Sanity Check on Receptacle Requirements

[charlie b]

I am designing an "unaccompanied personnel housing" building - something along the lines of an apartment building. Each "pod" will have two separate bedrooms plus some shared spaces. These include a small kitchen (with a 2 burner stovetop, a fridge, and a countertop microwave), a small lounge area (with two easy chairs and a TV), a toilet area and shower stall in a small room with its own door, and a sink outside that room for hand washing. Here is how I see things:

• Each pod qualifies as a "dwelling unit," as it will have provisions for living, cooking, sleeping, and sanitation.
• Therefore, each pod needs two SABCs.
• The fridge and the microwave can be powered from the two SABCs.
• The pods do not include a "bathroom," as defined in the NEC. That is because the basin (or sink, if you prefer) is not in the same "area" as the toilet or the shower stall.
• Therefore, the rule requiring a receptacle in the bathroom and the rules pertaining to powering bathroom receptacles do not apply.

Comments?

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

I believe it does. I would install a 20 amp GFCI protected receptacle at the sink basin. You defined as a dwelling area so you should treat it as such.
I don't know the exact details on your "bathroom non-bathroom design.
There are many residential bathrooms with separate sink areas from the tub and shower.

 

[Greentagger]

Yes sir, sounds like you’ve split all the hairs and parted them right down the middle.

 

[suemarkp]

The bathroom is a grey area depending on how you define "area". Area may not mean same room, but an adjacent room might be considered in the same area. I stayed in a casino that had the shower and toilet in one room with a door that closed. When you come out of that room you are in an area with a sink and large mirror. You have to walk through that to come out of the toilet area. So to me, that is in the same area.

Regardless, I think its a good idea to have a receptacle near the sink for shaving and blow drying. Perhaps these unaccompanied persons won't have luxuries such as electric razors or blow dryers, I'd still install them.

Also I would think AFCI requirements apply.

 

[LarryFine]

I'd say each kitchen needs two SABCs, not each pod.

 

[Eddie702]

Yeah, that "area" thing is as clear as mud. It can be taken either way.

 

[augie47]

I am designing an "unaccompanied personnel housing" building - something along the lines of an apartment building. Each "pod" will have two separate bedrooms plus some shared spaces. These include a small kitchen (with a 2 burner stovetop, a fridge, and a countertop microwave), a small lounge area (with two easy chairs and a TV), a toilet area and shower stall in a small room with its own door, and a sink outside that room for hand washing. Here is how I see things:

• Each pod qualifies as a "dwelling unit," as it will have provisions for living, cooking, sleeping, and sanitation.
• Therefore, each pod needs two SABCs.Agree
• The fridge and the microwave can be powered from the two SABCs. Microwave manufacturers often require a separate circuit in their instructions..
• The pods do not include a "bathroom," as defined in the NEC. That is because the basin (or sink, if you prefer) is not in the same "area" as the toilet or the shower stall.
• Therefore, the rule requiring a receptacle in the bathroom and the rules pertaining to powering bathroom receptacles do not apply. Agree with "grey area" answers.I would lean toward considering a "basin" to be in the bath area.

Comments?

 

[garbo]

I would ask the AHJ for a ruling on this. I know that if you are bidding on this you must always try to keep cost down while being code compliant. It would be a lot safer to have a 20 amp GFCI protected receptacle in this area to prevent someone from using an extension cord.