# Light Switch Near Shower **URL:** \ **Category:** Electrical Inspections\ **Created:** [June 9, 2009, 7:24pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428 "2009-06-09T19:24:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![vsantos](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/vsantos/32/188006_2.png) [@vsantos](https://forum.nachi.org/u/vsantos)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2009, 7:24pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/1 "2009-06-09T19:24:12Z")
It’s my understanding the NEC is not very clear on these applications. Would you comment on this and what verbiage would you use? ![100.jpg](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/e/f/ef9918db860cef6f5d4879007f0a2b871849abef.jpeg) ![100.jpg](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/e/f/ef9918db860cef6f5d4879007f0a2b871849abef.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![jpope](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jpope/32/59425_2.png) [@jpope](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jpope)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2009, 7:47pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/2 "2009-06-09T19:47:20Z")
Sure it is. There’s nothing to comment about. NEC 404.4 Switches shall not be installed within wet locations in tub or shower spaces unless installed as part of a listed tub or shower assembly. These switches are clearly outside of the “shower space.” ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_Port](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bc8723/32.png) [@Jim\_Port](https://forum.nachi.org/u/Jim_Port)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2009, 7:57pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/3 "2009-06-09T19:57:20Z")
Jeff has it summed up right there. As long as you are outside the footprint, even by 1/16", you are code compliant. ---
**Author:** ![bwiley](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8c91f0/32.png) [@bwiley](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bwiley)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2009, 7:58pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/4 "2009-06-09T19:58:39Z")
Since we are becoming responsible for cradle to grave service for our clients… “Dry your hands before touching these switches lest the grave portion of our service will come sooner than you may wish”…😉 Nothing to write up about them otherwise, as Jeff said. ---
**Author:** ![mroberson](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mroberson/32/195146_2.png) [@mroberson](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mroberson)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2009, 9:34pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/5 "2009-06-09T21:34:56Z")
Do they run through the GFCI? Might be a good idea ---
**Author:** ![thowell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a8b319/32.png) [@thowell](https://forum.nachi.org/u/thowell)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 12:29am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/6 "2009-06-10T00:29:23Z")
I thought the switch had to be a minimum 3’ from the shower. Recommend GFCI / evaluation by an electrican ---
**Author:** ![pabernathy](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/pabernathy/32/178230_2.png) [@pabernathy](https://forum.nachi.org/u/pabernathy)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 1:30am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/7 "2009-06-10T01:30:30Z")
Tim…I believe that is in Canada but not in the US. ---
**Author:** ![jpope](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jpope/32/59425_2.png) [@jpope](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jpope)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 1:58am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/8 "2009-06-10T01:58:17Z")
> [@thowell](#): > > I thought the switch had to be a minimum 3’ from the shower. Recommend GFCI / evaluation by an electrican What is there to “evaluate?” ---
**Author:** ![fcarrio](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/fcarrio/32/1571_2.png) [@fcarrio](https://forum.nachi.org/u/fcarrio)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 6:26am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/9 "2009-06-10T06:26:18Z")
> [@vsantos](#): > > It’s my understanding the NEC is not very clear on these applications. Would you comment on this and what verbiage would you use? Vincent, Here are some graphics on light _fixtures_ that you might find useful. ![bath-elect.JPG](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/0/2/024762ec709fd55867a3d1bdaabe2820ca505398.jpeg) ![bathroom.jpg](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/1/6/16fec573d79733ba864b1e17b07180cf28fed5cd.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![belliott](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/belliott/32/57038_2.png) [@belliott](https://forum.nachi.org/u/belliott)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 1:27pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/10 "2009-06-10T13:27:54Z")
