8x3 shower zone

**Tom Rees** · 07-21-2011, 09:50 AM

Inspection at newly renovated condo. This light fixture is in the 8x3 foot zone over tub/shower. Cover is glass and not sealed. Only marking I could see was at ceramic on light fixture that listed it as type A. The owner who renovated building said it is listed as approved. I think he's full of it. Code states:
Luminaires located in this zone shall be listed for damp locations and where subject to shower spray, shall be listed for wet locations. What do you think. How can I be sure it isn't listed for this installation?

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**Scott Patterson** · 07-21-2011, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by Tom Rees

Inspection at newly renovated condo. This light fixture is in the 8x3 foot zone over tub/shower. Cover is glass and not sealed. Only marking I could see was at ceramic on light fixture that listed it as type A. The owner who renovated building said it is listed as approved. I think he's full of it. Code states:
Luminaires located in this zone shall be listed for damp locations and where subject to shower spray, shall be listed for wet locations. What do you think. How can I be sure it isn't listed for this installation?

If you do not see a sticker that says the fixture is approved for installations in damp location then I would assume it is not unless further proof can be provided. Just from the picture I would say that is a $15 ceiling mount light fixture that is common in many big box stores.

**ken horak** · 07-21-2011, 10:30 AM

oooooo

**Jerry McCarthy** · 07-21-2011, 12:48 PM

Installing the bathroom exhaust vent that close to the heat register was a brillient move!
BTW, I'll bet a 6 peso note that that fixture is not approved for a wet/ damp location and bravo for taking the cover off to confirm your suspicion.

**Billy Stephens** · 07-21-2011, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

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If you do not see a sticker that says the fixture is approved for installations in damp location then I would assume it is not unless further proof can be provided. Just from the picture I would say that is a $15 ceiling mount light fixture that is common in many big box stores.

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Attached Progress Lighting 2-Light Flush-Mount Brushed Nickel Ceiling Light - P3817-09 at The Home Depot
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**Mike Gault** · 07-21-2011, 08:00 PM

I too would have bet "not approved"...

Live and learn, every day.

**Marc M** · 07-21-2011, 08:55 PM

410.4(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas
No parts of cord-connected luminaries (fixtures), chain, cable, or cord suspended luminaries (fixtures), lighting track, pendants, or ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans shall be located within a zone measured 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally and 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. This zone is all encompassing and includes the zone directly over the tub or shower stall. Luminaries (lighting fixtures) located in this zone shall be listed for damp locations, or listed for wet locations where subject to shower spray.
Handbook Commentary:
A revision of 410.4(D) simply clarifies that securely fastened luminaries installed in or on the ceiling or wall are permitted to be located in the bathtub or shower area. Where they are subject to shower spray, the luminaries must be listed for a wet location. Luminaries installed in the tub or shower zone and not subject to shower spray are required to be listed for use in a damp location.

**John Kogel** · 07-21-2011, 09:18 PM

It's not the cheapest fixture you can get. There's a cheaper version that takes only one bulb.

I wonder what's behind those tiles?

**Tom Rees** · 07-22-2011, 07:50 AM

Thanks for all the great info guys. My thinking is that this fixture is listed for use in damp location, as per the specs Billy posted, but not for wet location (where subject to shower spray). Is that how you would interpret that?

**Marc M** · 07-22-2011, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by Tom Rees

Thanks for all the great info guys. My thinking is that this fixture is listed for use in damp location, as per the specs Billy posted, but not for wet location (where subject to shower spray). Is that how you would interpret that?

Bathroom=damp=ok
Shower stall=

**Jerry Peck** · 07-22-2011, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by Marc M

Bathroom=damp=ok
Shower stall=

The shower stall may well be a damp location and not a wet location.

I posted it on another thread recently but will post it again here: (underlining is mine)

- Location, Dry. A location not normally subject to dampness or wetness. A location classified as dry may be temporarily subject to dampness or wetness, as in the case of a building under construction.

- Location, Damp. Locations protected from weather and not subject to saturation with water or other liquids but subject to moderate degrees of moisture. Examples of such locations include partially protected locations under canopies, marquees, roofed open porches, and like locations, and interior locations subject to moderate degrees of moisture, such as some basements, some barns, and some cold-storage warehouses.

- Location, Wet. Installations underground or in concrete slabs or masonry in direct contact with the earth; in locations subject to saturation with water or other liquids, such as vehicle washing areas; and in unprotected locations exposed to weather.

That makes the light fixture on the ceiling of most showers damp locations ... "most" showers ... now, if there is a hand held shower: "subject to saturation with water" - CAN a hand held shower "saturate" the ceiling and fixture with water ... yes ... but is it LIKELY to ... no ... but the code does not say "likely to be", the code says "subject to".

That is a call you will need to make yourself.