A light fixture (luminaire) within the actual outside dimensions of a bathtub or shower and up to 8-feet above the tub rim or shower threshold is required to be rated by the manufacturer (and certified by a recognized testing lab like UL) for use in a damp location. This typically means that there is a removable lens over the lamp—like in the photo below. 

    A light fixture located where it might be subject to shower spray must be UL-rated for a wet location (per NEC 410.10D). Without the lens, water might splash up onto the glass surface of the bulb and shatter it, with the resultant spray of broken glass landing all around a nude, shoeless person. Once in a while we see a chandelier over a tub. But a building code official would never approve it, and most licensed electricians know better than to install one, so it is usually a homeowner project done as part of an HGTV-inspired bath remodeling.

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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about ELECTRICAL WIRING:

• Which house appliances need a dedicated electrical circuit?

• Can a short circuit cause a high electric bill?

• What is the maximum spacing requirement for securing NM-cable (nonmetallic-sheathed cable)?

• Is it alright to just put wire nuts on the end of unused or abandoned NM-cable or wiring?

• What causes copper wires to turn green or black in an electric panel?  

• What are typical aluminum service entrance wire/cable sizes for the electrical service to a house?

• Why is it unsafe to bond neutral and ground wiring at subpanels?

• Should I get a lightning rod system to protect my house?

• Why is a strain relief clamp necessary for the cord connection to some electric appliances?  

• Does a wire nut connection need to be wrapped with electrical tape?

• What is the minimum clearance of overhead electric service drop wires above a house roof?

• What are the requirements for NM-cables entering an electric panel box? 

• What is the color code for NM cable (Romex®) sheathing?

• Why are old electrical components not always "grandfathered" as acceptable by home inspectors?

• How can I find out the size of the electric service to a house?

• Can old electrical wiring go bad inside a wall? 

• What is an open electrical splice?

• What are the most common electrical defects found in a home inspection? 

• What is the code requirement for receptacle outlets in a closet?

   Visit our ELECTRICAL page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.