated (non-waterproof), or with splash-proof or fully waterproof coatings. With this range of waterproof LED lights, you can install your tape strips almost anywhere – bathrooms and kitchens, externally, or any location where resistance to water is required.
Can you have a light above a bathtub?
Mounting a hanging light fixture over the bathtub is one of the most popular and luxurious placements for a bathroom chandelier and with good reason. Relaxing into a hot bath with a glamorous chandelier glimmering above you is sure to make you feel pampered and posh!
Is it against code to hang a chandelier over a bathtub?
The National Electrical Code prohibits installing a hanging ceiling light fixture within 3' horizontally of a tub unless there is 8' or more in clearance from the bottom of the light fixture to the top of the tub. Prohibited hanging fixtures that fall inside this area include: Track lighting. Chandeliers.
What size can light for shower?
Most contractors and therefore local hardware stores, sell 4-inch or 6-inch lights. A great thing to keep in mind, however, is that recessed lights don't have to match. So if you want a little more light over the shower, you can put a 4-inch light over the sink and a 5-inch over the shower area.
Is a shower a wet or damp location?
Outdoor areas that are exposed to the elements are considered wet locations. Indoor locations like showers are also considered wet locations. If an area can have water splash or flow with direct contact to a light fixture, then it is considered a wet location.
Why is track lighting not good for a shower?
Track lighting also isn't ideal for a shower because the tracks and wiring would be exposed to moisture, which will eventually result in an electric al malfunction or potential safety hazard. These regulations help ensure that someone in a shower won't reach up and touch the light while wet, even if by accident.
How far from the shower can you hang a chandelier?
Even if you have a high enough ceiling to hang a chandelier or pendant with eight feet of clearance above the shower floor or highest point of a tub, the chandelier should be rated for moisture.
How much space do you need for a chandelier in a shower?
The 2011 National Electric Code requires at least eight feet of space between the top of the tub or shower base and the bottom of the chandelier.
What is a ceiling light rated for?
Ceiling lights rated for damp or wet areas are similar to standard ceiling fixtures, but have extra features to help keep water out of the housing and away from wires and electrical connections. These features may include a rubber gasket and glass lens or diffuser, or another type of moisture-resistant cover that snaps into the light housing to keep water and condensation out of the fixture.
How far above the tub should a shower fixture be?
It says that if the fixture is above the tub or shower, and within 8 ft. vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower threshold, the fixture must be rated for damp locations. If the fixture may be subject to shower spray, it has to be rated for wet locations.
How tall is a luminaire in a bathtub?
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.
Is a light rated for wet areas?
You should use a light rated for wet areas. Often times when you see an item that is CSA certified, it is for wet locations. See the following link for a great little light for new construction or remodel. It has great ratings also.
Do you need to double protect a light fixture?
I strongly advise double protection for any light fixture, fan or switch installed over or within 3' of a bathtub or shower, e.g., provide GFI protection as well. Remember code is only a minimum safety standard which manufacturers and builders substantially influence with a desire to keep costs down. Invariably, you want much better safety protection for yourself and family.
Do showers have special trims?
Yes, there are special trims for shower locations. Examples:
Do luminaires need to be listed in the shower?
The article further states: Luminaires located in bathtub and shower zone must be listed for damp locations, or listed for wet locations where subject to shower spray. Normally in the ceiling, the damp location fixture is acceptable. T.
Do you have to have a shower trim over a recessed light?
Your local codes will override anything else. Maybe talk to your local inspector or building code department. For everything I've seen, you MUST have a shower trim over a recessed light within a tub/shower enclosure with an 8' ceiling. Doesn't really matter how it looks, your goal is not to have anyone electrocute themselves.
Can a GFCI trip on a light?
Problem is if the GFCI trips for some reason, your completely in the dark (unless you happen to have a window in your bathroom). Most often a GFCI will trip on something that is plugged into the outlet, not from a light or fan (though it is possible, but rare).
Do I need to get a damp rated shower trim?
Ok, I did some more research and from that and what I have read on here, I need to get a recessed fixture that is damp rated. The trim doesn't necessarily need to be shower trim as long as the fixture is damp rated.
How to Check the Safety of In Shower Recessed Lights?
You can check the safety of a shower recessed light through its IC rating. IC stands for Insulation Contract. It is a measure to determine the suitability of recessed light.
Where to Install the Shower Recessed Lights?
The purpose of recessed lights decides where you can place the shower recessed light.
Why is recessed lighting important in a shower?
Lights are immensely important because they have a keen impact on you more than you could ever know. They can even change your mood and help you relax even when you are taking a shower after a long hectic day. It can lift your mood and create a perfect ambiance to relax.
How much drop does a Four Bros light have?
if you want a light that not only creates an amazing ambient but also long-lasting then the Four-Bros Lighting is the best option for you. It comes with a 6 inches drop that can be amazing for covering a wider area.
What is considered low voltage?
The light fixtures that have a capacity of voltage below 50 are considered to be of low voltage.
Why are lights important?
Lights are immensely important because they have a keen impact on you more than you could ever know.
Can you use fluorescent lights in a shower?
Both the fluorescent and the led lights can prove to be ideal for the shower rooms .
