410.10(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas.

Ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans with luminaire (light kit) are not permitted within a zone measured 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold.
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Ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans with luminaire (light kit) are not permitted within a zone measured 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold.

Code Change Summary: Existing code language was expanded for clarity.

For years, NEC® Article 410 has prohibited ceiling suspended paddle fans within a zone measured 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. The problem is that NEC® Article 410 is supposed to provide requirements for luminaires, not ceiling fans. A ceiling suspended paddle fan is an appliance which is covered in NEC® Article 422.

When a light kit is added to a ceiling fan, the fan is now an appliance with a light kit.

In the 2023 NEC®, the language in Section 410.10(D)(1) was changed to make it clear that the requirements for ceiling fans installed in a bathtub or shower area are triggered when the ceiling fan is equipped with a light kit.

The code change in Section 410.10(D)(1) states that no parts of cord-connected luminaires, chain-, cable-, or cord-suspended luminaires, track lighting, pendant lights, or ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans with luminaire (light kit) are allowed within a zone measured 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. This zone includes the space directly over the tub or shower stall.

New Section 422.18(B) was added to address ceiling fans in bathrooms and shower spaces regardless of whether a light kit is installed. This new code section provides requirements similar to the language in section 410.10(D)(1) and also specifies the same 3 foot by 8 foot zone over the bathtub or shower stall where metal parts of ceiling fans are prohibited.

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 2023 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.

2020 Code Language:

410.10(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas. A luminaire installed in a bathtub or shower area shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) No parts of cord-connected luminaires, chain-, cable-, or cord-suspended luminaires, lighting track, pendants, or ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans shall be located within a zone measured 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. This zone is all-encompassing and includes the space directly over the tub or shower stall.

2023 Code Language:

410.10(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas. A luminaire installed in a bathtub or shower area shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) No parts of cord-connected luminaires, chain-, cable-, or cord-suspended luminaires, lighting track, pendants, or ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans with luminaire (light kit) shall be located within a zone measured 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. This zone is all-encompassing and includes the space directly over the tub or shower stall.

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410.10(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Based on the 2023 NEC, which of the following is true?

A: Ceiling-suspended fans are NOT permitted in a bathroom.
B: The rules in Section 410.10(D)(1) include ceiling-suspended fans with a light kit.
C: All ceiling fans in a bathroom require GFCI protection.
D: All ceiling fans in a bathroom require GFPE protection.
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