> [@fcarrio](#): > > Vincent, > Here are some graphics on light _fixtures_ that you might find useful. Never knew the 8 foot rule. Good illustration if still up to date. ---
**Author:** ![fcarrio](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/fcarrio/32/1571_2.png) [@fcarrio](https://forum.nachi.org/u/fcarrio)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 6:47am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/11 "2009-06-11T06:47:03Z")
> [@relliott](#): > > Never knew the 8 foot rule. > Good illustration if still up to date. Hi Robert, Your question as to whether or not this graphic was “still good” prompted me to do a lot, _and I mean a lot_ of research. - I have found that information still valid. I’ve gone out of my way to research the “electrical section” of the International Residential Code to look for “switches, receptacles, and luminaries” in damp/wet locations. Here’s what I found and I hope it is of some use. Please feel free to add it to your “database”.😛 **[size=4]International Residential Code [/size]** **SECTION E3603** **REQUIRED BRANCH CIRCUITS** **E3603.4 Bathroom branch circuits.** A minimum of one 20-ampere branch circuit shall be provided to supply bathroom receptacle outlet(s). Such circuits shall have no other outlets. \*\*Exception: \*\* Where the 20-ampere circuit supplies a single bathroom, outlets for other equipment within the same bathroom shall be permitted to be supplied in accordance with Section E3602. \*\*E3605.7 Location of overcurrent devices in or on premises. \*\* Overcurrent devices shall: \*\*LOCATION, WET. \*\* Installations underground or in concrete slabs or masonry in direct contact with the earth and locations subject to saturation with water or other liquids, such as vehicle-washing areas, and locations exposed to weather. {This also includes swimming pools, Jacuzzi’s, hot tubs, “regular tubs”, sinks, showers and basins.} **Chapter 38 Power and Lighting Distribution** **Section E. 3801, Receptacle Outlets** **E3801.6 Bathroom.** At least one wall receptacle outlet shall be installed in bathrooms and such outlet shall be located within 36 inches (914 mm) of the outside edge of each lavatory basin. The receptacle outlet shall be located on a wall that is adjacent to the lavatory basin location. Receptacle outlets shall not be installed in a face-up position in the work surfaces or countertops in a bathroom basin location. \*\*Exception: \*\* The receptacle shall not be required to be mounted on the wall or partition where it is installed on the side or face of the basin cabinet not more than 12 inches (300 mm) below the countertop. **SECTION E3802** **GROUND-FAULT AND ARC-FAULT** **CIRCUIT-INTERRUPTER PROTECTION** \*\*E3802.1 Bathroom receptacles. \*\* All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in bathrooms _shall have_ ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel. **SECTION E3803** **LIGHTING OUTLETS** **E3803.1 General.** Lighting outlets shall be provided in accordance with Sections E3803.2 through E3803.4. **E3803.2 Habitable rooms.** At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room and bathroom. Not be located in bathrooms. **CHAPTER 39** **DEVICES AND LUMINARIES SECTION E3901 SWITCHES** **E3901.7 Wet locations.** A switch or circuit breaker located \*in a wet location \*or outside of a building shall be enclosed in a weatherproof enclosure or cabinet. _Switches shall not be installed within wet locations_ in tub or shower spaces _unless_ installed _as part of a listed tub_ or _shower assembly_. {IE manufactured “watertight/water resistant” specifically for the installed unit.} \*\*WATERTIGHT. \*\* So constructed that moisture will not enter the enclosure under specified test conditions. {NOTE: Some luminaries are “waterproof/watertight” and are constructed/manufactured specifically for the use in “wet locations” such as within 36 inches of a tub, shower, or Jacuzzi.} **BATHROOM.** An area, including a basin, with \*one \*or _more_ of the following: a toilet, a tub or a shower. **SECTION E3902** **RECEPTACLES** E3902.11 Bathtub and shower space. A receptacle shall not be installed within or directly over a bathtub or shower stall. **SECTION E3903** **FIXTURES** **E3903.8 Wet or damp locations.** Luminaries installed in wet or damp locations shall be installed so that water cannot enter or accumulate in wiring compartments, lampholders or other electrical parts. All luminaries installed in wet locations shall be marked SUITABLE FOR WET LOCATIONS. All luminaries installed in damp locations shall be marked SUITABLE FOR WET LOCATIONS or SUITABLE FOR DAMP LOCATIONS. **E3903.9 Lampholders in wet or damp locations.** Lampholders installed in wet or damp locations shall be of the weatherproof type. **E3903.10 Bathtub and shower areas.** Cord-connected luminaries, chain-, cable-, or cord-suspended-luminaries, lighting track, pendants, and ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans shall not have any parts located within a zone measured _3 feet (914 mm) horizontally_ and _8 feet (2438 mm) vertically_ from the top of a bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. This zone is all encompassing and includes the zone directly over the tub or shower. Luminaries located in this zone shall be listed for _damp locations_ and _where subject to shower spray_, shall be **listed** _for wet locations._ **SECTION E3905** **TRACK LIGHTING** **E3905.4 Prohibited locations**. Lighting track shall not be installed in the following locations: 1. Where likely to be subjected to physical damage. 2. _In wet or damp locations._ Once again, I hope this information can be useful to some or all of you.:nachi::nachi: ---
