Can a 240v dryer be located in a bathroom with a shower?

[2766 Construction]

As general remodeling contractors that try to be electrically aware, we've just been asked to do some remodeling work in a Seattle basement and it looks like the lowest cost route for the client will be to place the washer and dryer in a spare 3/4 bathroom.

It's a decent sized space but it will not easily take a door to separate them. Before I return them the quote, I thought that I would ask:

Can this be wired to pass inspection?? (Assume NEC standard codes, not local for now.) I can find information in the NEC related to 120v grounding (210-8) but not really anything on 240 (110/240). I know dryers are grounded but it is a big metal box and there's a shower.

We've seen this before but this is the first time that we would be moving walls and getting inspections.

Should we just suck it up and put in a door?

Wesley

 

[bjp_ne_elec]

This is a good question, and I'm going to dive in and do some reading and interpreting. The house I live in does have this situation - and to be totally honest - I haven't even thought about it. There is a set of folding doors on the little utility space to the back of the bathroom - just big enough to fit the washer and dryer.

Interested in seeing feedback on this one.

Thanks,

Brett

 

[iwire]

Yes you may install a 30 amp 240 outlet in a bathroom and you are not required to GFCI protect it. I might provide GFCI breaker regardless.

 

[infinity]

It's somewhat common to have a washer and dryer in a bathroom. The fact that the big hunk of metal is near the shower doesn't really matter. If there is a metal tub, you're standing in a big hunk of metal that might even be grounded if the plumbing is metal. I don't see a problem.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

Years ago it was often done in mobile homes.Poor design but if thats only way then do it.I too would add the gfci breaker for dryer.

 

[dnem]

Follow 210.8 and you'll be fine.

You'll see that 210.8 covers 125 volt receptacles (which is the voltage rating of devices put on a 120v circuit). It doesn't require GFCI for 240v circuits. You won't run into GFCI requirements for 240v circuit until you're dealing with something in 680.

But any 120v washer plug would fall under 210.8(A)(1). And a washer in any room that's within 6 feet of a sink falls under 210.8(A)(7). The exceptions of 210.8(A)(2) & (5) don't apply to those situations so 120v plugs in bathrooms or by sinks would have to be GFCI even if it was an appliance in a dedicated space.

Also manufacturers specs require GFCI for an exhaust fan over the shower or tub.

David