Any part of your sanctuary's chandelier is going to be 8 feet above the rim on the tub and 3 feet out from it if it's going to be electrified.

The NEC states:

410.4(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas. No parts of cord-connected luminaires (fixtures), hanging luminaires (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.

That NEC is for an inspection. You can do what you want after that. As we did. And, as an adult, one is not about to swing from it over a full tub of water... ;-)

Minka makes lots of mini-chandeliers that are all in the 16 inch height range. When you shorten the chain, they work very well.

See link below for some examples. Have fun!

Here is a link that might be useful: Minka chandeliers

I'm not so sure the code restriction is about "swinging" from anything. I suspect it has more to do with the possibility that someone might someday absentmindedly reach out and touch a fixture that wasn't properly grounded, or that has developed a little short, while themselves well-grounded in a couple inches of water, and proceeding to die the spectacular sort of death that we see in scary movies.

thanks everyone. I currently have it capped along with other sordid attrocities required by title 24 in CA.

That NEC is for an inspection. You can do what you want after that. As we did. And, as an adult, one is not about to swing from it over a full tub of water... ;-)

Ignorance for safety is not something that should be encouraged. Electricity and water do not mix.

Kptwin, there is a difference between Title 24 (energy use) and something that is there to prevent you from finding yourself taking a premature dirt nap. Title 24 will not prevent electrocution whereas 410.4(D) will.

I urge you not to put a chandelier over your top for the sake of vanity/décor. If you really want a chandelier, find something that uses candles and possibly add watertight recessed lighting.

charles..thanks for your posts. It is easy to get caught up in the cosmetics. I will give it some serious thought and break out the tape measure in the morning.
Kirsten

"Ignorance for safety is not something that should be encouraged. Electricity and water do not mix.

Well, then, since we all know about it, said knowledge can't be due to a lack of knowledge, education, or awareness, now can it?

And, of course, 11 feet away from the nearest water is safe and 8 feet away from the nearest water is not safe. Yes, of course it is. Makes perfect sense (in our case).

Dirt nap... now I'll give you that one... THAT is good!

Here's one I used in my master bath over my tub. It's my favorite chandelier in the whole house!

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.csnlighting.com/Hinkley-Lighting-4043CQ

Sorry, couldn't post picture. I used Hinkley's Florence Chandelier. It's small, and looks like little earrings handing down from it.

That NEC is for an inspection. You can do what you want after that.

Sure, if you don't mind breaking the law.

other sordid attrocities required by title 24 in CA.

Saving energy is something we should all strive to do. I don't know if you saw the articles on Yahoo in the last few days, but Australia is considering banning incandescent bulbs, and other states are considering a California-type Title 24 law. Sure, if people would do it on their own, no law necessary, but they won't and don't.

dmlove,
I have just spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring my inefficient beach shack into a more efficient and friendly space. I am slightly put off by the insinuation that I am not being responsible with energy and resources because I disagree with some of the title 24 requirements. I don't know if you have attempted to remodel or add lighting in CA but there are several restraints that are just stupid. If that was not your intent then I apologize for overreacting.
Kirsten

dmlove said: "Sure, if you don't mind breaking the law."

Oh puuuuuuhleeeeeeze! What planet do you get that tripe from?!

The NEC covers the installation of electrical conductors, equipment, and raceways; signaling and communications conductors, equipment, and raceways; and optical fiber cables and raceways for the following: (1) Public and private premises, including buildings, structures, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, and floating buildings (2) Yards, lots, parking lots, carnivals, and industrial substations.

The NEC is re-done via input from member organizations. It has no sanctions other than the "not passed" concept. In other words, fix the code violation or the inspector -- based upon his/her reading from the NEC code book -- won't pass the work done by the installer.

It's not against any law!

Now, you go directly to jail and don't collect 200 dollars. ;-)

I would worry about what condensation from the high humidity and shower spray would do to the electrical components. If water got into the base of the lamp sockets you would be in for a nice electrical show.

Sorry, in many states the NEC has the force of law.
It can be hard for the AHJ to gai access in many cases, but if they get in for anything, they can ping on whatever they see.

Some jurisdictins go so far as to revoke COs at sale and you cannot obtain a new CO without an inspection by the AHJ.

Good thing you are not a plumber or our water supply would be in real danger.

Well...I found my light. I will put it in at later date (yes...gasp..after inspection). I want to clarify that this is over a claw foot with NO shower. Anyhow, I will retreat back to kitchen and bath forum. The water is warmer there. I do appreciate the constructive help I did recieve. I just don't understand the need for people to incite negativity.

I just don't understand the need for people to incite negativity.

That would be called "caution."

It's the job of people who write safety codes to think what could go wrong, not to think "What could go wrong?". An optimistic attitude could mean that more people will die.

Building and electrical codes are written for a reason. I think I recall reading that the bathroom is the most dangerous room in the house (in terms of accidents). If you want to hang a non-code-compliant light there because you aren't interested in finding a safer way to make it a "sanctuary," then you are the one who has to deal with the consequences. These can vary from none, to the requirement that you remove the light when you sell your house, to (admittedly unlikely but possible) a lawsuit from the person who bought the house with the fixture in place, and whose kid was electrocuted by the chandelier.

You have folks here who call things as they see them. You may not see it this way, but they are concerned about you, your family, and those who may later buy your house. They probably think that's more important than being soothing, upbeat, and positive. If that means they're "inciters of negativity," then so be it. I'm genuinely sorry that you are upset by that.

davidr...
I appreciate those who have been helpful with their knowledge. I certainly took much of the advice as I now have a semi flush mount that was able to be installed today to code. I just felt that some of the discussion often was not congenial. I am not talking about responses to me directly but just responders interactions. I really think there is a way to be polite in all situations. Thanks for the time invested in your genuine response.
Kirsten

Kirsten,

You're right that people can sometimes be less polite than they should be. However, please try to understand some folks here (not all!) are busy pros who take time out of their days to help others.

They always mean well but sometimes one might be in a hurry to get the point across. He might not take time to re-read what he's written from the perspective of the person asking the question. It's easy to write down one's thoughts exactly - but not always so easy to phrase them more gently.

While everybody should be thoughtful and circumspect, I hope that the folks asking the questions will make some allowances for times when respondents may be a bit too blunt.

davidr,
thanks for your message. I have no doubt that the professionals here have taken time out of their professions to help out here on the forum. I in no way claim to know the in's and out's of electrical and lighting code. I do want to provide a safe environment for my family...that is my #1 priority. I recently had an interesting discussion with my GC (who has been amazing). We were discussing the climate in which he works. I believe it is imperative that all be treated professionally until they prove they are not professional :)...then you treat them as human beings....still with a level of respect.