Can you put a recessed light over a shower?

Quick Answer

It is possible to install a recessed light over a shower, but there are important considerations to take into account regarding moisture resistance, electrical safety, and building codes. The short answer is yes, with proper planning and execution, recessed lighting can be an attractive and effective way to illuminate a shower area.

Overview

Recessed lighting, also known as can lights or downlights, have become a popular lighting choice for many rooms in modern homes, including bathrooms. Recessed lights installed in ceilings or soffits provide directed task lighting that can create a clean, contemporary look. When considering using recessed lights in a bathroom, there are some additional factors to consider compared to installing them in a dry area. Care must be taken to properly seal and insulate the lights to prevent moisture damage and electrical hazards.

Benefits of Recessed Lighting in Showers

There are several potential benefits to using recessed lights over a shower:

• Focused illumination – Recessed lights provide directed task lighting on the shower area, which can be helpful for shaving or showering.
• Stylish appearance – The streamlined look of recessed lighting can fit with modern bathroom aesthetics.
• Flexible placement – Lights can be positioned over the shower head or different zones of the shower.
• Energy efficient – LED recessed lighting is an energy efficient option.

Challenges of Using Recessed Lights in Showers

However, bathrooms present several challenges:

• Moisture – The humidity and potential for leaks or splashing requires moisture resistant fixtures.
• Restricted space – Ceilings over showers may be sloped or tight, restricting placement.
• Access above ceiling – If lights need maintenance, access may be difficult over a finished shower.
• Building codes – Specific standards dictate electrical components in wet areas.

Fortunately there are specialized recessed lighting products designed to withstand bathroom environments. With proper selection and installation, recessed lights can be used safely and effectively over showers.

Requirements for Recessed Lighting in Showers

Installing recessed lights in shower areas requires choosing suitable fixtures and planning the layout carefully. There are some essential requirements:

Moisture Resistance

Since showers inherently involve water exposure, the recessed lights specified must have adequate wet location ratings:

• Ingress Protection (IP) rating of at least IP65, meaning the fixture is dust tight and protected against water projected from a nozzle.
• Safety ratings of approved standards like UL or ETL, indicating suitability for wet locations.
• Gaskets, sealants, or other provisions to prevent water entry into the fixture housing.

The light bulb or lamp specified should also be suitable for damp environments. LED and compact fluorescent lamps are good choices.

Vapor Barrier

The installation should include a vapor barrier – typically a specialized recessed lighting housing made of plastic or metal that provides a moisture barrier between the light and ceiling. This allows air exchange while blocking water vapor.

Insulation

Insulation around recessed lighting is prohibited in some cases by building codes due to potential fire hazards. Special “insulation contact” (IC) rated housings and light kits must be used if insulation will contact the fixture. Additional clearance may be required.

Electrical Considerations

Recessed lighting circuits over showers have some special considerations:

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection must be used as mandated by building codes.
• Fire rated recessed housings may be required depending on ceiling construction.
• Wiring should be suitable for wet locations and damp environments.

Proper planning is needed regarding the required number of lights and their electrical loads.

Building Code Compliance

All electrical work, including the number and placement of recessed lights in a shower area, must adhere to relevant building codes and standards. A licensed professional should ensure compliance.

How to Install Recessed Lighting in a Shower

Here is an overview of how to install recessed lighting over a shower:

1. Review the shower area and determine how many lights are needed and where they should be positioned. Account for ceiling obstructions and the location of water valves, shower heads, etc.
2. Choose an appropriate IC rated recessed light fixture that is certified water-resistant or wet location rated and meets applicable standards.
3. Turn off power at the circuit breaker before starting electrical work. Install new wiring from the electrical panel using proper GFCI protection and suitable conduit where needed.
4. Cut openings in the ceiling to match the housing size of the recessed light fixtures.
5. Install housings ensuring proper support and anchoring to the ceiling structure.
6. Make electrical connections to the recessed light housings and install the trim kits.
7. Carefully seal fixtures to prevent air or moisture leakage into the housings.
8. Install light bulbs or lamps, test lights for proper operation and replace ceiling material.
9. Turn on power and verify proper lighting function. Make any adjustments as needed.
10. Ensure inspector approval if required by local regulations before using shower.

The key steps are appropriate fixture selection, proper wiring and seals, and confirming watertight installation. Planning the layout and getting necessary permits are also essential.

