I have read the NEC (2005) and called some manufacturers and things are still as clear as mud.
Here is what I am considering:
1. A Nutone 9422P 2-bulb heater outside my shower
2. Either a Nutone P66W (3 function control) to control heater and existing light/fan in shower, or a Pass and Seymour TM81111WCC (4 toggle) controller to do same.
I would like to install the heater and the switch in the "damp" zone according to NEC (within 3 feet horizontal of the shower/tub).
The Nutone heater literature says to not install in tub/shower, which is the wet zone. I do not see any marking on the products or literature about damp zone, but when I called tech support, they said damp zone, within 3 feet of shower is OK for both heater and switch (P66W). I said it was not marked as such and they said "yes, it probably isn't actually marked but is OK for installing there".
So next, I called Pass and Seymour (I would prefer to use their switch). They indicated their product was not listed for the damp zone (within 3 feet of shower) and said it would have to have a cover to protect from water. This seems like a misinterpretation of the damp zone to me. We are not talking splashing water, here?!?
I saw another post here about lights in the shower that had a picture from another site showing the flush mounted switches and lights were OK in this zone. Common sense tells me they should be. The wall is would deteriorate from excessive wetness in this area if it was that wet that conventional switches would not be suitable.
Is the issue within 3 feet of showers related to moisture, or people using the switch while standing in the shower? By placing the switch 3 feet from the shower, it will be right next to the sink. This area is more more like to have actual water droplets reach it or have someone who is wet turn it on (shaving, washing, etc. in sink)!
Are these products OK for this zone (damp)?
If no, does putting them downstream of GFCI solve problem?
I look forward to your thoughts and comments.
Pete
Here is what I am considering:
1. A Nutone 9422P 2-bulb heater outside my shower
2. Either a Nutone P66W (3 function control) to control heater and existing light/fan in shower, or a Pass and Seymour TM81111WCC (4 toggle) controller to do same.
I would like to install the heater and the switch in the "damp" zone according to NEC (within 3 feet horizontal of the shower/tub).
The Nutone heater literature says to not install in tub/shower, which is the wet zone. I do not see any marking on the products or literature about damp zone, but when I called tech support, they said damp zone, within 3 feet of shower is OK for both heater and switch (P66W). I said it was not marked as such and they said "yes, it probably isn't actually marked but is OK for installing there".
So next, I called Pass and Seymour (I would prefer to use their switch). They indicated their product was not listed for the damp zone (within 3 feet of shower) and said it would have to have a cover to protect from water. This seems like a misinterpretation of the damp zone to me. We are not talking splashing water, here?!?
I saw another post here about lights in the shower that had a picture from another site showing the flush mounted switches and lights were OK in this zone. Common sense tells me they should be. The wall is would deteriorate from excessive wetness in this area if it was that wet that conventional switches would not be suitable.
Is the issue within 3 feet of showers related to moisture, or people using the switch while standing in the shower? By placing the switch 3 feet from the shower, it will be right next to the sink. This area is more more like to have actual water droplets reach it or have someone who is wet turn it on (shaving, washing, etc. in sink)!
Are these products OK for this zone (damp)?
If no, does putting them downstream of GFCI solve problem?
I look forward to your thoughts and comments.
Pete