I have a 2 gang box with a GFI receptacle and a light switch mounted on a wall that has a seperation (horizantal plane) of 4 1/2" between, the edge of the cover plate and the edge (long side,entring side) of a whirlpool tub. The tub (short side) is sitting about 11 1/2" away from the this wall. Another word, the wall that has the devices is not quite adjecent to the tub. The owner is framing around the tub to do granite, and that will create 5" extension . Are the devices still out of the wet area?
Receptacle/switch in dwelling unit bathroom near whirlpool
- Thread starter namera
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
IMO, there is no issue there. It is compliant
Well, the inspector rejected the installations. He is going off the edge of the granite counter. I brought up article 680, part VII and talked about wet area as defined in the code, but he did not buy it. What he claims is not even in the local code. But he is the AHJ and against my will, the box is moved so I can get it behind me.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Article 406.6(C) states that receptacles shall not be installed directly over a bathtub or shower stall. If it is not over the tub then there is no issue. I would show him the article just so he might learn something.
Now what does over the tub mean-- the ceiling? The back wall?- how far off the back wall or side walls? IMO, over the tub is in the ceiling but I am not sure that is what the intent would be.
Now what does over the tub mean-- the ceiling? The back wall?- how far off the back wall or side walls? IMO, over the tub is in the ceiling but I am not sure that is what the intent would be.
readydave8
re member
- Location
- Clarkesville, Georgia
- Occupation
- electrician
Move it to show that you're co-operating with him, then flood him with references, opinions, etc. to prove he is wrong, he'll be more likely to listen to you next time.
jimport
Senior Member
- Location
- Outside Baltimore Maryland
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
I would consider over the tub to be over the footprint of the tub. Think of the same zone as the 3' restricted area for hanging fixtures, except not reaching out the 3'.
Rewire
Senior Member
- Location
- Lake of the Ozarks
sorry but the 5 in extension changes the footprint of the tub see 404.4 and 408.8D the recep mustbe outside the tub footprint
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
How far out???? If it is over the tub then it must be the ceiling. Suppose there is a wall on three sides with 3' ?, 2' ? or 1" ? Would that be compliant on those walls? It is not clear to me but as written I see the ceiling
The outlet is moved to make him happy. I had no problem moving it if it was not in compliance with NEC or local code. No where I could find any requirement that referes to measurring off the edge of the counter. 680.71 makes reference to inside wall of the tub and 410.4D makes reference to tub rim.(NEC 2005). For some reason he did not think that the Whirlpool falls under 680.VII. The same project involved extension of the existing closet and he was requiring that outlets shall have AFCI protection. He accepted my challenge on this one that per 2005, AFCI is not required in closets. Like I said, Installation of electrical system shall be IAW applicable code and us as contractors are responsible for the kind of work that we put out. At the same time we are trying to make a leaving out of this and with the market being so compettive, when something like this comes up, not only you dont make any profit, you may loose some money too.
Frank Garcia P.E.
Member
- Location
- Miami
Inspector is right. The point is you should not reach the switch while standing on the wet area.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Can you show me where that is written in the NEC? I'll save you the trouble- it's not there.
John120/240
Senior Member
- Location
- Olathe, Kansas
That might be a good pratice to follow or a rule of thumb BUT as Dennis has stated it is not in the
NEC. Not enforceable by the inspector unless this jurisdiction has amendents that are in
writing.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Can you show me where that is written in the NEC? I'll save you the trouble- it's not there.
DItto on that.
Frank Garcia P.E.
Member
- Location
- Miami
I think in the residential code but also for obvious life safety reasons. Once got a comment from a plans reviewer, don't remember what code reference he cited. Maybe NEC should clarify this in future editions.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
It is clarified IMO, unless it specifically states what you stated then it is not an issue. Now it could be in other codes but I have never run across it as an issue.
Believe it or not the pic below is compliant since the fixtures are rated damp location.
Here is the switch deal-- old graphic and art. is not the same.
- Location
- Massachusetts
I must assume you have never been in a small apartment bathroom. In many cases it would be imposable to locate the switches out of reach of the tub and within reach of the door.
Here is the relevant code section from the 2011 NEC
- Status