This is what it says in both the International Residential Code (IRC) and Florida Building Code Residential Edition (FBC) at E4003.11: “Luminaires within the outside dimension of the bathtub or shower to a height of 8 feet (2438 mm) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower threshold shall be marked for damp locations and where subject to shower spray, shall be marked for wet locations.”

    There are several things to consider when evaluating whether a ceiling luminaire meets this standard:

1. Luminaires rated for damp or wet locations have a cover lens to protect the bulb. The photo above is an example of one that is wrong.
2. Remember that the 8-foot dimension is taken from the rim of the tub or shower threshold, not the floor.
3. A luminaire in a bathroom with a ceiling height of more than 8 feet may exceed the distance to the fixture that requires the damp or wet rating, and should be measured if in doubt.

    And here’s an example of a luminaire rated for damp or wet environment.

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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?

• 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 is undersize electric wiring in a house dangerous? 

• What causes flickering or blinking lights in a house?

• What is an open electrical splice?

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

• I heard that aluminum wiring is bad. How do you check for aluminum wiring?  

• What is "knob and tube" wiring?  

• 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.