Recessed light over shower

**Magicrat** · 12-22-2008, 03:45 PM

Hello,

I plan on installing a HALO recessed light and shower trim cover over a corner (neo-angle) shower. A few quick questions....

Does the light need to be part of a GCFI protected circuit?

Is it ok to branch from the load side of a GFCI wall outlet to the light?

Thanks

**beekerc** · 12-22-2008, 04:47 PM

standard caveat: i am not an electrician, however, i have wired two bathrooms with such lights and they have passed inspection. that being said....

Originally Posted by Magicrat

Does the light need to be part of a GCFI protected circuit?

my understanding is no, unless the switch controlling the light is reachable from the tub/shower. i don't know what the code definition of reachable is, but an electrician did explain it as greater than the distance that you can reach while being able to touch a wet surface in the shower/tub. this roughly equates to 3 to 5 feet. i'm inclined to think that even if it's outside that range, since it's a switch you're likely to hit while still wet (getting out of the shower), it's probably a good idea to GFCI it anyway.

Originally Posted by Magicrat

Is it ok to branch from the load side of a GFCI wall outlet to the light?

yes. however, i would go GFCI (load side) --> switch --> light.

**jar546** · 12-22-2008, 04:51 PM

GFCI protected? Short answer, No, as long as the fixture and trim is listed for the application and properly secured.

You can only use the GFCI required receptacle power for this ONLY if the circuit feeds the bathroom in question and no other bathrooms. If it feeds off to another bathroom receptacle as many do then the answer is NO, you cannot use that power at all.

**jwelectric** · 12-22-2008, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by beekerc

my understanding is no, unless the switch controlling the light is reachable from the tub/shower. i don't know what the code definition of reachable is, but an electrician did explain it as greater than the distance that you can reach while being able to touch a wet surface in the shower/tub.

The location of the switch plays no role at all.

GFCI protected or not the switch can be right beside the tub/shower it just can't be within the foot print of the tub/shower

**GabeS** · 12-22-2008, 06:28 PM

If I was all wet and touching anything that had to do with electricity, I wouldn't definitely feel more comfortable with GFI protection regardless if the code requires it or not. Don't forget code is minimum standards.

**jar546** · 12-22-2008, 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by GabeS

If I was all wet and touching anything that had to do with electricity, I wouldn't definitely feel more comfortable with GFI protection regardless if the code requires it or not. Don't forget code is minimum standards.

Exactly, the code is minimum whether electrical or plumbing.

**jar546** · 12-22-2008, 06:42 PM

Here is an electrical problem inside a shower.

Photo by Mike McClogan, Home Inspector

**GabeS** · 12-22-2008, 06:47 PM

Did you say that panel was inside a shower? I'm a little confused. Isn't that the main panel?

**jar546** · 12-22-2008, 06:52 PM

Yes but it was in the way of where they wanted the shower so he cleverly made a hinged panel to cover it.

It is not code compliant, nor is it safe but when you are trying to save money, who cares?

**GabeS** · 12-22-2008, 07:01 PM

That's pretty scary. I've seen dumb things, but that might pretty much top them all.

**Chris75** · 12-22-2008, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by GabeS

If I was all wet and touching anything that had to do with electricity, I wouldn't definitely feel more comfortable with GFI protection regardless if the code requires it or not. Don't forget code is minimum standards.

And if you can answer WHY to any of your statments I will be impressed.

**GabeS** · 12-22-2008, 07:51 PM

Chris, I'm not sure I understand exactly what you are asking. Can you please clarify your question.

If you're asking why I would want GFI protection, it's because the outlet would shut off if electricity starting flowing through my body.

**Magicrat** · 12-23-2008, 04:02 AM

Thanks for the replies,

Got it, no GFCI required and I will branch off the existing light circuit in the room.

I also want to install a ventilation fan that will run off the same switch as the recessed light above the shower. The difference is the fan will not be directly above the shower (about 4 feet away). I understand that most fans require GFCI protection if "over a shower or bathtub". Does a fan require GFCI if it is 4 feet away?

Thanks again

**Speedy Petey** · 12-23-2008, 04:19 AM

Originally Posted by Magicrat

Got it, no GFCI required and I will branch off the existing light circuit in the room.

I also want to install a ventilation fan that will run off the same switch as the recessed light above the shower. The difference is the fan will not be directly above the shower (about 4 feet away). I understand that most fans require GFCI protection if "over a shower or bathtub". Does a fan require GFCI if it is 4 feet away?

Exactly.
And no, 4' away would not be considered over the shower.