406.9(c) 2023 question

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rogo9979

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I'm hoping i can get some help here, I'm new to residential so some of the code is foreign to me. The new NEC changed some wording in 406.9(C) to now read:

"(C) Bathtub and Shower Space.

Receptacles shall not be installed inside of the tub or shower or within a zone measured 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally from any outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall, including the space outside the bathtub or shower stall space below the zone.
The zone also includes the space measured vertically from the floor to 2.5 m (8 ft) above the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. The identified zone is all-encompassing and shall include the space directly over the bathtub or shower stall and the space below this zone, but not the space separated by a floor, wall, ceiling, room door, window, or fixed barrier."

I'm focusing on the last sentence there. I have a his/her sink going up with two basins, and one is up against the pony wall because the mirror is in the way as i face the basin. instinctively i want to put the receptacle against the pony wall, but 2020 code prohibited it because of that 3 ft space from the tub, does this new code now allow me to?

Also, as i mentioned, new to residential, if I'm not allowed against that pony wall, where is a good location for the receptacle serving that basin? what are your recommendations?

thank you for any help and input you may offer
 
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rogo9979

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infinity said:
Has your jurisdiction adopted the 2023 NEC?

Welcome to the forum. :)
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thanks for the welcome.

and...

Fair point. For the purpose of discussion, let's assume they have. I'm sure as the new code rolls out this question should pop up, we can have a nice little place holder here.

I think it's fair to say the AHJ can sometimes be understanding, and willing to work with us if we can make a compelling point.
 
don_resqcapt19

don_resqcapt19

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rogo9979 said:
I'm hoping i can get some help here, I'm new to residential so some of the code is foreign to me. The new NEC changed some wording in 406.9(C) to now read:

"(C) Bathtub and Shower Space.

Receptacles shall not be installed inside of the tub or shower or within a zone measured 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally from any outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall, including the space outside the bathtub or shower stall space below the zone.
The zone also includes the space measured vertically from the floor to 2.5 m (8 ft) above the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. The identified zone is all-encompassing and shall include the space directly over the bathtub or shower stall and the space below this zone, but not the space separated by a floor, wall, ceiling, room door, window, or fixed barrier."

I'm focusing on the last sentence there. I have a his/her sink going up with two basins, and one is up against the pony wall because the mirror is in the way as i face the basin. instinctively i want to put the receptacle against the pony wall, but 2020 code prohibited it because of that 3 ft space from the tub, does this new code now allow me to?

Also, as i mentioned, new to residential, if I'm not allowed against that pony wall, where is a good location for the receptacle serving that basin? what are your recommendations?

thank you for any help and input you may offer
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The new wording says that there must be a physical barrier between the tub and location of the receptacle. There is no change for your application.
Where the tub restriction impacts the required basin receptacle, Exception #1 applies in the 2020 code and Exception #2 applies in the 2023 code. Note that if I were inspecting, I would not see the mirror as permitting the use of the exception. If the space where the mirror is, is outside the restricted space, the receptacle will have to be cut into the mirror.
 
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rogo9979

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I added an image for clarification, it's not my exact application, but it's close. Does that pony wall on the left, now count as a physical barrier between the shower and the receptacle?

As for my actual issue, we're giving the home owner theboptuo. Of cutting the mirror, or putting it in the face of the cabinet.

Thank you for your reply
 

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don_resqcapt19

don_resqcapt19

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I would not see that wall as the physical barrier provided for in the 2023 language. In that picture, what would be to the right of the sink? I would accept it being as far to the right as possible, under the provisions of the exception.
 
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rogo9979

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don_resqcapt19 said:
I would not see that wall as the physical barrier provided for in the 2023 language. In that picture, what would be to the right of the sink? I would accept it being as far to the right as possible, under the provisions of the exception.
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For my application, the right was more countertop and another basin, it was a his/her set up.

So, I managed to catch my inspector and ask him his thoughts. If I know for a fact the glass goes all the way up, he’s be willing to consider that a separation, but he would start measuring three feet where the pony wall meets the shower door. (The blue line in my re-attached image. 5095E1BE-B516-4EC6-AF4E-C0F28D57FB51.jpeg
 
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GoldDigger

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jimport said:
I see the glass and the wall as a separation. It is not like it would only be a shower curtain separating the receptacle from the shower.
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True, but since the shower door can be opened, the zone would include a 3' radius from the nearest edge of the doorway. What that sentence does is remove the 3' extension of the zone when there is not any real interaction between the location of the device and the interior of the shower/tub footprint. An example would be if the door to the shower stall were around the corner to the left, with a solid barrier along the stall edge adjacent to the sink(s). But there would still be a 3' extension from the new shower door location.
 
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