I am in Montgomery County, Maryland and I had a contractor tell me it's against code to put a recessed light in my shower. The shower is 3' X 3' X 7'1" (3 foot by 3 foot and the height is 7 feet 1 inch).
Here are my questions:
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Can I put a recessed light with shower trim in that shower? (Everything I see says I can)
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Do I need a special high pressure light as it's under 8 feet tall? (And If so, what do I buy?)
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Any other code related questions that I should be aware of?
I researched it and put the light in and this contractor (who does this for a living) tells me an inspector would reject it, which I don't believe as recessed lights in showers are everywhere these days.
Best Answer
National Electrical Code is pretty clear on this, at least as of the 2014 version. It says that if the fixture is above the tub or shower, and within 8 ft. vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower threshold, the fixture must be rated for damp locations. If the fixture may be subject to shower spray, it has to be rated for wet locations.
If it were me, I'd install a fixture rated for wet locations, just to be on the safe side.
NOTE: This code seems to go back as far as the 2008 version of NEC. So as long as your jurisdiction has adopted at least NEC 2008, you should be fine.
You should have no trouble finding fixtures; and/or trim, that is rated for wet locations. In almost all cases, the fixture or trim will be sealed to prevent water intrusion. A quick search through Home Depot's inventory, turned up this item for example.
6 in. White Recessed Lighting Reflector Shower Trim with Frosted Glass Lens
I'm sure you'll find them in all different styles, colors, and from many different manufacturers.