I am trying to shop for recessed light for my shower 5×5. I would like a smallish light with a surface light or glass shield. Ikea has 3 small directional lights for 20.00 it’s a great deal and good-looking light and it is approved for bathroom areas. (Blixt) The problem lies in the fact that they have very strict requirements for install. a) Center to center of adjacent luminaries 24" b) Top of Luminaries to over head building member 1/2" c) Luminaire center to side building member 12” This means that it has to be dead center of the trusses I guess. All the info that I have pulled up on other lights say that insulation can’t be closer then 3" and they have cans that go over the top for heat protection. Can I put these in a can? Has anyone ever done that? Am I spinning my wheels? Am I going to set my house a blaze trying to save some money? I don’t really understand this entire lighting lingo and I need some help. I have called a couple of lighting stores and they sound like they are in the dark (he he) like me. I called today about LCD lights and they are crazy expensive this is for a shower they are not used that much hardly ever. Help please!
Bathroom Sconce
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I wouldn’t use these lights, anywhere, anytime, unless they have the Mark of an Independent Third Party Testing Lab on both the luminaire, and on the lens. My bet is that they do not. The big clue here is that you said they were "approved" for "bathroom areas". In the US, according to the National Electrical Code, the only entity allowed to "approve" any electrical device, or installation, is the Inspector or other "Authority Having Jurisdiction". There is not a single testing agency in this country that "approves" anything electrical. And, a “bathroom area” does not specifically mean above a tub or shower.
My guess is that the only Mark you will find on these lights, lenses, and packaging will be either "CSA" or "CE"; maybe both. Neither has tested these luminaires to US Standards. In fact, the "CE" mark is good only in Europe, and there is no testing at all required; the manufacturer merely "Certifies" that the product is "safe for use in Europe". That’s it! No testing or other form of evaluation is required.
Find a listed shower light with an IC rating; that means that the can is allowed to be in direct contact with any insulation material. A listed shower fixture will have a solid lens cover. The NEC does not require that light fixtures (luminaires) above tubs or showers be GFCI protected; but often the local Building Department has amended the NEC to require GFCI protection for these fixtures. Call them & ask. Also, a listed product may state in the Installation Instructions that it must be GFCI protected when installed above, or within a certain distance of, a tub or shower.
If that is the case, then the NEC DOES require GFCI protection by way of Section 110.13(B); which states that a listed or labeled device must be installed according to the Manufacturer’s installation Instructions.
I hope you are smart enough to take this advice, and don’t think I am being too extreme. I have seen many house fires that started because equipment was misused or poorly installed.
I would consult an electrician, since they are more up to date with these installations and your local building code.
I believe that all recessed lights installed in ceilings must be inside these light housings or cans as you call them. However, consult an electrician to be sure.
Ikea lights are not meant to go in your shower..you must use specific recessed lighting meant for this. They must be sealed…I have them…call an electrician and save yourself the dangers you are embarking on. You cannot save money on this…there are strict codes to follow … they are there for a reason.
Find a light fixture that is listed for use in a shower, rated for insulation contact (IC), and air tight.
You should also wire it from the load terminals of a GFCI recptical.
If this is not practical, you can always change the existing circuit breaker to a GFCI breaker. A new GFCI circuit breaker usually costs about $40.00, GFCI protection is a good idea around water.
The first guy has the right idea and everybody else has good answers, I just wanted to through in my two cents.
The most important thing to remember when buying anything for your house is that you pay for what you get. I personally would never buy any kind of lighting from Ikea. Reason being that I have seen the quality of the "Wal-mart type" furniture they make and would be leary of buying any kind of electrical fixture from them.
Here is some comparison: Halo brand recessed or Can lights are about $60 each. These are good lights and I have used them above showers many times in the past with no complications from anything (even inspectors).
Most importantly just remember you pay for what you get, so don’t be afraid to spend money.