Can you hang a chandelier over a bathroom tub?
Installing a chandelier over the tub makes a big design statement that transforms the bathroom from a purely functional room to a stylish space. A chandelier should be 8 feet above the top of the edge of the tub. The National Electrical Code (NEC) sets the standards for bathroom lighting.
What is the code for hanging chandeliers over tubs?
The national electric code reads on hanging chandeliers over tubs. It must be 8′ above the top of the tub. While local codes may be different, It is my understanding that local codes must mirror or exceed national code, Reply.
Can a light fixture be installed over a tub?
In many areas, a light fixture can only be installed over a tub if the bottom of the fixture will be at least 5 feet above the water’s surface when the tub is filled. This photo shows a fixture that likely hangs lower than that 5 feet above the water:
What is the best chandelier for a bathroom with a lower ceiling?
A flush mount chandelier might be your only choice in a bathroom with a lower ceiling. Unless your style is eclectic, the design of the chandelier should complement the task lighting above or at the sides of the vanity.
Can you hang a chandelier above a tub?
Chandeliers above the Tub: This common placement also has the strictest height requirements: the lowest point of your chandelier must be either 8 feet above the highest point of the tub's rim, or at least 3 feet away from the tub.
How big should a chandelier be over a tub?
Determine the size of the lighting fixture by taking one-third the length of the tub. For a chandelier that is centered in the room, mount it at least three feet away from the tub if room size allows. Also, use only wet or damp-rated fixtures in the bathroom.
Can you put a chandelier over a shower?
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.
Are chandeliers allowed in bathrooms?
The bottom of the chandelier must be 8 feet above the highest point on the tub's edge at least. If not, you're in defiance of safety codes. Another option is to hang the chandelier at least 3 feet beyond the tub's edge. Choose the proper model of chandelier.
Can you hang a light above a tub?
The National Electric Code for the U.S. says that hanging fixtures should be at least 8 feet above the top of the bathtub rim. If that's not doable in your space, consider hanging the chandelier at the center of the room for a fancy bathroom that's luxurious and still up to code.
Can you have a hanging light in the bathroom?
So the short answer is yes, pendant lights can be used in a bathroom as long as they're not too close to water sources. Any lighting positioned close to a water source such the shower, bath or sink needs to use 'ingress protection' or IP rated fittings.
How close can a light fixture be to a shower?
Surface fixtures (including track lights or paddle fans) are only allowed if they are at least 8' above the maximum water level or at least 3' away from the tub or shower rim NEC 410.10(D).
Is a shower a wet or damp location?
wet locationsIndoor 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. Most of Dutton Brown Design's light fixtures are UL Listed for dry locations.
Where should I hang my bathroom chandelier?
Often, it's best to install the fixture in the center of the room to balance the tub, shower, and vanity that line the walls. If the room has a freestanding tub, the chandelier can be hung above it, the two components in tandem as a focal point.
Where do you put a chandelier?
In a small entryway, the chandelier should hang in the middle of the room. If the chandelier is being hung in your bedroom or living room, place it in the middle of the room or above a bed or coffee table. Mini chandeliers also look great hanging above nightstands (but remember the 30" – 36" rule!).
What kind of light goes above a shower?
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.
Can you have a spotlight above a shower?
Downlights and spotlights Plus, with some downlights, you can specifically angle the beam to highlight certain elements, such as your bath or basin. You will also find shower lights that are designed specifically for the ceiling above your shower, turning a daily wash in the gloom into a more illuminating experience.
Should you put a light in your shower?
Every shower (whether it is a shower cabin or a large walk-in shower) needs light. Light which differs in some areas from traditional living room or kitchen lighting. You will see our tips below.
How do you light a shower?
10 chic and practical shower lighting ideas.Keep it subtle with spotlights. (Image credit: Future) ... Bring in the sun for dark spaces. ... Light up the niches. ... Hide diffused lights inside the ceiling. ... Use reflective glass tiles to filter light. ... Experiment with oversized fixtures. ... Fill a shower room with color.More items...•
How High Should a Chandelier Be Above a Bathtub (What Does the Code Say?)
Building codes vary from region to region. A general point of reference would be to hang the chandelier 8 feet over the bathtub’s lip or the center of the room.
How to Choose the Right Chandelier to Hang Over a Bathtub
Pricing should be a factor when it comes to buying anything, but the least expensive chandelier is likely not the best choice for your bathroom. Chandeliers that will serve your bathroom best will usually be priced in the mid to high range. However, you can always get lucky and find some deals or sales that can save you a lot of money.
Tips for Hanging a Chandelier Over a Bathtub
Installing a chandelier is not the most challenging job. But to install a chandelier successfully, you will need some basic electrician skills. You will have to make some electrical connections.
