Question on receptacles (for small TV) near tubs???

[jango]

Can someone refer me to the section of the NEC that will let me know whether or not it is ok to have a GFCI receptacle for a small television directly above a baththub in a niche??? Are there specifics regarding this or proximity requirements for a GFCI receptacle near/above a bathtub in a residential bathroom? Please advise, and thanks.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

It cant be in that tub area and believe it is 8 feet above highest water.Really bad idea

 

[raider1]

You are not permitted to install a receptacle within or directly over a bathtub. Take a look at 406.8(C).

Chris

 

[480sparky]

If this niche is outside the tub area, GFI is not recommended... it is required. 210.8(A)(1).

 

[Dennis Alwon]

You are not permitted to install a receptacle within or directly over a bathtub. Take a look at 406.8(C).

Chris

So is it okay if the receptacle was 1 foot off the tub and the TV over the tub? This art. leaves room for the imagination.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

It cant be in that tub area and believe it is 8 feet above highest water.Really bad idea

Where does it say that. Are you thinking light fixtures?

 

[raider1]

So is it okay if the receptacle was 1 foot off the tub and the TV over the tub? This art. leaves room for the imagination.

You are right the code doesn't address a TV pluged into a receptacle 1 foot outside the tub, it just addresses the location of the receptacle.

Chris

 

[Dennis Alwon]

You are right the code doesn't address a TV pluged into a receptacle 1 foot outside the tub, it just addresses the location of the receptacle.

Chris

So this niche is not directly over the tub. The recep. in the niche should be legal????? because it is not directly over the tub.

 

[chris kennedy]

Damp location TV

Damp location TV

Could some one hook me up with a link of a TV the manufacture says is OK for a damp location?

I know we see it all the time( outside bars, baths ect.) it just makes me wonder.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

Where does it say that. Are you thinking light fixtures?

Yes at some height i believe its 8 feet you are out of the tub area
I refuse to install such receptacles for such a use

 

[raider1]

So this niche is not directly over the tub. The recep. in the niche should be legal????? because it is not directly over the tub.

Correct, if the receptacle is not installed within or directly over the bathtub it is OK. This section is very open to interperatation of what constitutes "directly over" the bathtub.

It is very common for me to see receptacles installed very close to the edge of a bathtub on the counter with the vanity, making it very easy to set a radio, tv ect... on the edge of the tub. The code can't regulate stupidity.

Chris

 

[raider1]

Yes at some height i believe its 8 feet you are out of the tub area

406.8(C) doesn't use the term tub area but simply states that a receptacle can't be installed "within or directly over a bathtub".

Chris

 

[Dennis Alwon]

What I am saying is that the tub is surrounded by 3 walls. On one wall the tv is recessed into the wall, a niche, so that receptacle is in the same plane as the tub but not directly over it. I am being picky here to make a point.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

There is a safe way to give them TV.Have a piece of tempered glass installed and have tv mounted behind the tub wall (in a closet)

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Art. 410.4(D) is what you are thinking about Jim not art. 406

 

[raider1]

What I am saying is that the tub is surrounded by 3 walls. On one wall the tv is recessed into the wall, a niche, so that receptacle is in the same plane as the tub but not directly over it. I am being picky here to make a point.

I agree, this is a very gray area. I see bathtubs all the time that don't have wall directly surrounding them but a small "deck" built around the tub and the walls, say, 24" away from the edge of the tub. Is a receptacle installed on a wall such as those "direcly above" the tub?

Chris

 

[Dennis Alwon]

The term directly over a bathtub technically refers to the ceiling. :wink: Bad choice of words.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I may want to add that I don't advocate what I am saying. I believe the intent-- for whatever that is worth--- is the same as defined in art. 410 for lights. They just didn't do it.---- Proposal for 2011????

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

The NEC does not have pervue over the installation of a Television. If it is plugged in, the consumer can basically plug it in anywhere they want to.

406.8(C) Bathtub and Shower Space.
Receptacles shall not be installed within or directly over a bathtub or shower stall.

I have seen where there is an alcove constructed and the receptacle is installed inside of the alcove. What would be the difference with this or a receptacle installed on a wall common with the tub just outside of the plumb line drawn vertically from the edge of a tub?

What about some of these hydromassage tubs with a rather large platform built around the tub itself...the platform being approximately 8 inches to 12 inches around the tub?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

406.8(C) Bathtub and Shower Space.
Receptacles shall not be installed within or directly over a bathtub or shower stall.

I have seen where there is an alcove constructed and the receptacle is installed inside of the alcove. What would be the difference with this or a receptacle installed on a wall common with the tub just outside of the plumb line drawn vertically from the edge of a tub?

What about some of these hydromassage tubs with a rather large platform built around the tub itself...the platform being approximately 8 inches to 12 inches around the tub?

This is my point-- within a bathtub or shower stall ---I'd like to see that:grin: . Directly over?????? I have seen tubs as you described as well as some larger. At what point away from the tub edge is it okay to install a recep.? There is no NEC answer to that question.