Where to Place Recessed Lights in a Shower

The optimal placement of recessed lights over a shower depends on the size and layout of the shower area:

Directly Over the Shower Head

• Provides focused lighting right where needed when bathing.
• Allows for brighter illumination of the showering space.
• Requires waterproofing above the shower head zone.

In Front of the Shower Area

• Lights the user from the front which some find more flattering.
• Still provides useful shower lighting from outside the water zone.
• Can integrate multiple lights over a larger shower opening.

Over Different Shower Zones

• Adds lighting variety and visual interest.
• Lets you highlight separate shower features or areas.
• Requires proper planning and symmetrical layout.

The ideal number and placement balances lighting needs, aesthetic preferences, and practical installation considerations.

How Many Recessed Lights for a Shower?

Some guidelines for the number of recessed lights needed for shower lighting:

• Standard tub/shower combo – At least 1 light
• Larger walk-in showers – 2-3 lights
• Full double walk-in shower – 3-4 lights
• Shower with a seat – Lights on either side
• Sunken or steam shower – 4-6 lights

The number needed depends on the shower dimensions, ceiling height, and desired brightness. More lights can allow lower wattage bulbs. Space lights evenly over the shower area for consistent coverage. Also factor in any supplemental shower lighting like accent strips.

Recessed Lighting Shower Ideas

Here are some recessed lighting design ideas that work well for showers:

Line of Lights

Running 3-5 recessed lights in a line over the length of a walk-in shower provides even illumination.

Flood the Ceiling

Covering larger ceiling areas over open showers with multiple recessed lights creates ambient fill lighting.

Light Spectrum Selection

Tunable white or colored temperature adjustable LED lights allow changing the tone of shower lighting.

Backlighting

Positioning directional recessed lighting to shine onto a patterned glass shower wall or tile accent provides backlighting.

Highlight Niches

Focused recessed lighting directed into niches or shelves creates dramatic display lighting in the shower.

Supplementary Accents

Add other shower lighting like wall sconces, rain shower heads, or tubular LEDs to complement recessed lights.

Wet Location Recessed Lighting Options

There are several styles of recessed lighting suitable for shower installations:

LED Shower Lights

• Energy efficient and long lasting.
• Lower heat output.
• Color temperature options.

Vapor Tight Fixtures

• Gasket sealed connections.
• Prevent passage of moisture and humidity.
• Often made of plastic, fiberglass or metal.

IC Rated Housings

• Permit insulation contact without risk.
• Maintain fire safety with insulation.
• Also moisture resistant.

Cast Housing Units

• Cast metal construction.
• Used with lens, trim and bulb/lamp components.
• Durable and moisture sealed.

Consult manufacturers for products tested and rated for wet bathroom installations.

Special Considerations for Steam Showers

Steam shower environments subject recessed lights to more intense humidity and moisture. Additional precautions apply:

• Use IC rated fixtures certified for steam shower use.
• Avoid standard recessed lights which are not designed for steam.
• Position lights above steam heads and seating areas to reduce direct steam exposure.
• Ensure excellent ceiling vapor barriers and fixture gaskets.
• Provide adequate airflow and ventilation outside of the shower.
• Inspect lights after steam use for any moisture issues.

Provided proper steam-rated lighting is installed, inspectioned, and maintained, recessed lights can be used effectively in steam showers.

Cost to Install Recessed Lighting in a Shower

The costs to install recessed lighting in a shower include:

• Fixture cost – $50 to over $100 per vapor tight recessed light.
• Electrician rates – $40 to $100 per hour for installation time.
• Wiring supplies – $2 to $5 per foot for conduit, boxes, GFCI, cable.
• Building permits – Typically $15 to $50 depending on the jurisdiction.

For a basic shower installation with 2 to 3 lights, expect total costs between $400 and $1,000. More extensive recessed lighting layouts, special waterproof housings, and complex wiring can raise costs to over $2,000. Consult a qualified electrician to estimate your specific shower lighting project.

Conclusion

Installing recessed lighting over a shower is definitely possible as long as the appropriate waterproof fixture housings, proper electrical wiring, and professional installation techniques are utilized. When done right, recessed shower lights provide attractive, effective illumination that is less prone to damage or hazards resulting from the shower moisture. By carefully planning the layout, selecting suitable certified fixtures, and adhering to all building codes, the project can safely enhance the shower space with directed task lighting. Considering the benefits recessed lighting offers, the cost and effort involved makes for a worthy bathroom lighting upgrade.