Write a proposal for 2014. I believe it is long overdo.
From the 2011 ROP:
2-149 Log #3569 NEC-P02 Final Action: Reject
(210.11(C)(3))
Submitter: George M. Stolz, II, Pierce, CO
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
(3) Bathroom Branch Circuits. In addition to the number of branch circuits
required by other parts of this section, at least one 20-ampere branch circuit
shall be provided to supply the bathroom receptacle outlet(s) required by
210.52(D). Such circuits shall have no other outlets.
Substantiation: A code-minimum installation calls for a receptacle installed
within 3 ft of a bathroom sink, served by a circuit dedicated for that purpose.
When someone adds a voluntary and permitted receptacle for lighting or other
purposes in the bathroom above and beyond the minimum expectations of the
NEC, there is no reason to consider them the required bathroom receptacles
that are required to be served from the required circuit.
As the text currently stands, it can be interpreted that every circuit that serves
a receptacle in the bathroom (regardless of the designer?s intent for that circuit)
must be served from a 20A circuit that serves only bathrooms.
This would have no impact on GFCI requirements as posed by other sections.
It would serve to clarify the section and the minimum code-required
receptacles it should be referencing. The proposed language would also serve
to isolate the required receptacles from other loads away from the sinks, if this
effect is undesirable an exception permitting other receptacles inside the
bathroom to be served would counteract that. Additional receptacle outlets
installed to meet design criteria need not meet the requirements of this article.
Panel Meeting Action: Reject
Panel Statement: The current rule permits the 20A bathroom circuit to supply
all receptacle outlets installed in the bathroom, whether they are installed to
meet 210.52(D) or are in addition to the ones required by 210.52(D). The
submitters notation that every receptacle outlet in the bathroom must be
supplied from a 20A bathroom branch circuit is correct and is intended by the
panel. However, there is no limitation on the number of 20A branch circuits
that can be used in the bathroom.
Number Eligible to Vote: 12
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 12
2-150 Log #3617 NEC-P02 Final Action: Reject
(210.11(C)(3) Exception No. 2 (New) )
_______________________________________________________________
Submitter: Terrence V. Wendt, City of Omaha
Recommendation: Add new text to read as follows:
Exception 2. In addition to the required receptacles specified in 210.11(C)(3)
and lighting outlets required in 210.70(A)(1), General-purpose branch circuit
receptacles shall be permitted.
Substantiation: Bathrooms are getting larger and turning into relaxation
centers with televisions, rope light, and more. By allowing general purpose
circuits to feed receptacles other than the basin outlets you can alleviate
unnecessary load on the required 20 amp bathroom circuit.
Panel Meeting Action: Reject
Panel Statement: The panel does not agree that general purpose branch
circuits should be used to supply receptacle outlets in the bathroom. The
devices described in the substantiation can be supplied from the 20A branch
circuit, or an additional 20A branch circuit can be installed to pick up these
receptacles. In either case, the 20A circuit is required to be dedicated to the
bathroom(s).
Number Eligible to Vote: 12
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 12
_______________________________________________________________
We can only surmise that they are talking about the required outlets in 210.52(D)
