Suggestions for a light I can put on the ceiling of the tub, it's dark in that area.?
Question:In my condo I can't quite run a new light fixture to where my tub is, I have no real access to the space above the ceiling so I can't run any wires. Does anyone know of some sort of battery powered lighting solution that I can screw or glue onto the ceiling above the tub to get extra light into the area? The only other lights in the room are on the opposite wall and are on the vanity fixture above the mirror, there is nothing on the ceiling.
It's the guest bathroom so it's not used as much as my main room so I don't need anything fancy, but for the few times people do shower in there I'd like to get some kind of light put up. Anyone know of anything sold at Home Depot or Loews that I could use?
Answers:
Well since it's in an area that has water, don't put lamps and plug in appliances in the bathroom like the nutjob above me has said...there are a few things you could try. They have these new lights that use battery called Stick Up Bulbs...they look like regular light bulbs but they have this small adapter and don't need electric outlets. I'd say that even though they may not look all that appealing, without drilling some holes for wiring, it's probably your best bet. I also suggest using a really light color shower curtain because darker ones keep all the light out. I have a burgundy shower curtain and I have to tie it back and just use the clear liner so I can see in the shower.
If you've got an outlet available, Lamps Plus has a number of plug-in wall-mount lamps. A gooseneck or spotlight type might be directed to the tub area. Input keywords "plug in" on their store search and you'll come up with 17 pages of options. I've found their prices to be very fair.
National Electrical Code Article 410.4(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas. "No parts of cord-connected luminaires (fixtures), hanging luminaires (fixtures), lighting track, pendants, or ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans shall be located within a zone measured 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally and 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. This zone is all encompassing and includes the zone directly over the tub or shower stall."
Translation: to prevent death by electrical shock, don't put electric light fixtures anywhere near where you'll be standing in water. The only exception to this rule is recessed downlighting. If you can't recess a light in the ceiling over the tub, then don't install one.
Battery powered lights are o.k., though you may have trouble keeping them stuck to the ceiling.
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