Jimmy7
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
- Occupation
- Electrician
Should an electrical outlet located within six feet of an emergency shower in a laboratory be GFCI protected?
Emergency Shower
- Thread starter Jimmy7
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petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- Semi-retired engineer
If you are under 2020 NEC 210.8(B)(12)
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
Outlet or receptacle?
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
That section is for shower stall.
But for $15.00 why take a chance, install GFCI
yeah there’s that
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
We know what a shower stall is, its listed in 210.8 as a location where GFCI is required if within a certain distance, and see NEC on Bathtub/shower zone. An emergency shower is not defined.
Its important to understand the definitions, that's why they are listed first in the NEC. For example, in 1972, when GFCIs were first required in bathrooms, all of a sudden we didn't know what a bathroom was. The next code cycle added a definition.
Hey Tom thanks. Definitions yes aware as NEC does mention “stall” and to Webster’s for a definition which common sense would prevail. I would assume EM showers will be in the NEC in the future. In the OP’s situation one could always use 210.8(B(6)
Have a weekend
Have a weekend
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
I think that the concern with a bathtub/shower is plugging in a device and having the cord reach or reaching over to the receptacle. The 2020 NEC has a change to move the GFCI away from the bathtub/shower.
Is there a similar hazard to a emergency shower? Maybe.
With the CMP being all in on GFCI requirements, a proposal to add GFCI for receptacles with 6 ft of an emergency eye wash or shower may be accepted. The next code proposal cycle would be for the 2026 NEC, seems like those proposals would be made in the fall of 2023. I won't be involved in the industry by then, but make a note if you would like to have the honor of having a proposal accepted.
Is there a similar hazard to a emergency shower? Maybe.
With the CMP being all in on GFCI requirements, a proposal to add GFCI for receptacles with 6 ft of an emergency eye wash or shower may be accepted. The next code proposal cycle would be for the 2026 NEC, seems like those proposals would be made in the fall of 2023. I won't be involved in the industry by then, but make a note if you would like to have the honor of having a proposal accepted.
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
And thank you for using the forum.
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