**Author:** ![mlarson](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mlarson/32/89225_2.png) [@mlarson](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mlarson)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 10:00am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/12 "2009-06-11T10:00:31Z")
That’s great info Frank(thanks for your research) but none of it applies to Vince’s original question of a light switch near the shower bay. ---
**Author:** ![bemelander](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/cdc98d/32.png) [@bemelander](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bemelander)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2009, 11:00am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/13 "2009-06-11T11:00:34Z")
The switch in Vince’s picture is OK and as Jeff said there is nothing to comment about. ---
**Author:** ![fcarrio](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/fcarrio/32/1571_2.png) [@fcarrio](https://forum.nachi.org/u/fcarrio)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2009, 12:07am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/14 "2009-06-12T00:07:15Z")
> [@mlarson](#): > > That’s great info Frank(thanks for your research) but none of it applies to Vince’s original question of a light switch near the shower bay. Does it look like this light switch is _within the 36-inch "wet zone_" or within **36-inches** \* from the outside edge\* of the shower? [http://www.nachi.org/forum/attachments/f19/29128d1244575384-light-switch-near-shower-100\_5272.jpg](http://www.nachi.org/forum/attachments/f19/29128d1244575384-light-switch-near-shower-100_5272.jpg) **CHAPTER 39** **DEVICES AND LUMINARIES SECTION E3901 _SWITCHES_** **E3901.7 Wet locations.** _ **:pA switch** _ :p… or circuit breaker located _in a wet location or outside of a building shall be enclosed in a weatherproof enclosure or cabinet_\*. 🆒Switches:cool:… \*_shall not be installed within wet locations_ in tub or shower spaces _unless_ installed _as part of a listed tub_ or _shower assembly_. {IE manufactured “watertight/water resistant” specifically for the installed unit.} ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_Port](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bc8723/32.png) [@Jim\_Port](https://forum.nachi.org/u/Jim_Port)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2009, 1:06am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/15 "2009-06-12T01:06:19Z")
Frank, How would you consider that a wet location? It is outside the footprint of the drained area of the shower pan. I also scanned the code sections posted by you and did not see any mention of the 3’ distance regarding switches. ---
**Author:** ![mgratton](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mgratton/32/58251_2.png) [@mgratton](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mgratton)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2009, 3:51am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/16 "2009-06-12T03:51:46Z")
In my opinion, if you’re standing in the bathtub or shower and can reach a light switch then it is not safe…period! ---
**Author:** ![jwicklander](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jwicklander/32/57038_2.png) [@jwicklander](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jwicklander)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2009, 4:38am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/17 "2009-06-12T04:38:59Z")
> [@fcarrio](#): > > Does it look like this light switch is _within the 36-inch "wet zone_" or within **36-inches** \* from the outside edge\* of the shower? > [http://www.nachi.org/forum/attachments/f19/29128d1244575384-light-switch-near-shower-100\_5272.jpg](http://www.nachi.org/forum/attachments/f19/29128d1244575384-light-switch-near-shower-100_5272.jpg) > **CHAPTER 39** > **DEVICES AND LUMINARIES SECTION E3901 _SWITCHES_** > **E3901.7 Wet locations.** > _ **:pA switch** _ :p… or circuit breaker located _in a wet location or outside of a building shall be enclosed in a weatherproof enclosure or cabinet_\*. 🆒Switches:cool:… \*_shall not be installed within wet locations_ in tub or shower spaces _unless_ installed _as part of a listed tub_ or _shower assembly_. > {IE manufactured “watertight/water resistant” specifically for the installed unit.} How did you come up with 36 inches outside of ‘the wet-zone’ as ‘the wetzone’ itself? Jeff ---
