Receiving Helpdesk

is it safe to hang a chandelier over a bathtub

by Adele Rosenbaum Sr. Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Most building code regulators will allow a chandelier in your bathroom installed under 8 feet as long as it’s rated for damp conditions and not hanging directly over your bathtub. In any case, consult the building regulations in your area for more information. These regulations exist to avoid electrical hazards and accidental deaths.

The National Electrical Code sets the standard for residential electrical safety. To pass inspection, a bathroom chandelier (or any light, fan or vent) needs to be at least 8 feet above the tub or 3 feet out from it. A local, licensed electrician will be your best resource on electrical matters, Mikulka says.Jan 11, 2018

Full Answer

Can you hang a chandelier over a bathroom tub?

Installing a chandelier over the tub makes a big design statement that transforms the bathroom from a purely functional room to a stylish space. A chandelier should be 8 feet above the top of the edge of the tub. The National Electrical Code (NEC) sets the standards for bathroom lighting.

What is the code for hanging chandeliers over tubs?

The national electric code reads on hanging chandeliers over tubs. It must be 8′ above the top of the tub. While local codes may be different, It is my understanding that local codes must mirror or exceed national code, Reply.

How high should a chandelier be above a shower?

The National Electric Code for the U.S. says that hanging fixtures should be at least 8 feet above the top of the bathtub rim. If that's not doable in your space, consider hanging the chandelier at the center of the room for a fancy bathroom that's luxurious and still up to code. Also, can you put a light above a shower?

What is the best chandelier for a bathroom with a lower ceiling?

A flush mount chandelier might be your only choice in a bathroom with a lower ceiling. Unless your style is eclectic, the design of the chandelier should complement the task lighting above or at the sides of the vanity.

Can you hang a chandelier above a tub?

Chandeliers above the Tub: This common placement also has the strictest height requirements: the lowest point of your chandelier must be either 8 feet above the highest point of the tub's rim, or at least 3 feet away from the tub.

Can a light fixture be above a tub?

The National Electrical Code prohibits installing a hanging ceiling light fixture within 3' horizontally of a tub unless there is 8' or more in clearance from the bottom of the light fixture to the top of the tub.

How big should a chandelier be over a bathtub?

Determine the size of the lighting fixture by taking one-third the length of the tub. For a chandelier that is centered in the room, mount it at least three feet away from the tub if room size allows. Also, use only wet or damp-rated fixtures in the bathroom.

Can you put a chandelier over a shower?

Even if you have a high enough ceiling to hang a chandelier or pendant with eight feet of clearance above the shower floor or highest point of a tub, the chandelier should be rated for moisture.

How low can a chandelier hang in a bathroom?

Leave Proper Clearances By code, the bottom of the chandelier must be at least 8 feet above the highest point on the tub's edge or 3 feet beyond it.

Can you have a hanging light in the bathroom?

So the short answer is yes, pendant lights can be used in a bathroom as long as they're not too close to water sources. Any lighting positioned close to a water source such the shower, bath or sink needs to use 'ingress protection' or IP rated fittings.

Should I put a chandelier in my bathroom?

Which brings us to the point of this blog: Installing a chandelier in the bathroom can be very dangerous. Keep in mind that you're hanging a pendant-style fixture in a room known for moisture and humidity. Last we checked, mingling anything electrical with water is a very bad idea.

How big should a light be over a bathtub?

A rule of thumb that I use is that the diameter of the fixture should be 1/3 of the tub length. So, if you have a 60" freestanding tub, I like the fixture to be no larger than 20" in diameter.

How close can a light fixture be to a shower?

Surface fixtures (including track lights or paddle fans) are only allowed if they are at least 8' above the maximum water level or at least 3' away from the tub or shower rim NEC 410.10(D).

How do you put a light above a shower?

1:003:54What Type of Light Fixture Can I Put Above a Tub or Shower? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is a 6-inch recessed lighting fixture and that's going to be what I'm gonna recommend is to getMoreThis is a 6-inch recessed lighting fixture and that's going to be what I'm gonna recommend is to get a six inch. Or five inch it could be a different size. But six inches standard.

What makes a light damp rated?