Chandelier Over Bathtub Ideas
I was taught carpentry at a young age by my father. After highschool I worked with my father as a Union Carpenter for six years.
How can I install a chandelier safely over a tub?
Yes, I love the look of chandelier over a bathtub, too. It could be achieved, too.
How high above the tub is a light fixture?
So they require that any part of a light fixture, even the non-lightbulb embellishments, must be at least 8 feet above the highest portion of the bathtub’s walls. This no-light-zone also extends horizontally 3 feet around the tub rim.
Can you stand in a bathtub and change the lightbulb?
It’s the chandelier. You shouldn’t be able to stand in your bathtub and change the lightbulb.
Can you hang a chandelier above a bathtub?
You’ll also need a light fixture that is rated for wet or damp locations. And yes, local codes can be different.
Is a white bathroom popular?
I spied this little thumbnail of a chandelier over a bathtub on Houzz. White bathrooms are still enormously popular, and always look so fresh and clean for a perfect ‘after’ photo.
Fancy Bath Lighting
Judging from our mailbox, This Old House readers love to hang fancy lighting in their bathrooms. But, to be completely honest, some of your photos make us a little skittish. Safety codes and common sense call for added caution when installing a pendant-style fixture in a wet environment.
Leave Proper Clearances
By code, the bottom of the chandelier must be at least 8 feet above the highest point on the tub's edge or 3 feet beyond it.
Plan for Moisture
Choose a fixture that's U.L.-rated for wet or damp locations; the fixture should feature tight construction that keeps out water and condensation.
Protect Yourself From Shocks
Make sure that the wiring in the bathroom is protected with a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which will cut the current if it senses unsafe conditions.
Go off The Grid
Don't have high ceilings for a chandelier? Consider a decorative candle fixture instead. Use dripless candles; keep flames at least 12 inches from flammable materials and always extinguish them before leaving the room.
How high above the tub do you have to hang a chandelier?
The National Electric Code (NEC) from 2011 requires that any part of a light fixture, including crystals dangling from chandeliers, must be a minimum of 8 feet above the highest portion of a tub's walls. This no-chandelier zone extends out horizontally 3 feet around the tub rim.
How far should a chandelier be from a bathtub?
In reality, however, regulations require that there be at least 8 feet between the top of the tub or surround and the lowest part of any light fixture, chandeliers included.
Can you grab a chandelier in a wet tub?
The requirement promotes safety, so there's no chance of ever grabbing the chandelier while in a filled or wet tub. The installed light should also be rated for a moist or wet location -- many chandeliers are not.
How far above the tub should a chandelier be?
The bottom of the chandelier must be 8 feet above the highest point on the tub’s edge at least. If not, you’re in defiance of safety codes. Another option is to hang the chandelier at least 3 feet beyond the tub’s edge. Choose the proper model of chandelier.
Can you hang a crystal chandelier in a bathtub?
Now, homeowners aren’t generally hanging full-sized crystal chandeliers in their bathrooms. The dawning of the 2010’s has seen miniature chandeliers grow increasingly prevalent, and it’s these that homeowners are choosing to dangle above their bathtubs.
Is it dangerous to hang a chandelier in a bathroom?
That’s right: Most homeowners are installing their chandeliers directly above the tub. Which brings us to the point of this blog: Installing a chandelier in the bathroom can be very dangerous. Keep in mind that you’re hanging a pendant-style fixture in a room known for moisture and humidity.
How high above the tub should a pendant be?
A chain hung or pendant fixture needs to be 8' above the rim of the tub.
How high should a luminaire be from the top of 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.
How high above the rim of a tub is a fixture?
Bes-- the measurement is from the rim of the tub in this case. There is no fixture that will be more than 8' above the rim. Even a recessed can-- which is perfectly compliant as most are at least damp location rated and with the right trim they are wet location rated.
Can you use a pendant light in a tub?
No, you can use a fixture that is not of the chain or pendant type within the tub zone when it is listed for damp locations. If it were subject to shower spray then it needs to be listed for wet locations.
Can a surface mount light fixture be wet?
There is not an issue with a surface mounted fixture as long as it is rated damp location and as Trevor stated, if subject to spray, it would need to be wet location.
Is a 12 foot ceiling code compliant?
If the bath in the magazine has a 12 foot ceiling it may very well be code compliant. Now your client wants to have something just like that picture but only has an 8 or 9 foot ceiling:blink:
Can you install a chandelier outside the tub?
If it's outside of the tub zone then you can install any fixture type including a chandelier or paddle fan. If it's within the tub zone but not subject to shower spray then it needs to be damp location rated. If in the tub zone and subject to shower spray then wet location rated.