**Author:** ![fcarrio](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/fcarrio/32/1571_2.png) [@fcarrio](https://forum.nachi.org/u/fcarrio)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2009, 5:44am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/18 "2009-06-12T05:44:32Z")
> [@mgratton](#): > > In my opinion, if you’re standing in the bathtub or shower and can reach a light switch then it is not safe…period! Agreed! That was why the “36-inch” rule was devised! 😛 ---
**Author:** ![fcarrio](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/fcarrio/32/1571_2.png) [@fcarrio](https://forum.nachi.org/u/fcarrio)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2009, 5:48am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/19 "2009-06-12T05:48:00Z")
> [@jwicklander](#): > > How did you come up with 36 inches outside of ‘the wet-zone’ as ‘the wetzone’ itself? > > Jeff Look at the diagram. The “wet zone” is anything within 36-inches from either edge of the tub or… 8-feet above the tub! These areas are considered “wet zones” because they are “_subject to shower spray_”. [http://www.nachi.org/forum/attachments/f19/29210d1244785621-light-switch-near-shower-bath-elect.jpg](http://www.nachi.org/forum/attachments/f19/29210d1244785621-light-switch-near-shower-bath-elect.jpg) **[FONT=Arial]E3903.10 Bathtub and shower areas.[/FONT]** [FONT=Arial]Cord-connected luminaries, chain-, cable-, or cord-suspended-luminaries, lighting track, pendants, and ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans shall not have any parts located within a zone measured _3 feet (914 mm) horizontally_ and _8 feet (2438 mm) vertically_ from the top of a bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]This zone is all encompassing and includes the zone directly over the tub or shower. Luminaries located in this zone shall be listed for _damp locations_ and _where subject to shower spray_, shall be **listed** _for wet locations._[/FONT] _ **CHAPTER 39** _ _**[FONT=Arial][size=3]DEVICES AND LUMINARIES SECTION E3901 SWITCHES[/size][/FONT]**_ _**[FONT=Arial][size=3]E3901.7 Wet locations.**_ _ **:razz:A switch** :razz:… or circuit breaker located in a wet location or outside of a building shall be enclosed in a weatherproof enclosure or cabinet_. 🆒Switches:cool:… \*_shall not be installed **within wet locations** _ in tub or shower spaces _unless_ installed _as part of a listed tub_ or _shower assembly_. [/size]\*[/FONT] ![bath-elect.JPG](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/0/2/024762ec709fd55867a3d1bdaabe2820ca505398.jpeg) ![bathroom.jpg](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/1/6/16fec573d79733ba864b1e17b07180cf28fed5cd.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![fcarrio](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/fcarrio/32/1571_2.png) [@fcarrio](https://forum.nachi.org/u/fcarrio)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2009, 7:00am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428/20 "2009-06-12T07:00:56Z")
**FROM THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE.** **2008 National Electrical Code** **ARTICLE 404-_SWITCHES_** **404.4 Damp or Wet Locations.** A surface mounted switch or circuit breaker in a _damp_ or _wet location_ shall be enclosed in a weatherproof enclosure or cabinet that shall comply with 312.2. _ **A flush mounted switch** _ or circuit breaker in a \*damp \*or _wet location_ shall be equipped with a weatherproof cover. Switches shall not be installed within wet locations in tub or shower spaces unless installed as part of a listed tub or shower assembly. {NOTE: According to both the NEC and the IRC a damp/wet location is in the area within 36 inches of either edge of a tub sink or basin and/or an area that is subject to “spray”. The "wet/damp area also extends 8 feet vertically.} **Luminary Locations** **410 10.10** \*\*{A.} Wet and Damp Locations \*\* Luminaries installed in wet or damp locations shall be installed such that water cannot enter or accumulate in wiring compartments, lampholders, or other electrical parts. All luminaries installed in wet locations shall be marked, “suitable for wet locations”. All luminaries installed in damp locations shall be marked “suitable for wet locations” or suitable for damp locations. **{D.} Bath Tub and Shower Areas.** No parts or cord connected luminaries, chain, cable, or cord suspended luminaries, lighting track, pendants, or ceiling suspended {paddle} fans shall be located within the zone measured 900 mm _ **{3 feet} horizontally** _ and 2.5 m _ **{8 feet} vertically** _ from the top of the bathtub when I’m or shower stall threshold. _ **This zone** _ is all encompassing and includes a space directly over the tub or shower stall. Luminaries located within the actual outside dimension of the bathtub or shower to a height of 2.5 m {8 feet vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower threshold shall be marked for damp locations, or marked for wet locations were subject to shower spray. PLEASE NOTE: BOTH THE NEC AND THE IRC HAVE THE SAME DEFINITION FOR THE “WET ZONE”. :nachi:I hope this has been of some help to my fellow NACHI members {and guests}:nachi: [Next page](https://forum.nachi.org/t/light-switch-near-shower/39428.md?page=2)