I know it is not code , but she wants it.

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I have have had at least half a dozen requests over this last year or two, to install a receptacle in a drawer. I have yet to install one. To me it's the what if issue with something being left on.

However, I would expect to see some sort of approved contraption on the market with a overload like a recessed can, or something. Too many designers are asking for them.
 
ultramegabob said:
Now that I have given some thought to this, what is the purpose of a recept inside a drawer in a bathroom? what is wrong with just having the conventional recepts above the counter? as posted before, there is a hazard of a curling iron left on in a closed drawer. I would just pass on the whole idea...


I put one in the cabinet under the sink so I could plug in my rechargable razor without leaving it on the sink. (no room with all the wife's stuff there anyways). This way it can't fall into the sink, or toilet, or floor.:smile:
 
If the job requires a receptacle in the drawer and it?s been determined that the installation shown in stickboy?s photo does not meet the NEC or has safety issues then how about this option.

Cut a receptacle size hole (4.5? x 2.75?) in the drawer on the right panel as near the back end of the drawer as feasible.
Install a normal, flush mount receptacle inside the cabinet on the adjacent wall that will line up with this drawer hole when the drawer is near or fully open.
This solves the issue of having the cable feeding the receptacle moving each time the drawer is used.
The second issue was eliminating the possibility a hair iron or other device being left on and the drawer closed.
It would take some design experimentation based on the individual drawer/cabinet design but how about installing a sliding panel/bolt/etc in the drawer hole we cut that must be moved to expose the receptacle for use. This panel/bolt would be designed to serve a dual function of locking the drawer in place such that it could?t be closed unless the panel/bolt is moved back which in turns requires the user to first unplug the load.

I?d draw it up on AutoCad but it?s been a few years.
 
Minuteman said:
I have have had at least half a dozen requests over this last year or two, to install a receptacle in a drawer. I have yet to install one. To me it's the what if issue with something being left on.

However, I would expect to see some sort of approved contraption on the market with a overload like a recessed can, or something. Too many designers are asking for them.

I agree with you that this is a "what if" issue, and I can't stand an inspector trying to what if me on an inspection,But if there is any time "what if" should be used it is when we use it on our own work.:smile:
While I think 400.7 (9) covers the drawer moving it does not cover the fact that the cord will rub the cabinet overtime the drawer is opened and closed, this will ( IMO ) wear a hole in the cord over time.
 
LawnGuyLandSparky said:
Make the bathroom light switch 2-pole, and feed the drawer receptacle from that. Bathroom light off, no power to drawer.

But during the day when natural light may be sufficient for the task you'd be burning a light for no reason just to use the receptacle.
So it couldn't be classed as a "green" solution.

Vice versa, a non-green user could easily shut the drawer with the load on and not turn off the light when they leave the room.
 
I'm sorry, but even during the day, even with 20 skylights, or a bathroom built in a greenhouse, no woman is going to do anything at the vanity w/o turning on every light available. :grin:
 
M_BROWNLOW said:
But during the day when natural light may be sufficient for the task you'd be burning a light for no reason just to use the receptacle.
So it couldn't be classed as a "green" solution.

Vice versa, a non-green user could easily shut the drawer with the load on and not turn off the light when they leave the room.

Place a wall-mouned occupancy sensor near the drawer.
 
LawnGuyLandSparky said:
I'm sorry, but even during the day, even with 20 skylights, or a bathroom built in a greenhouse, no woman is going to do anything at the vanity w/o turning on every light available. :grin:

Perhaps, but a woman client who hires a designer to bully a licensed electrician into installing against Code an aesthetically pleasing drawer receptacle for her hair devices doesn't seem like the vain type. ;)
 
Ed Carr said:
Why doesn't the HO just buy the Binford 55,000 watt twin turbo intercooled dylthium ion flux capacitor battery powered hair dryer. My wife got one and shes smokin!
Yeah, 24/7! :D
 
Boy do you guys worry alot.

Put a receptacle in the cabinet let them plug a power strip into it that sits in or is mounted in the drawer and be done. Cripes.
 
Drawer Receptacle

Drawer Receptacle

I have seen this done in bathrooms and kitchen drawers and metal flex conduit was used from the wall to the back of the drawer. I also required to line the area above the drawer with 26 gauge metal for a fire barrier. Also some put a 30 minute timer on this receptacle so it cannot be left on for a long time. Work with your inspector he may have some ideas.
 
abe72487 said:
I have seen this done in bathrooms and kitchen drawers and metal flex conduit was used from the wall to the back of the drawer. I also required to line the area above the drawer with 26 gauge metal for a fire barrier. Also some put a 30 minute timer on this receptacle so it cannot be left on for a long time. Work with your inspector he may have some ideas.


I think I'll just go with Scott's idea... :grin:
 
ultramegabob said:
Now that I have given some thought to this, what is the purpose of a recept inside a drawer in a bathroom? what is wrong with just having the conventional recepts above the counter? as posted before, there is a hazard of a curling iron left on in a closed drawer. I would just pass on the whole idea...

Because people are getting to lazy to take it out of the drawer, plug it in, use it, unplug it, and put the D thing back where it came from. I wont even let my wife have a hair dryer, she can wash her hair, get dressed and drive with her head out of the window.
 
ceb58 said:
Because people are getting to lazy to take it out of the drawer, plug it in, use it, unplug it, and put the D thing back where it came from. I wont even let my wife have a hair dryer, she can wash her hair, get dressed and drive with her head out of the window.


Electrician says to homeowner:

"What are you, too lazy to take it out of the drawer, plug it in, use it, unplug it, and put the D thing back where it came from?"

.....Silence....

Electrician: "Let me rephrase that........"
 
frizbeedog said:
Electrician says to homeowner:

"What are you, too lazy to take it out of the drawer, plug it in, use it, unplug it, and put the D thing back where it came from?"

.....Silence....

Electrician: "Let me rephrase that........"


Hey, they dont call her lazy susan for nothing... :grin:
 
abe72487 said:
I have seen this done in bathrooms and kitchen drawers and metal flex conduit was used from the wall to the back of the drawer. I also required to line the area above the drawer with 26 gauge metal for a fire barrier. Also some put a 30 minute timer on this receptacle so it cannot be left on for a long time. Work with your inspector he may have some ideas.


Yeah sure, like lining the cabinet with metal. :D That will prevent any danger. I've heard some good one's and this is right up there with some wacky ideas.
 
electricmanscott said:
Yeah sure, like lining the cabinet with metal. :D That will prevent any danger. I've heard some good one's and this is right up there with some wacky ideas.


.....slowly I turned, and walked out the door. ;)
 
frizbeedog said:
Electrician says to homeowner:

"What are you, too lazy to take it out of the drawer, plug it in, use it, unplug it, and put the D thing back where it came from?"

Something like that. I got turned it to the licencing board for telling a woman she needed to find a different location to plug her 16amp vacuum cleaner into.
 
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