Light Fixture Over Bathtub Code

Lighting above the bathtub cannot be cord connected hanging fixtures lighting track pendants or ceiling fans.

Light fixture over bathtub code. I ve seen many recessed cans above a shower. What is the code for a light fixture above a tub. Answered by a verified electrician. No parts of cord connected luminaires hanging fixtures lighting track pendants or ceiling suspended paddle fans shall be located within a zone measured 3 horizontally and 8 vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold.

The outlets in a bathroom should be served by a 20 amp circuit separate from the lighting circuit to provide power items such as curling irons razors and hairdryers. Existing bathrooms in older homes will rarely meet all these requirements and homeowners are usually allowed to do routine repairs and remodeling without bringing the entire bathroom up to code for example in an older bathroom served by a single electrical circuit you are usually allowed to replace light fixtures or outlet receptacles without going as far as adding the additional circuits required for new construction. This zone is all encompassing and includes the space directly over the tub or shower stall. New light fixtures were installed and a ceiling exhaust fan.

The 50 year old light fixtures also contained the only outlets in the bathroom. This zone is measured 3 out from the outside edge of the tub and 8 vertically above the edge of the tub. Can a chandelier be right above the bath tub if it is more than 8 feet. Incandescent fixtures must be completely enclosed or recessed.

There are still a couple of options for adding decorative lighting to your bathroom beyond the standard vanity lights above or near the sink. However if you cannot install a chandelier over your bathtub due to local building codes all is not lost. This isn t real clear to me. The rule states no cord connected hanging pendant lighting track or suspended ceiling paddle fan lighting fixture shall be located in an area within 8 feet vertically and 3 feet horizontally from the tub rim or shower stall threshold measure 3 feet away from the tub rim horizontally and 8 feet up from that point.

Bathroom chandelier concerns 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. Outlet circuit must be 20 amps. Bathtub and shower areas. Light fixture above the bathtub article 410 4 d is the part you need.

Lighting fixtures in closets must comply with nec 410 8.