GFCI Over Vanity Sink

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jetlag

Senior Member
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Eatonton, Georgia
Hi,
When I roughed in my GFCI receptacle for my bath vanity I got off a little on the location . I have already cut the porcelain wall tile around it . Now that I am ready to install the vanity I realize the outlet will be near the center of the sink bowl and about 12" above the vanity top . I had intended for the outlet to be over near the edge of the marble top . I can cut through the dry wall on the back side of the wall to change some wiring and I don't mind cutting another opening in the tile for the outlet . What I don't want to do is try to replace the piece of tile that will be left with a cut out in it . I would have to grind all the grout out of the joints and its a good possibility more tiles will come loose trying to get it out . First question is if it is against the code for the outlet stay centered over the sink bowl ? Next is what are my options .1- I can put a blank cover over the existing outlet and relocate the GFCI . 2- I could change the existing box to be a switch for the vanity light fixture above . That switch is now in a 3 gang box by the door , I would have to find a 3 gang cover with a blank in one space . That box is also cut into the tile . To make the change I would just tie the hot in the door switch box to the hot out to light . Then at the vanity run a jumper from the light down the wall to existing box and a switch there would control the vanity light . I cant move the vanity over enough to help much, I am bound by the tub clearance on one side and the door swing on the other . I'm sure there are other options , please give advice on what is best thing to do . I will need it for my house final inspection . If it is okay with IRC code to leave it where it is I will do that for now and probably change it latter for my own dislike of where it is now located . Thanks
 
I don't have a code book, but I did an apartment complex and had 1 plug in the kitchen fall into the area of the sink raised edge not the bowl; it failed. I asked the inspector if I can put a gfci on a dock at the lake, he said yes, I said what's the problem, he said are you moving it? So body having jurisdiction.
 
rcarroll said:
IMO there's no violation with your installation.
Click to expand...

Thanks ,I have a 2006 IRC and have not check newer versions . It says the the gfic must be located within 36" from the outside edge of the basin in a wall adjacent to the basin (not exact wording ) . That's not exactly clear to me but it sounds like it must be beyond the edge of the sink top . I have seen plenty of them installed over the sink top especially on the wide ones , they just were not over the actual sink bowl . Also some tops are 6 ft or more made formica with a basin in the center , I know they would not require it past the far edge of that , so what is the cut off point ? Confusing
 
I think he's more concerned about how close the receptacle is to the sink, and, being over the open portion of the sink where the water sits.

To my knowledge, there's not a rule prohibiting a receptacle in this area, but, I haven't looked it up.

It's not like the receptacle itself is going to fall into the sink. :)

With that being said, I wouldn't want it located in that area either.

JAP>
 
jap said:
I think he's more concerned about how close the receptacle is to the sink, and, being over the open portion of the sink where the water sits.

To my knowledge, there's not a rule prohibiting a receptacle in this area, but, I haven't looked it up.

It's not like the receptacle itself is going to fall into the sink. :)

With that being said, I wouldn't want it located in that area either.

JAP>
Click to expand...
Nor would I like it there. OP needs to bite the bullet, ask the owner what they want, and follow through.
 
jetlag said:
I can cut through the dry wall on the back side of the wall to change some wiring and I don't mind cutting another opening in the tile for the outlet . What I don't want to do is try to replace the piece of tile that will be left with a cut out in it .
Click to expand...


Glue a soap bar holder over the existing hole above the sink, and , relocate the outlet.
It will look like it was meant to be. :)

JAP>
 
jetlag said:
I have a 2006 IRC and have not check newer versions . It says the the gfic must be located within 36" from the outside edge of the basin in a wall adjacent to the basin (not exact wording ) .
Click to expand...

"Must be located within 36" from the outside edge of the basin.

Even the wall behind the sink falls within 36" from the outside edge of the sink. Compliant IMO.

Bathroom receptacle.jpg
 
jetlag said:
Hi,
When I roughed in my GFCI receptacle for my bath vanity I got off a little on the location . I have already cut the porcelain wall tile around it . Now that I am ready to install the vanity I realize the outlet will be near the center of the sink bowl and about 12" above the vanity top . I had intended for the outlet to be over near the edge of the marble top . I can cut through the dry wall on the back side of the wall to change some wiring and I don't mind cutting another opening in the tile for the outlet . What I don't want to do is try to replace the piece of tile that will be left with a cut out in it . I would have to grind all the grout out of the joints and its a good possibility more tiles will come loose trying to get it out . First question is if it is against the code for the outlet stay centered over the sink bowl ? Next is what are my options .1- I can put a blank cover over the existing outlet and relocate the GFCI . 2- I could change the existing box to be a switch for the vanity light fixture above . That switch is now in a 3 gang box by the door , I would have to find a 3 gang cover with a blank in one space . That box is also cut into the tile . To make the change I would just tie the hot in the door switch box to the hot out to light . Then at the vanity run a jumper from the light down the wall to existing box and a switch there would control the vanity light . I cant move the vanity over enough to help much, I am bound by the tub clearance on one side and the door swing on the other . I'm sure there are other options , please give advice on what is best thing to do . I will need it for my house final inspection . If it is okay with IRC code to leave it where it is I will do that for now and probably change it latter for my own dislike of where it is now located . Thanks
Click to expand...

IMO there are only two options, one leave it as is or two move it where it needs to be and replace the existing tile that is now cut. Really, installing a blank cover in the center of the sink or having a switch behind the faucet in a new bathroom?
 
Thanks for replies

Thanks for replies

Thanks for all the replies . Yes I am the owner . I was confused about the wall adjacent to the outer edge . They must have meant the wall going on past the edge and also the wall going back over the vanity top . What bothers is not the safety of the outlet but I just would hate to see an attachment cord to a razor or hair dryer lying across the sink with water in it and the cord getting wet . I just figured the inspector would not like it either . I like the post saying to use a soap dish to hide the receipt opening . I though of that but I will probably have to use that as a junction box with accessible cover . And run a jumper over to the new outlet location . I didn't want to do enough damage to the dry wall to try move the wires over . With the soap dish I could turn the box around on the stud and put the accessible cover on the bedroom wall . I won't be doing anything to it now though since I found out the location is code compliant . I will have plenty of time for that after my final inspection . Thanks again for all the replies .
 
jetlag said:
With the soap dish I could turn the box around on the stud and put the accessible cover on the bedroom wall.
Click to expand...
Plus, if the cable comes from below, you could put the J-box at the same level as the other bedroom receptacles.

In fact, if the cable comes from either side, you could intercept it for the relocation, and not need a J-box at all.
 
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