Code? Are pendants OK in bathroom IF they are UL Damp/Wet listed?

14 years ago

I read in the code that pendants are prohibited in bathrooms within 3 horizontal or 8 vertical feet from shower threshold or tub edge.

I have seen many pendants at vanities in photos, and we were planning that in our bathroom, but the vanity is fairly tight between the tub and shower.

Can we use them if we buy UL Wet/Damp listed pendants and GFCI protect them or are they prohibited in any way shape or form?

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Comments (6)

christophersprks
14 years ago
Your reading of the code is correct. Art.410.4(D)
To answer your question: No, not if it's in the 3 foot zone.
azlighting
14 years ago
X2...

410.10(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas. No parts of cordconnected
luminaires, chain-, cable-, or cord-suspended luminaires,
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 space directly
over the tub or shower stall. Luminaires located within the
actual outside dimension of the bathtub or shower to a
height of 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower threshold shall be marked for damp locations, or marked for wet locations
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Stacey Collins
Original Author
14 years ago
Oh rats. So, even if the pendants are wet listed, then, they are not allowed?
macv
14 years ago
Not if they're hanging.
azlighting
14 years ago
Incorrect... Non wet or damp rated pendants ARE allowed above the shower, however the bottom of the fixture MUST be more than 8'-0" ABOVE the top rim of the shower. They CANNOT be less than 8'-0" above the rim.

ie:
your shower stall is 10'-0" tall. The code requires an EXTRA 8'-0" of clearance, this brings the height to 18'-0"

The pendant, cord connected fixture, etc. CANNOT be located between the 10'-0" mark and the 18'-0" mark but MUST be mounted higher. A pendant fixture mounted at 19'-0" above the finished floor over the shower would pass. Granted the inspector would take out his measuring tape to make sure.

This just means the ceiling directly over your shower has to be a minimum of 21'-0", depending on the pendant length. Some homes DO have this height...
groundrod
14 years ago
az
The measurement is from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. In the shower that would be the part you step over.

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Code? Are pendants OK in bathroom IF they are UL Damp/Wet listed?

Comments (6)

christophersprks

azlighting

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macv

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Code? Are pendants OK in bathroom IF they are UL Damp/Wet listed?

Comments (6)

christophersprks

azlighting

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Stacey CollinsOriginal Author

macv

azlighting

groundrod

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Stacey Collins
Original Author