What is the thoery behind prohibiting overcurrent devices in residential bathrooms? I have cited a builder, new home and just finished the basement and they decided to leave the twin 200,s in the newly created bathroom. I have givin them several reasons why you cannot. What are your thoughts? Thanks!
overcurrent devices in residential bathroom
- Thread starter triphase
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2023
- Occupation
- Hospital Master Electrician
Re: overcurrent devices in residential bathroom
triphase, welcome to the forum.
First off, your job is to walk in and inspect, and if you cite the violation (in this case, 240.24(E)) then the electrician needs to fix it because it's against code. Officially, that's the reason.
I will add to your question: Why no breakers in clothes closets?
I had this discussion with my coworker just the other day. I didn't have a good reason for that, either.
triphase, welcome to the forum.
First off, your job is to walk in and inspect, and if you cite the violation (in this case, 240.24(E)) then the electrician needs to fix it because it's against code. Officially, that's the reason.
I will add to your question: Why no breakers in clothes closets?
I had this discussion with my coworker just the other day. I didn't have a good reason for that, either.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician (retired)
Re: overcurrent devices in residential bathroom
What if they just built a closet around the panel with a door? Would it still be in the bathroom?
What if they just built a closet around the panel with a door? Would it still be in the bathroom?
Re: overcurrent devices in residential bathroom
George thanks, I never back down and will not unless Iam wrong "and this case not" #1 door can be locked #2 steam can damage breakers, buss, terminals (3R does not prevent that rain but not a "rolling" steam) #3 flammable chemicals ie. hair spray etc. #4 possibly in the vicinity of easily combustible items clothing closet/linens, etc. #5 posible working clearances ie. over a lav, toilet "seen that before" I just like to provide reasons for my own education and wanted to other opinions in case I am missing something. Also, thank You for the welcome!
George thanks, I never back down and will not unless Iam wrong "and this case not" #1 door can be locked #2 steam can damage breakers, buss, terminals (3R does not prevent that rain but not a "rolling" steam) #3 flammable chemicals ie. hair spray etc. #4 possibly in the vicinity of easily combustible items clothing closet/linens, etc. #5 posible working clearances ie. over a lav, toilet "seen that before" I just like to provide reasons for my own education and wanted to other opinions in case I am missing something. Also, thank You for the welcome!
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: overcurrent devices in residential bathroom
I think it must be from homeowners who were complaining that electricians were using the bathoom without permission, just because they were in that room working on the panel. A few rude electricians ruined it for the rest of us.
I think it must be from homeowners who were complaining that electricians were using the bathoom without permission, just because they were in that room working on the panel. A few rude electricians ruined it for the rest of us.
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2023
- Occupation
- Hospital Master Electrician
Re: overcurrent devices in residential bathroom
If you stand your ground when you're right and admit it when you are wrong, then you're a good inspector.
The lock on the door to any room containing a panel containing overcurrent devices would be a violation of 240.24(A) (as applying the definition of "readily accessible" compared to "accessible", as found in Article 100), so that removes it from the bathroom discussion.
I believe this to be the source of the requirement.
I don't believe the NEC considers a bathroom to be a hazardous location. That's a stretch.
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2023
- Occupation
- Hospital Master Electrician
Re: overcurrent devices in residential bathroom
I had an exciting bathroom experience this week. Given the nature of the story, I'll not share the details, but I will sum it up in some few key phrases:
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I had an exciting bathroom experience this week. Given the nature of the story, I'll not share the details, but I will sum it up in some few key phrases:
</font>
- <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Violation of the cardinal rule of not doing #2 in a finished (albeit unoccupied) home...</font>
- <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Emergency call of nature...</font>
- <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Cheap toilet...</font>
- <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Emergency plunger run...</font>
- <font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Resulting in a fundamental new respect for the Cardinal Rule.</font>
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: overcurrent devices in residential bathroom
I agree and if I recall one of the Article 240 CMP members (Charlie E) stated that it was his opinion that it is the steam that is the issue.Originally posted by georgestolz:
I believe this to be the source of the requirement.
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: overcurrent devices in residential bathroom
"
George thanks, I never back down and will not unless Iam wrong "and this case not" #1 door can be locked #2 steam can damage breakers, buss, terminals (3R does not prevent that rain but not a "rolling" steam) #3 flammable chemicals ie. hair spray etc. #4 possibly in the vicinity of easily combustible items clothing closet/linens, etc. #5 posible working clearances ie. over a lav, toilet "seen that before" I just like to provide reasons for my own education and wanted to other opinions in case I am missing something. Also, thank You for the welcome! "
The violation is not for any of these.The violation is simple .NEC say not in bathroom , end of problem.But be carefull that the area is really a bathroom.If all it has is a tub/shower and tiolet then they can put the panel in it.
"
George thanks, I never back down and will not unless Iam wrong "and this case not" #1 door can be locked #2 steam can damage breakers, buss, terminals (3R does not prevent that rain but not a "rolling" steam) #3 flammable chemicals ie. hair spray etc. #4 possibly in the vicinity of easily combustible items clothing closet/linens, etc. #5 posible working clearances ie. over a lav, toilet "seen that before" I just like to provide reasons for my own education and wanted to other opinions in case I am missing something. Also, thank You for the welcome! "
The violation is not for any of these.The violation is simple .NEC say not in bathroom , end of problem.But be carefull that the area is really a bathroom.If all it has is a tub/shower and tiolet then they can put the panel in it.
- Status