Results 1 to 25 of 25
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Chandler, AZ
    Posts
    121

    Default TV above jet tub

    Hello Folks,

    Today's inspection included a flatscreen TV mounted about 2 feet above the jet tub in the master bath. Sorry no picture - what was I thinking!

    Anyway, the power cord goes up and into the wall behind the TV/above tub. Then below the tub are 2 GFCI outlets, one for the TV, one for the pump.

    I know this isn't safe, but how would you write it up? I didn't see anything in the IRC. Now if the outlet was installed above the tub, that would be different.

    Any help would be appreciated.
    Thanks!

    Inspection Referral
    Dave Hill
    Buyers & Sellers Property Inspections LLC
    WWW.BuyersSellersPi.Com

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Chandler, AZ
    Posts
    121

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    I did have a picture, you can just see the bottom of the TV here.

    ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images
    Dave Hill
    Buyers & Sellers Property Inspections LLC
    WWW.BuyersSellersPi.Com

  3. #3
    Ron Bibler's Avatar
    Ron Bibler Guest

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    Looks like he has his candles and a little yellow duck.

    Best

    Ron


  4. #4
    MaMa Mount's Avatar
    MaMa Mount Guest

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    And you call yuorself a inspector. Why do you think a outlet would make it allright if it was above the tub. I quess you may think a child playing with that rubber ducky just might not reach up their and touch that tv.

    Write it up this way.

    Get rid of the TV before it falls in the tub. Those are expensive.

    MaMa Mount


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Chandler, AZ
    Posts
    121

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    OK, so I'm asking for help, I'm not really getting any. Thanks for the comment about the ducks and candles - that was very helpful.

    We know it's not safe, but there is not an open outlet near the tub, (which is why I said that would be different - not OK) the TV is plugged into GFCI.

    How would you SERIOUSLY write it up w/o sounding like a emotionaly mama?

    Thank you.

    Dave Hill
    Buyers & Sellers Property Inspections LLC
    WWW.BuyersSellersPi.Com

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
    Posts
    341

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    Electronic components and water are not compatible. Although there are no code violations that I can find at this time, a violation of common sense is flagrantly apparent.
    Due to the high risk of electrocution, I advise that the television be removed and given to me for safe keeping.

    Critical Home Inspection Services
    www.Home2Spec.com

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Santa Rosa, CA
    Posts
    3,154

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    When in doubt, write up what you see and your recommendation. If it were me, I would note that a television is located directly above and within reach of the tub, that it is not a good idea to have electrical appliances within reach of the tub, even if they are connected to a GFCI and that I advise removal of the television. Remember, it does not matter if it is a "code" item. A home inspection is not a code inspection and we can and do make recommendations that are not directly covered in code documentation.

    Department of Redundancy Department
    Supreme Emperor of Hyperbole
    http://www.FullCircleInspect.com/

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Chandler, AZ
    Posts
    121

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    Thank you for the excellent response, it was very helpful.
    I (we) know it is wrong, I just couldn't find the proof, or way to convey it. Common sense prevails.

    Dave Hill
    Buyers & Sellers Property Inspections LLC
    WWW.BuyersSellersPi.Com

  9. #9
    Ron Bibler's Avatar
    Ron Bibler Guest

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    Can we have somw fun with the candles and a little yellow duck now ?

    Best

    Ron


  10. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Rockwall Texas
    Posts
    4,521

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    Here you go Ron. You asked! * Nudity warning *

    YouTube - Rubber Ducky


  11. #11
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Memphis TN.
    Posts
    4,311

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    Not Installed per Manufacturers Instructions.

    No Manufacturer ( of these electronics) Allows this Type of installation of Their Products.
    that is a code reference.
    .



    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Chandler, AZ
    Posts
    121

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    Yes, the report is shipped. Let's have fun with the scented ducks and rubber candles.
    Thanks guys!

    Dave Hill
    Buyers & Sellers Property Inspections LLC
    WWW.BuyersSellersPi.Com

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Rockwall Texas
    Posts
    4,521

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Hill View Post
    Let's have fun with the scented ducks and rubber candles.
    Thanks guys!
    I don't think so.


  14. #14
    Ron Bibler's Avatar
    Ron Bibler Guest

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    Your a team player Dave. just messing with ya... no harm.

    bEst

    RoN


  15. #15
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Chandler, AZ
    Posts
    121

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    Hey Ron,

    I've lived in California, but wasn't familiar with your town, Healdsburg. The Google on the Internets, (as George W. calls it), shows a nice view of the wine country, looks awesome!

    Dave Hill
    Buyers & Sellers Property Inspections LLC
    WWW.BuyersSellersPi.Com

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Chicago IL
    Posts
    2,048

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    There was a discussion about this not too long ago. An HI posted a highend house pic with a plasma or wall sconces or something in the 'tub zone. Didn't Jerry post some NEC code about no electrical items within the 'tub zone'?

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  17. #17
    Ron Bibler's Avatar
    Ron Bibler Guest

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Hill View Post
    Hey Ron,

    I've lived in California, but wasn't familiar with your town, Healdsburg. The Google on the Internets, (as George W. calls it), shows a nice view of the wine country, looks awesome!
    Its about an HR No. of San Francisco. nice place to live. ive been hear about 12 years now.

    Best

    Ron


  18. #18
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Rockwall Texas
    Posts
    4,521

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    Markus,

    I believe this was the comment your mentioning that Jerry made.



    Quote From Jerry Peck Post:
    From the 2008 NEC.
    - ARTICLE 406 Receptacles, Cord Connectors, and Attachment Plugs (Caps)
    - - 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.

