Code Change Summary: Existing code language on luminaires in bathtubs and showers was reorganized into a list.

When a luminaire has been found to be compliant with the applicable safety standard and suitable for a specific location by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), a manufacturer is then given the approval to mark the luminaire with the logo of the testing lab as well as other information such as “suitable for wet locations”.

According to Article 100, a wet location may be subject to saturation with water or other liquids.

A damp location is protected from weather and not subject to saturation with water or other liquids but may be subjected to moderate degrees of moisture.

Both above areas can exist in a bathtub or shower area.

In the 2020 NEC^®, the previous language regarding the suitability of luminaires in bathtub or shower spaces was revised into a list for clarity. The first requirement in the revised section does not permit cord-connected luminaires, chain-, cable-, or cord-suspended luminaires, lighting track, pendants, or ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans to be located within a zone measured 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold, even if the fixtures are listed for wet locations.

The second requirement is that all other luminaires that are allowed in the tub or shower area must be rated properly for damp or wet locations.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2020 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.