light in shower

**gfe76** · 11-06-2007, 06:34 AM

Roughing in standing shower. thinking about putting a shower ceiling light in with switch right outside shower threshold. Anything special about putting a light in ceiling of shower? (I plan on having a 16" square access panel in shower ceiling to get accesss to shut off valves.)
Thanks

**Mikey** · 11-06-2007, 06:46 AM

2005 NEC 410.4(D) says your lighting fixture must be listed for the location. I would also put it on a GFCI-protected circuit, assuming the switch is close by.

**gfe76** · 11-06-2007, 11:07 AM

thanks mikey...that's what I thought (although I didn't know the code section). Can these lights be purchased at big box store as long as it says suitable for showers (wet conditions)? thanks

**rdtompki** · 11-06-2007, 11:20 AM

Whe you say "light" I assume you mean a recessed fixture. You just need to make sure that the fixture has a trim option that is approved for damp conditions. I believe most do. There is certainly a limitation as to how close you can place an outlet to a tub. I don't know that this applies to switches and showers, but I wouldn't necessarily put the switch within arms reach of the shower.

Rick

**Speedy Petey** · 11-06-2007, 11:39 AM

**Speedy Petey** · 11-06-2007, 11:40 AM

Also, no GFI protection is required for recessed lights over a tub or shower.
You can if you want, but it is NOT required.

**480sparky** · 11-06-2007, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Also, no GFI protection is required for recessed lights over a tub or shower.
You can if you want, but it is NOT required.

Some AHJs require GFI protection, so it's a good idea to ask.

FWIW, here's the Code section:

**Speedy Petey** · 11-06-2007, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by 480sparky

Some AHJs require GFI protection, so it's a good idea to ask.

Actually it is a good idea for them to provide a code reference if they "require" it.
I had this happen with one guy who wanted GFI for switches within reach of a shower. He could not provide a written code reference so it was not done.
It was a silly request any way.

**480sparky** · 11-06-2007, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Actually it is a good idea for them to provide a code reference if they "require" it.
I had this happen with one guy who wanted GFI for switches within reach of a shower. He could not provide a written code reference so it was not done.
It was a silly request any way.

All they need to do is amend the NEC at a public meeting.

**Speedy Petey** · 11-06-2007, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by 480sparky

All they need to do is amend the NEC at a public meeting.

Exactly. They can't simply pull it out of their ass and say they want it.
It MUST be in legal writing.

**prashster** · 11-06-2007, 06:51 PM

I'm no pro, but I wouldn't put a switch near a shower if I didn't have to.

**Chris75** · 11-06-2007, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by prashster

I'm no pro, but I wouldn't put a switch near a shower if I didn't have to.

And I am a pro, and I wouldn't worry to much about it...

**Speedy Petey** · 11-06-2007, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by prashster

I'm no pro, but I wouldn't put a switch near a shower if I didn't have to.

OK. Why? Just because?

**Alectrician** · 11-06-2007, 08:22 PM

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

OK. Why? Just because?

He has probably been shocked from a switch cover plate screw before. I know I have.

There is aways something creepy about touching a switch when you are wet and naked standing on a tile floor. impure water WILL conduct.