    Now, the "within or directly over a bathtub or shower stall" can best be described (explained) in the aspect of lighting fixtures and ceiling fans in that 'even being able to touch a lighting fixture or ceiling fan which is within 3 feet horizontally from the edge of tub to a height of 8 feet high is prohibited', thus, having a receptacle within that bathtub or shower zone is even more hazardous. Meaning, absence of something stating otherwise, I would interpret that the bathtub and shower zone also applies to receptacle outlets.

    I'm going to go look in my handbook and see if this is addressed in there.

    Added with edit:

    The Handbook simply states:

    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.

    Well, that was not real helpful, nonetheless, *I* would leave it to others to 'approve' those types of locations where the NEC acknowledges a risk exists, *to me* that location is 'not within the realistic realms of safety'.
    __________________
    Jerry Peck, Construction / Litigation Consultant
    Construction Litigation Consultants, LLC ( www.ConstructionLitigationConsultants.com )
    EastWestData (www.EastWestData.com )


  19. #19
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Chandler, AZ
    Posts
    121

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    I knew the outlet wasn't allowed in that area above the tub, but the outlet for the TV is located by the pump, in a plastic enclosure under the tub. Which, I assume is the "footprint". Only the TV is in reach.
    Oh well, we know it's "wrong" and unsafe, so that's how I wrote it as a recommendation. I don't do code inspections, but do like to back up my recommendations with a little research, but I was drawing a blank.
    Thanks for the help.

    Dave Hill
    Buyers & Sellers Property Inspections LLC
    WWW.BuyersSellersPi.Com

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Memphis TN.
    Posts
    4,311

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    Quote Originally Posted by Billy Stephens View Post
    Not Installed per Manufacturers Instructions.

    No Manufacturer ( of these electronics) Allows this Type of installation of Their Products.
    that is a code reference.
    .

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Hill View Post
    I knew the outlet wasn't allowed in that area above the tub, but the outlet for the TV is located by the pump, in a plastic enclosure under the tub. Which, I assume is the "footprint". Only the TV is in reach.
    Oh well, we know it's "wrong" and unsafe, so that's how I wrote it as a recommendation. I don't do code inspections, but do like to back up my recommendations with a little research, but I was drawing a blank.
    Thanks for the help.

    Attachment is taken from Hitachi Installation Instructions.

    Sony Has Pictures of The Bath Room. * see Installation environment
    .

    Attached Files Attached Files
    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  21. #21
    Richard Stanley's Avatar
    Richard Stanley Guest

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    From Billys post:
    Do not put the monitor in the following places.
    • Hot places such as near heater, place exposed to the direct rays of the sun.
    • A place where the temperature is widely changing.
    • Places with soot, dust or high humidity.
    • Poor air ventilation place.
    • Place near fire.
    A wet place such as bathroom, or shower room.
    • Place where you can trip over it.
    • Always vibrating or strongly vibrating places.
    • Distorted or unstable places.

    Perhaps it could be loosely construed to having a light within the safety zone also!!!

    Stupidity is not in the SOP.

    If Bubba wants the TV there, he's goin ta put it there.



  22. #22
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    Quote Originally Posted by Billy Stephens View Post
    Not Installed per Manufacturers Instructions.

    No Manufacturer ( of these electronics) Allows this Type of installation of Their Products. that is a code reference.
    Quote Originally Posted by Billy Stephens View Post
    Attachment is taken from Hitachi Installation Instructions.

    Sony Has Pictures of The Bath Room. * see Installation environment
    http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_i...structions.pdf



    Quote Originally Posted by Richard Stanley View Post
    From Billys post:



    Do not put the monitor in the following places.
    • Hot places such as near heater, place exposed to the direct rays of the sun.
    • A place where the temperature is widely changing.
    • Places with soot, dust or high humidity.
    • Poor air ventilation place.
    • Place near fire.
    A wet place such as bathroom, or shower room.
    • Place where you can trip over it.
    • Always vibrating or strongly vibrating places.
    • Distorted or unstable places.
    And there is your code reference: Not installed per the listing and labeling, which is: NEC 110.3(B)

    From the NEC. (underlining and bold are mine)
    - ARTICLE 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations
    - - 110.3 Examination, Identification, Installation, and Use of Equipment.
    - - - (B) Installation and Use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.

    From the 2006 IRC. (underlining and bold are mine)

    - E3303.3 Listing and labeling.Electrical materials, components, devices, fixtures and equipment shall be listed for the application, shall bear the label of an approved agency and shall be installed, and used, or both, in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

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

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Healdsburg, CA
    Posts
    1,741

    Cool Re: TV above jet tub

    If you scraped the finish coat of paint off those over-the-tub TVs you would find they are manufactured by C. Darwin & Co. Inc.
    Ah, Healdsburg, California... now a destination town for the weekend wine crowd.


    ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images
    Jerry McCarthy
    Building Code/ Construction Consultant

  24. #24
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry McCarthy View Post
    you would find they are manufactured by C. Darwin & Co. Inc.
    And installed by C. Darwin & Son, LLC. (formerly C. Darwin & Sons, LLC.).

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

  25. #25
    John Steinke's Avatar
    John Steinke Guest

    Default Re: TV above jet tub

    Recepacle location aside ..... TV sets contain all manner of electronic goodies, and hold a lot of electrical energy even when unplugged. For example, a picture tube is essentially a huge battery, charged to 10,000 volts.
    Do you really want that above the tub?

    While I have seen TV sets specifically designed for this application, that isn't one of them. You might find them built into a Marquis Spa, though.


Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •