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  1. #1
    Ryan Stouffer's Avatar
    Ryan Stouffer Guest

    Default Outlets too close to bathtub

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

    Thanks,

    Ryan

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Colorado Front Range
    Posts
    684

    Default Re: Outlets too close to bathtub

    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.















  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Chicago, IL
    Posts
    2,797

    Default Re: Outlets too close to bathtub

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

    Michael Thomas
    Paragon Property Services Inc., Chicago IL
    http://paragoninspects.com

  4. #4
    Ryan Stouffer's Avatar
    Ryan Stouffer Guest

    Default Re: Outlets too close to bathtub

    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.


  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Atlanta
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    120

    Default Re: Outlets too close to bathtub

    Quote Originally Posted by Ryan Stouffer View Post
    ... the outlet is located is about three feet back from the tub.
    Great place for a radio with a 5 foot cord!!!


  6. #6
    Todd Johnson's Avatar
    Todd Johnson Guest

    Default Re: Outlets too close to bathtub

    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.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Fletcher, NC
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    28,042

    Default Re: Outlets too close to bathtub

    (bold and underlining are mine)
    Quote Originally Posted by Todd Johnson View Post
    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.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

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