Until the 2020 is accepted. The exception will probably come into play alot
Dennis, I did not catch the 2020 wording - it appears the receptacle placement is following the same rules as cord-connected luminaires, chain-, cable-, or cord-suspended luminaires, lighting track, pendants, or ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans. The oddity is that is not addressed - it is compliant to place the vanity receptacle no more than 300 mm (12 in.) below the top of the basin or basin countertop within a zone measured 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally of the bathtub rim because the placement could be below the rim.
It appears the exception is based upon the a required recept required to be within 3' of basin.
2020 NEC would not allow a receptacle within the zone if it is behind a mounted tv - the tv appliance IMHO is nothing more than an appliance with no restrictions except common sense.
406.9(C) Bathtub and Shower Space.
Receptacles shall not be installed within a zone measured 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally and 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. The identified zone is all-encompassing and shall include the space directly over the tub or shower stall.
Exception: In bathrooms with less than the required zone the receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be installed opposite the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold on the farthest wall within the room.
410.10(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas.
A luminaire installed in a bathtub or shower area shall meet all of the following requirements:
410.10(D)(1)
No parts of cord-connected luminaires, chain-, cable-, or cord-suspended luminaires, lighting track, pendants, or ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans shall be located within a zone measured 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally and 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. This zone is all-encompassing and includes the space directly over the tub or shower stall.
210.52(D) Bathrooms.
At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in bathrooms within 900 mm (3 ft) of the outside edge of each basin. The receptacle outlet shall be located on a wall or partition that is adjacent to the basin or basin countertop, located on the countertop, or installed on the side or face of the basin cabinet. In no case shall the receptacle be located more than 300 mm (12 in.) below the top of the basin or basin countertop. Receptacle outlet assemblies listed for use in countertops shall be permitted to be installed in the countertop.