You light up my life                                        Quincy and East Wenatchee Home Inspections

Imagine yourself there in the morning having a nice warm shower. This is winter and if you are in the northern part of the hemisphere it most likely very dark.  So you need a little light and zap you find yourself being energized (no energy drinks needed).

Well we all should know there are specific requirements for lighting in wet and damp locations. I think the shower can be considered that.

So during this home inspection I come into the bathroom and find this little arrangement.

We have a florescent light fixture nicely installed at the back of the shower. I am pretty sure by its design that it is not designed for a wet/damp location.

The NEC (National Electrical Code) states:
410.10 Luminaires in Specific Locations.
(A) Wet and Damp Locations. Luminaires 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 luminaires installed in wet locations shall be marked, “Suitable for Wet Locations.” All luminaires installed in damp locations shall be marked “Suitable for Wet Locations” or “Suitable for Damp Locations.”

But we have more find with this one.  The NEC also states in 410.10 section (D)

Bathtub and Shower Areas. No parts of cord-connected 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 where subject to shower spray.

Well that’s a two-fer.

Remember many do not think or understand some of the inherent risks that can be lurking in the home. Hiring a professional home inspector to periodically give your home a maintenance and safety check could help you not only maintain your largest investment but may just save a life.

Ancora Imparo

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

www.ncwhomeinspections.com          509-670-9572