Bathroom chandelier location question

[Zippercat]

Hey guys, please forgive me for straying from garage topics for a second. Daughter and husband are purchasing a house and enlisted my help on updating the master bath. House is in northwestern Indiana.

They have shown me many photos, from sources such as Houz on projects that were designed and installed by pros, of hanging light fixtures that are directly over a tub. Of course, that's what they want.

I thought NEC required such fixtures to be at lease 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically away from a tub?

Is there an exception I missed or a way to accomplish what they want and still comply?

Thanks!

 

[Norcal]

I can't see any way to comply with code with a hanging fixture over a tub.

 

[prostreetamx]

I also have never seen a damp location rated chandelier that can be mounted over a tub or shower. Even recessed light housings have to have a shower rated cover over the lamp even if the fixture is too high to reach without a ladder. There is no way I know of to get this rating on a hanging fixture.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

All sorts of bad images come to mind with a light fixture hanging over a tub.

How do u know those projects were done by pros? And pros doesnt mean squat. Just like license doesnt mean much. Tons of hacks out there with licenses.

Were they inspected?

 

[Zippercat]

All sorts of bad images come to mind with a light fixture hanging over a tub.

How do u know those projects were done by pros? And pros doesnt mean squat. Just like license doesnt mean much. Tons of hacks out there with licenses.

Were they inspected?

Here's one, of many, examples you can find on Houzz:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/17902204/New-West-Classic-traditional-bathroom-vancouver

This was submitted by the new home builder. I didn't see the location listed.

Most of the others I saw are submitted by builders, design firms and architects. In other words, pros who should be doing it right. Or so I thought?

 

[Stuff]

I believe that it can be compliant if the chandelier has no power - just candles. That should give them the look they want.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Here's one, of many, examples you can find on Houzz:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/17902204/New-West-Classic-traditional-bathroom-vancouver

This was submitted by the new home builder. I didn't see the location listed.

Most of the others I saw are submitted by builders, design firms and architects. In other words, pros who should be doing it right. Or so I thought?

Well seeing as how the contractor is in canada, the codes may be different up there.

Are u in canada?

BTW that being a design company i really wonder if they have contractors or "code experts" that dictate the designs based on code. A lot of times, designers will design something that, when presented to the contractor, doesnt meet code and has to be changed.

 

[nine4gmc]

Maybe low voltage LEDs? IDK, that does not look safe. .

 

[Dirtydan69]

I've worked for a few designers that love to do this.

 

[ard]

Does the fixture need to light?

 

[Zippercat]

Ok, the one example I linked does appear to be in Canada. But it you search "chandelier over tub" at Houzz or just with Google you'll get hundreds of similar pics of bathrooms, a large number of which are claimed to be in the US of A and most of which show the lights wired and on.

The same Google search also brings up a few links to columns/blogs that fawn over this idea and others that quote the NEC. Here's my guess: because of customer/designer demand, bathrooms are being built and inspected with cheap ceiling mounted fixtures directly over the tub. After final inspection, someone swaps in the fancy chandelier.

Anyway, my thanks to all who replied. You confirmed that it can't be done without violating NEC and that it's not a safe choice. Now I'll break the news to the new homeowners.

Back to the Garages!

 

[AntonLargiader]

Do you know for a fact that it can't be done with 12V? That has not been established in this thread.

 

[Stuff]

Maybe one of those fiber-optic chandeliers would pass as long as the electronics were in the ceiling?

 

[Radix2]

It's done all the time, just one of the many code violations people accept/demand. Stylish handrails are another.

I don't see any serious electrical risk, the main risk is glass somehow falling in the tub imo.

 

[canbug]

Ok, I'm from Canada but I don't see a problem with this. It needs to be GFCI protected and a properly rated box for the weight of the fixture. No one it going to be changing light bulbs while in a tub full of water. A switch or receptacle must be more than 3 feet away so you don't use it while in the tub "full of water"

Tim

 

[rburke65]

For you.....me being the nice guy that I am.....I will send over my mother in law to test out the tub after ya get the light hung.....

 

[Mustang51js]

Whos going to be changing a bulb with the light on and taking a bath. But only legal way is to raise the ceiling so light is higher than 8 foot

 

[Cmreschke]

Oh you guys!! Stop!! Just stop!!

Hang the fixture, it will be fine, nothing to worry about, nothing to see here. Make sure it's plugged in to a tamper resistant weather resistant gfci (if you want) receptacle just above the shower head. In use cover recommended but optional, I mean it is indoors. For sure arc fault breaker, and make sure it's 20 amps (the yellow wire).

What could possibly go wrong?

(It's called thinning of the herd, and sarcasm!)