Thread: Outlets too close to bathtub

Is this acceptable to have an electrical outlet this close to a bathtub?

Thanks,

Ryan

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The NEC has the following about receptacles in a tub space:

406.8 Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations.

(C) Bathtub and Shower Space.

Receptacles shall not be

installed within or directly over a bathtub or shower stall.

I made a drawing that illustrates what this says. From your picture, this would be a violation. However, as you can see in my drawing, a receptacle can be very close to the tub. Note that the loactions marked OK are allowed by code and not my idea of a good place to put a receptacle.

Gotta tell you though, a picture from further back would have been nice here. Kinda looks like the end a Lav in the picture.

In that location, I sure hope that receptacle outlet is downstream of a GFCI...

It is downstream of a gfi and the wall where the outlet is located is about three feet back from the tub. That is why I was concerned it was pretty close yet not really close.

Originally Posted by Ryan Stouffer

... the outlet is located is about three feet back from the tub.

Great place for a radio with a 5 foot cord!!!

Here is what the 2008 NEC Handbook coments say about 406.8

(C) Bathtub and Shower Space. Receptacles shall not be installed within or directly over a bathtub or shower stall.
Section 406.8(C) prohibits the installation of receptacles inside bathtub and shower spaces or above their footprint, even if the receptacles are installed in a weatherproof enclosure. Prohibiting such installation helps minimize the use of shavers, radios, hair dryers, and so on, in these areas.
The unprotected-line side of GFCI-protected receptacles installed in bathtub and shower spaces could possibly become wet and therefore create a shock hazard by energizing surrounding wet surfaces.

I would call that with-in the tub space since its on the same wall at the end of the tub and looks like its with the 3' tollerance.

(bold and underlining are mine)

Originally Posted by Todd Johnson

Here is what the 2008 NEC Handbook coments say about 406.8

(C) Bathtub and Shower Space. Receptacles shall not be installed within or directly over a bathtub or shower stall.
Section 406.8(C) prohibits the installation of receptacles inside bathtub and shower spaces or above their footprint, even if the receptacles are installed in a weatherproof enclosure. Prohibiting such installation helps minimize the use of shavers, radios, hair dryers, and so on, in these areas.
The unprotected-line side of GFCI-protected receptacles installed in bathtub and shower spaces could possibly become wet and therefore create a shock hazard by energizing surrounding wet surfaces.

I would call that with-in the tub space since its on the same wall at the end of the tub and looks like its with the 3' tollerance.

The question, then, is: Is that wall "within the bathtub ... space"? My opinion is "Yes".

The other question is: Is that receptacle above the tub footprint? The answer to that is a simple "No."

Here is another question: Is there a shower at that tub? Looks like a shower curtain, but if there is a shower that painting on the wall would be ruined and the wall would need to be tiled, etc. to 72" above the floor, minimum - so I am anticipating a "No shower." as the answer.