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Friday, December 9, 2022

Question:

Dear Charlie, I would like to install a shower recessed can light in the ceiling above the shower. I have purchased a damp rated recessed can with wet rated trim. I have 8-foot ceilings. The Electrical Code states I need 8-feet from the shower threshold to the light. By the time the base and tile are installed, I am concerned I will not meet the 8-foot requirement. Where exactly is the 8ft measured from? What is considered the shower threshold? Is the top height to the bottom of glass lens or the light bulb? All the best, Rob Panic
A

Answer:

Hi Rob, the shower threshold is the curb installed to keep water contained in the shower floor area, and the bathtub rim is the actual portion of the bathtub someone must step over to enter the tub. The 8ft measurement is measured taken from the very top of the shower threshold or bathtub rim.

Based on the information provide, the installation of recessed can style luminaires would be permitted above the shower area, and lower than 8ft. Section 400.10(D)(1) lists the types of luminaires not permitted to be installed below 8ft, in a tub or shower area. Recessed can lights are not one of the prohibited luminaire types. Based on the information you provided, the damp location rated, recessed luminaire would be permitted above the shower, and lower than 8ft.

It is also important to check the manufacturers installation instructions, as they may require GFCI protection when installed inside the tub or shower area, even though the NEC® does not. The manufacturer may also require a specific trim type to maintain the damp location rating for a recessed luminaire.

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CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

This correspondence is not a formal interpretation of the NEC® and any responses expressed to the questions are opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of NECA, NFPA, the NEC Correlating Committee any Code-making panel or other electrical technical committee. In addition, this correspondence is neither intended, nor should it be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services. 

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