National Electric Code (NEC) from 2020 1) Lighting and ceiling fans cannot be located within a 3-foot wide by 8-foot high area above the bathtub or shower. (2) All other lighting inside the bathtub or shower must be rated for damp or wet locations.
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.
No parts of cord-connected luminaires, chain-, cable-, or cord-suspended luminaires, lighting track, pendants, or ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans with luminaire (light kit) 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 ...
Of course, you can use a chandelier in the bathroom, just remember to keep at least eight feet between the top of the tub and the bottom of the hanging fixture or stay at least three feet away from the ``footprint'' of the tub, if you want it to pass the electrical inspection.
This means implementing a 7-foot rule: the bottom of the chandelier should be at least 7 feet (84 inches) above the floor. When installing the light, step back and look at how it takes up space in the room; some people prefer to leave 8 feet of clearance above the floor, to give the room a more open and spacious feel.
If you have the height clearance, chandeliers are versatile and can be used in virtually every room in a home, from the living room, to the hallway, or even the bathroom.
A chandelier is suspended from the ceiling, holding multiple bulbs, whereas a pendant is suspended from the ceiling with a single bulb. To understand both light fixtures, we've explained how both were created and what's best suited for your interior.
When installing a chandelier over the bathtub, the lowest point of the chandelier has to be 8 feet about the rim of the bathtub, per NEC guidelines. In addition, consulting a lighting expert will give you the most up-to-date code requirements in your area before you make your decision.
Ensure the pendant light is rated for bathroom use and meets the required IP (Ingress Protection) standards for exposure to moisture. This is especially important if the pendant light is to be placed near a shower or bathtub.
Place vertical fixtures or sconces at eye level and on either side of your vanity mirror. This arrangement provides balanced lighting across your face, reducing unflattering shadows under the eyes and chin.
Lights must be a minimum of IP67 which means they are protected against the effects of immersion. Zone 1: This is the area above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m from the floor.
In Specification B bathrooms, a 30-inch x 48-inch clear floor space is required adjacent to the bathtub to provide greater access for transferring into and out of the bathtub. The controls must be on the wall at the foot of the bathtub, as shown in the Guidelines' Requirement 7, Figure 8.
In Showers and Over Tubs
Housings used must be “wet” or “shower-location” rated. “Damp-location” rated lights in these locations are unsafe and will not meet safety code requirements. Recessed shower lights require a design with a lens cover. This type of light can also be used over a tub or toilet.
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.
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.
To meet the intent of the Rule, switches located a horizontal distance of at least 1m from the inside edge of a bathtub or shower is recommended.
Chandelier Height and Placement Guidelines
The NEC stipulates that any bathroom light fixture must be at least eight feet above the tub or three feet away from it. Generally, the bottom of a chandelier should hang at least seven and a half feet above an open floor to prevent accidents and provide adequate clearance.
A 20-amp circuit is the necessary amount of energy that is required to fully utilize the lighting and electrical components of a bathroom. Even though you are able to have more power, this is the minimum required by electrical code. This will allow you to safely run an overhead light and an exhaust fan.
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.
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.
Whether it's gracing the entryway, brightening up the living room, or adding charm to your dining space, installing a chandelier can transform any room.
Inserts fit over an existing tub and come in a variety of colors. They do away with the tough job of tearing out an old tub.
Standard Height Recommendation
The generally accepted rule for hanging dining room chandeliers is that the bottom of the fixture should hang between 30 and 36 inches above the top of the dining table. This range assumes you have an 8-foot ceiling.
Crystal chandeliers are absolutely still in fashion thanks to their timeless design.
Do you need an electrician to install a chandelier? Yes, it is recommended to hire an electrician to ensure safe and proper installation of a chandelier. Hiring a licensed electrician is a more suitable and time-saving option compared to the DIY approach.