What are the Best Lights for the Shower? (Reviews / Ratings)

What makes a light OK to put in a shower? There are different types of lights that can be installed in a shower, or around water. There are DAMP location, and WET location fixtures. Both will have descriptions that will indicate in which application they can be installed.

Definitions:

Damp Location: An exterior or interior location that is normally or periodically subject to condensation of moisture in, on, or adjacent to, electrical equipment, and includes partially protected locations.

Wet Locations: A location in which water or other liquid can drip, splash, or flow on or against electrical equipment. A wet location fixture shall be constructed to prevent the accumulation of water on live parts, electrical components, or conductors not identified for use in contact with water. 

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Showers are wet locations. All shower lights will be enclosed and gasketed to prevent water from seeping into the electrical.

There are a few questions to answer when purchasing lighting for inside your shower area.

• New construction or remodel?

• Are you replacing an existing light?

• Is there insulation in the ceiling?

• What are the local building codes going to allow?

• Recessed or Decorative?

Once you have answered these questions, we can move on and make a selection on the following products.

Best Shower Lights

Juno offers recessed IC rated housings that are AIR TITE for shower applications. Recessed is a very popular and clean design.

The housings are available in 4”, 5”, and 6” diameter. The trims are available in different finishes. White, Bronze, and Satin Chrome will match most of the finishes available in today’s faucets, and shower heads. Here are some examples of the trims.

Juno 4" Trims 441W-WH (Left) and 4401-WH (Right)

Broan actually has an interesting shower recessed fan and fluorescent light combination. 

• Model 744FL

• High Efficiency Centrifugal Fan Delivers 70 Cfm, 1.5 Sones

• Trim Matched To Designs Of Major Recessed light Manufacturers

• Multiple Units Can Easily Be Used In Larger Rooms

• 14 Watt 4-Pin R30-Shaped Fluorescent Bulb Included

• 6 7/8" High Housing Appropriate For New Construction And 2" X 8" Ceiling Joists

• 4" Round Duct Connector

• Not For Use Over Cooking Surfaces

• Optional Wall Control Switches Available

• UL listed For Use Over Bathtubs And Showers When Connected To A GFCI Protected Branch Circuit

Decorative

There are many choices, and these are strictly personal choice items.

Creative Systems Lighting has a wide variety of decorative fixtures ranging from $170-$290 per fixture. They are available in various finishes, and some are available in LED for an additional charge.

Creative Systems wet-rated wall/ceiling fixtures

As you can see, they can be wall mounted or ceiling installations. Refer to manufacturer’s specification for installation locations.

Tech Lighting has some really attractive lights that can also be installed in a shower. Have a look at a few pieces...

Tech Lighting Boxie flushmount installed in shower area

Remember: Placing a light in the shower is different than any other room. You must ensure that the light is rated appropriately (before your inspector does).

Additional Resources

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