What are Damp Rated Lights? Damp rating refers to moist locations with no direct exposure to water. When a light is marked as suitable for a damp environment, it can be installed in areas like bathrooms (not in the shower or tub), basements, and some saunas.

How High Should a Chandelier Be Above a Bathtub (What Does the Code Say?)

Building codes vary from region to region. A general point of reference would be to hang the chandelier 8 feet over the bathtub’s lip or the center of the room.

How to Choose the Right Chandelier to Hang Over a Bathtub

Pricing should be a factor when it comes to buying anything, but the least expensive chandelier is likely not the best choice for your bathroom. Chandeliers that will serve your bathroom best will usually be priced in the mid to high range. However, you can always get lucky and find some deals or sales that can save you a lot of money.

Tips for Hanging a Chandelier Over a Bathtub

Installing a chandelier is not the most challenging job. But to install a chandelier successfully, you will need some basic electrician skills. You will have to make some electrical connections.

Chandelier Over Bathtub Ideas

I was taught carpentry at a young age by my father. After highschool I worked with my father as a Union Carpenter for six years.

How high can a chandelier hang over a bathtub?

Can I hang a chandelier over my bathtub? The National Electric Code (NEC) from 2011 requires that any part of a light fixture, including crystals dangling from chandeliers, must be a minimum of 8 feet above the highest portion of a tub's walls. This no-chandelier zone extends out horizontally 3 feet around the tub rim.

How high above the tub do you have to hang a chandelier?

The National Electric Code (NEC) from 2011 requires that any part of a light fixture, including crystals dangling from chandeliers, must be a minimum of 8 feet above the highest portion of a tub's walls. This no-chandelier zone extends out horizontally 3 feet around the tub rim.

Do you need overhead space for a chandelier?

You need overhead space to hang a chandelier. Because of the electrical requirements, a chandelier works best in bathrooms with high or vaulted ceilings. When choosing a chandelier, consider the slope and height of your ceiling and how the fixture will interact with the rest of the room. Similar Asks.

How high above the tub is a light fixture?

So they require that any part of a light fixture, even the non-lightbulb embellishments, must be at least 8 feet above the highest portion of the bathtub’s walls. This no-light-zone also extends horizontally 3 feet around the tub rim.

Is white bathroom still popular?

White bathrooms are still enormously popular, and always look so fresh and clean for a perfect ‘after’ photo. While the image is aspirational, and the oversized plant and armchair seem out-of-place to me (a matter of taste), there is one detail could violate your local codes. It’s the chandelier. You shouldn’t be able to stand in your bathtub ...

Can you hang a chandelier above a bathtub?

You’ll also need a light fixture that is rated for wet or damp locations. And yes, local codes can be different.

How high above the tub do you have to hang a chandelier?

The National Electric Code (NEC) from 2011 requires that any part of a light fixture, including crystals dangling from chandeliers, must be a minimum of 8 feet above the highest portion of a tub's walls. This no-chandelier zone extends out horizontally 3 feet around the tub rim.

How far should a chandelier be from a bathtub?

In reality, however, regulations require that there be at least 8 feet between the top of the tub or surround and the lowest part of any light fixture, chandeliers included.

Can you grab a chandelier in a wet tub?

The requirement promotes safety, so there's no chance of ever grabbing the chandelier while in a filled or wet tub. The installed light should also be rated for a moist or wet location -- many chandeliers are not.

Fancy Bath Lighting

Judging from our mailbox, This Old House readers love to hang fancy lighting in their bathrooms. But, to be completely honest, some of your photos make us a little skittish. Safety codes and common sense call for added caution when installing a pendant-style fixture in a wet environment.

Leave Proper Clearances

By code, the bottom of the chandelier must be at least 8 feet above the highest point on the tub's edge or 3 feet beyond it.

Plan for Moisture

Choose a fixture that's U.L.-rated for wet or damp locations; the fixture should feature tight construction that keeps out water and condensation.

Protect Yourself From Shocks

Make sure that the wiring in the bathroom is protected with a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which will cut the current if it senses unsafe conditions.

Go off The Grid

Don't have high ceilings for a chandelier? Consider a decorative candle fixture instead. Use dripless candles; keep flames at least 12 inches from flammable materials and always extinguish them before leaving the room.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9