A. Master electrician Sean Kenney responds: The short answer is yes. Although the NEC does not require either the switch or the light fixture to be GFCI-protected, most lighting fixtures designed for use in a shower stall require GFCI protection to meet UL requirements.
Can lights be GFCI protected?
Your cord and plug lights plug into receptacles, which require GFCI protection with the test-reset buttons in a readily accesible location. That does not mean that each receptacle in the garage must be GFCI type; if they are on the LOAD side of a GFCI breaker, receptacle, or dead front, they’re protected.
Do lights have to be on a GFCI?
So, to answer my original question: yes, outdoor lights need to be plugged into GFCI-protected receptacles. On top of this, one GFCI receptacle is required at the front and back of the home, at a maximum height of 6 feet 6 inches off the ground. One receptacle is also required on each patio, deck, porch, or balcony.
How do you make a GFCI light protected?
You could install a GFCI breaker. That would protect the entire circuit. Otherwise you’ll have to connect one of the switch loop wires from the GFCI switch combo, to the load terminal of the GFCI switch combo. You’ll also have to connect the neutral for the light, to the neutral load terminal of the GFCI combo.
Can you install a light above a shower?
A ceiling light above showers is acceptable, as long as the light is rated for moist/damp locations and the bottom of the light fixture is at least 8 feet from the top of the shower stall.
Should bathroom lights be on GFCI?
You might not be aware of it, but your bathroom lights could pose a safety hazard in the event that you have an electrical short. This is because GFCI (ground fault circuit interruption) protection is only required for outlets and switches, not light fixtures unless they are above the shower area.
Do bathrooms need GFCI outlets?
GFCI protection is required for 125-volt to 250-volt receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to the ground. GFCI receptacles are required in bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms and areas where a water source is present.
Do you need a special light bulb for shower?
Of course, a light bulb that is compatible with the bathroom and light fixture is critical for a shower light. Traditionally, halogen lamps have been used, but more and more people are opting for LED models for a far more energy efficient lighting system.
Are LED lights safe in shower?
So, while you technically don’t need damp-rated LEDs in some parts of your bathroom, it’s safest to get them if you can. If you do find an LED light you love that’s not damp-rated, make sure it’s installed at least 600mm from showers, bathtubs, and basins so that they’re safe to use.
What kind of lights can you put in a shower?
MR16 or PAR20 halogen lamps are common for shower recessed lighting, but newer LED recessed retrofits on the market enable you to incorporate energy-efficient LED lighting into your bathroom.
How do you illuminate a shower?
Lighting in the shower area is a great idea that will subconsciously help you relax and enjoy your shower.
- Install a Large, Circular Light for a Modern Result. …
- Add Extra Lighting With Dark Shower Walls. …
- Maximize the Natural Light Coming In. …
- Focus on Keeping the Whole Room Bright. …
- Use the Bathroom Light for the Shower.
How do you light a shower?
If you install wall sconces in your shower and use wet rated lights, you can light your shower from within rather than outside. Wall sconces work whether you have a walk-in shower or a bathtub shower – just place them high enough to both light your shower and avoid contact with excess water.
How do you install a shower light niche?
Quote from the video:
So. The knee a lot of light of the designers. So so these niches are all the rage in the tile installation if you see a shower on Pinterest Instagram whatever it's gonna have a niche in it.
Are LED lights waterproof?
Example :With an IP65 rating, the LEDs can be used in an outside setting and are water-resistant but they are not waterproof and are not suitable to be submerged. An IP68 can be submerged in water.
Where should shower lights be placed?
It should be placed 75 to 80 inches above the floor and, like all vanity lighting, contain at least 150 watts — ideally spread over a fixture that’s at least 24 inches long so that the light will wash evenly over the hair and face.
Should bathroom lights be up or down?
You need both ambient and task lighting in the bathroom. Vanity lights mounted with shades pointed up provide ambient light, and those with shades pointed down provide task light.
What rating does a bathroom light need to be?
Requires a minimum IP liquid rating of 4. Any area that is outside zone 1 and 2 – no requirement but we always recommened IP44 as a minimum in bathrooms.
