Is it OK to put LED lights in the shower?

Putting LED lights in the shower has become an increasingly popular way to enhance the showering experience. LED lights can create a spa-like ambiance, allow you to see more clearly, and add style to your bathroom. However, there are some important factors to consider before installing LED lights in your shower.

Are LED lights safe for humid environments?

One of the main concerns with putting any kind of electrical lighting in the shower is safety. Showers generate a lot of humidity and moisture which can damage electronics. Fortunately, most LED lights that are designed for shower installation are rated for damp or wet locations. Here are some things to look for when choosing LED shower lights:

• IP65 or IP67 waterproof rating. This means the lights are dust tight and protected against water jets.
• UL/ETL certification. This indicates the lights meet safety standards for electrical fixtures in damp locations.
• Moisture resistant parts. LEDs, circuit boards, and other components should be coated or sealed.
• Tight fittings. Gaskets and quality seals prevent water intrusion into fixtures.

As long as you choose an LED fixture designed for wet locations, LED lights are generally safe for installation in showers. Always check the product specs and installation instructions to verify waterproof ratings before installing.

Are there risks of electric shock?

Even with waterproof LED lights designed for shower installation, there is always some risk of electric shock when you introduce electricity into a wet area. Here are some tips to minimize risks:

• Use a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). A GFCI will shut off power if it detects an electric current leak.
• Hire a licensed electrician. Improper wiring by an amateur can jeopardize safety.
• Inspect lights regularly for damage. Water intrusion over time can corrode fixtures.
• Install a separate switch outside the shower. Don’t turn lights on or off when wet.

With GFCI protection and professional installation, LED shower lights can be safe. But anytime electricity and water mix there is some risk, so regular inspections and common sense precautions are recommended.

What kind of LED lights can go in a shower?

There are several types of LED lights made specifically for shower installation:

• Recessed/flush mount – These are mounted into the ceiling or an overhead niche. A waterproof housing recesses into the surface so just the LED panel or light is exposed.
• Surface mount – These are mounted directly on the ceiling or wall. The entire fixture protrudes slightly.
• LED strips – Flexible strips of LEDs can be installed around the perimeter of the shower or behind panels.
• Waterproof LED bulbs – Special LED bulbs can be used in water-tight fixtures already installed in the shower area.

The key is choosing LED lighting components that have an IP65 or IP67 waterproof rating and are UL/ETL certified for damp locations. Cool white or warm white LEDs provide the best ambient lighting for general shower illumination.

Where should you install LED shower lights?

LED shower lights can be installed in the following locations:

• Ceiling – This provides overhead ambient lighting for the entire shower.
• Shower niche – Recessed wall niches are a perfect spot for accent lighting.
• Shower pan – Strip lighting around the base of the shower can create a cool effect.
• Shower bench – Illuminate a built-in seat with recessed lighting.
• Shower walls – Install strips vertically on walls or horizontally on ceilings.
• Shelves – Add undercabinet lighting to shelves for display lighting.

Make sure lights are positioned to avoid direct water contact and install any wiring behind walls or ceilings. Most shower light installation is fairly straightforward but it’s best to consult a professional electrician if you have any doubts.

What are the benefits of installing LED shower lights?

Here are some of the benefits that LED shower lighting provides:

• Ambiance – LEDs create a relaxing spa atmosphere and a luxurious look.
• Visibility – Lighting makes it easier to see when showering, shaving, and cleaning the shower.
• Safety – Illumination reduces risk of falls and injuries in the shower.
• Energy efficiency – LEDs consume far less power than incandescent bulbs.
• Customization – Choose from different colors, brightness levels, and fixtures.
• Long life – LEDs last much longer than traditional bulbs.

Shower lighting greatly enhances the overall shower design and experience. The benefits of ambient mood lighting, improved visibility, and a stylish accent for the bathroom make installing shower LEDs worth consideration.

Should you use RGB or color changing LEDs?

RGB LED strips that can display a spectrum of different colors have grown very popular for a range of lighting applications. But are RGB LED lights a good choice for shower installation? Here are some pros and cons to consider:

RGB LED Shower Lights	Pros	Cons
Color options	Can match any decor	Some color settings may look garish
Effects	Fun color patterns	Distracting while showering
Ambiance	Various mood lighting	Cool white better for tasks
Customization	Change colors and effects	Prefer simplicity

While RGB LED shower lights provide versatility in creating colorful effects, most people prefer simple, clean white lighting for illuminating shower tasks and enhancing the ambiance of the space. However, installing RGB lights provides the option to add color if desired for special occasions or as mood lighting.

How much light do you need in a shower?

Determining how much light you need in the shower depends on the size and layout of your space and the lighting tasks you want to achieve. Here are some general guidelines on shower lighting levels:

• Ambient overall lighting – 20-50 footcandles
• Task lighting for grooming – 50-100 footcandles
• Accent lighting – 10-20 footcandles
• Ceiling recessed lighting – 90+ lumens per square foot
• LED strips – 400-900 lumens per foot

Shower lighting needs vary depending on individual preferences as well. Increase wattage and lumens to make dark stone tile and finishes pop. Add accent lighting over niches or shelving for display. Place strip lighting behind glass for a glow. The lighting in your shower can be customized to your needs.

Should you get waterproof LED lights?

When installing any LED lighting in the shower, it must be waterproof and designed for wet locations. The terms waterproof and water-resistant can sometimes be confusing when shopping for LED shower lights. Here’s what they mean:

• Water-resistant – Can handle small amounts of water but not continual exposure. Not suitable for showers.
• Waterproof – Sealed against water intrusion and safe for constant water exposure. Ideal for showers.
• IP65 – Protected against jets of water. Safe for shower installation.
• IP67 – Protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter deep.

While IP65 and IP67 ratings may not be required for overhead ambient shower lighting, waterproof strip lights and accent lighting should always have these ratings. Waterproof LEDs are essential for safe, reliable performance in humid shower conditions.

How do you install LED lights in the shower?

Installation of LED shower lights will vary somewhat depending on the fixture location and type. But in general, these are the steps for proper installation:

1. Choose appropriate LED lighting designed for wet locations.
2. Turn off power at the breaker before wiring.
3. Run wiring behind walls or ceilings from switch location.
4. Connect wires from fixtures to home wiring following instructions.
5. Mount LED modules securely into niches, ceilings, or walls.
6. Seal around fixtures thoroughly with caulk.
7. Attach diffusers, lenses, or trim rings.
8. Turn power back on and test lights.

Always follow all local building codes and have a licensed electrician install LED wiring and connections. Use extreme care when working around electrical components in damp locations.

Conclusion

Installing LED lighting in the shower can provide great benefits in terms of ambiance, visibility, and style to your bathroom. By choosing LED fixtures made specifically for wet locations and taking proper safety precautions, LED shower lights can be an appealing upgrade. With quality waterproof LED lights installed properly, the risk of issues like shorts and shocks can be greatly minimized.

Just be sure to research and select reliable LED shower lights rated for damp locations. Consider recessing lights, using LED strips, or installing waterproof LED bulbs in existing fixtures. Place lighting to provide overall ambient illumination and accent key areas or features. With the right LED fixtures and placement, you can enjoy a shower experience that is both functional and relaxing.