Collection: Wet Rated & Shower Recessed Lighting

Damp rated fixtures are for moist air (like a bathroom ceiling), while wet rated recessed lighting is designed for areas where water may physically touch the fixture, such as inside a shower or outdoors in the rain.

Yes. Building codes typically require a wet-location-rated fixture for any light installed directly over a tub or shower to prevent electrical hazards and moisture damage.

Yes, as long as the specific model is labeled as wet-rated. Many canless recessed lights feature a sealed design that makes them perfect for shower installations.

Many are, but not all. If your shower light will be in direct contact with attic insulation, you must ensure it is both wet-rated and IC (Insulation Contact) rated.

For general bathroom use, look for 800 to 1,100 lumens. If the light is specifically for a small shower stall, 600 to 800 lumens is usually sufficient. Refer to our footcandle guide for precise needs.

For bathroom recessed lighting, the right rating depends on fixture placement. Inside the shower or directly above the tub within the wet zone (typically within 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically of the water source per NEC guidelines), a wet rated fixture is required. Outside the wet zone but still in the bathroom — such as over a vanity or in the main ceiling area — a damp rated fixture is acceptable. For a clean, modern look, canless wafer lights with a wet-rated IP rating are the most popular choice for bathroom recessed lighting today, as they install without a housing can and provide a fully flush, sealed surface. Most 4-inch and 6-inch wet-rated downlights work well in standard bathroom ceiling heights of 8–10 feet.

For a balanced look, space lights evenly around the perimeter and place one dedicated wet-rated light in the center of the shower. See our Recessed Lighting Layout Guide for more tips.

Most of our LED wet-rated fixtures are dimmable, allowing you to create a soft "night light" effect in bathrooms. Ensure you use a compatible LED-rated dimmer switch.

Because they are sealed, maintenance is minimal. Occasionally wipe the exterior trim and lens with a damp cloth to remove dust or mineral deposits from water spray.

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings define how well a fixture resists solids and liquids. For recessed lighting in wet environments, the second digit is what matters most: IP44 indicates protection against water splashing from any direction and is generally acceptable for damp-rated bathroom locations outside the shower zone. IP65 or higher is required for fixtures inside the shower or directly above a tub, as it indicates full protection against low-pressure water jets from any direction. Most wet-rated recessed lights in our catalog carry an IP65 rating, making them code-compliant for direct shower installation. When in doubt, always verify the fixture's IP rating on the product spec sheet before purchasing.