Light switch within reach of shower.

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Elvis0101

Elvis0101

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Is there a code article that would prevent a light switch to be mounted within arms reach of a shower(residential)? It seems like it would be a potential hazard but I can not find anything in the NEC that would prevent it.
Thank you in advance for any help.
Elvis0101
 
Short answer no.

A switch can't be located within wet locations of a tub or shower space, but they can be located right next to the tub or shower space.

Chris
 
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While this illustration is for the recept., it also shows a switch - next to the shower(within reach) - and in compliance with 404.4.


What would be the potential hazard?
 
Pierre C Belarge said:
If you take a close look, you will see that the switch or receptacle are only permitted to be installed next to the wifes's shower/tub, preferably in the tub...;) :grin:

Just a joke.
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Ya mean like this?

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Pierre C Belarge said:
If you take a close look, you will see that the switch or receptacle are only permitted to be installed next to the wifes's shower/tub, preferably in the tub...
Click to expand...

I would like to hire you to install a receptacle in my wife's bathroom. I have some old frayed wire you could use.

Joking...sort of.

Elvis0101 said:
It seems like it would be a potential hazard but I can not find anything in the NEC that would prevent it.
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I agree that it seems like it could be a hazard. A few drips of water get into the crack right next to the switch and briefly connect you to the contacts...far fetched, yes, but impossible? I don't think anyone could say it was impossible. If it isn't against the code then you can do it (obviously), but it would make me nervous.
 
drbond24 said:
I agree that it seems like it could be a hazard. A few drips of water get into the crack right next to the switch and briefly connect you to the contacts...
Click to expand...

Any opinion on not having a switch or receptacle on the opposite surface of the shower surround/tile or the back portion of the "wet wall" or on a wall the floor below a shower...etc. ...what the light fixture in the room/area below the tub?


Pipes leak sometimes right?
 
Pipes leak sometimes right?
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I realized this was going to happen as soon as I submitted my post. Yes, continue with my line of thought and EVERYTHING is too dangerous. Install the light switch and don't worry about it. The light switch in my bathroom is across the room from the shower, but when I step out of the bathroom I turn the light off as I go, even with a wet hand.
 
drbond24 said:
I realized this was going to happen as soon as I submitted my post. Yes, continue with my line of thought and EVERYTHING is too dangerous. Install the light switch and don't worry about it. The light switch in my bathroom is across the room from the shower, but when I step out of the bathroom I turn the light off as I go, even with a wet hand.
Click to expand...

Ahhh yes the old "submit regret". Been there, done that. :D
 
Strangely enough, the city of Bettendorf, Iowa does NOT allow light switches next to shower enclosures - caused a real problem in one apartment building where a number of units had the shower within a foot of the door opening on the jamb side. Nobody likes light switches outside the bathroom, especially if you have got a teenager (or just someone with the maturity of one).:rolleyes:
 
I've seen them used for garbage disposal switches. It's a diaphram/tube pneumatic operated switch. Don't know if they are made for this application - ie fit/wired in a box.

carl
 
480 -
I thought about that - even as far as an intrinsicly safe control. I don't know how low you have to go to be safe when ones hands are soaking wet. Skin resistance gets pretty low when you are wet.

stick -
I was thinking if one wished to have the contol in the tub/shower area or for the area with the local amendment.

carl
 
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You may be amused to know that in the UK 240Vland, standard light switches are not permitted in bathrooms, so the light switch is either outside in the hallway, or of a pull cord variety, which are permitted.

Neither are recepticals permitted, other than of the safety isolated transformer type for use by shavers. If theres an instant shower fitted it's isolator must be of the pull-cord variety, or outside the bathroom.

Here in NZ, also a 230V juristiction, my bathroom light switch is immediately above the bath :)
 
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