small Bathroom exception 'farthest wall' NEC 406.9(C)

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brother

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I was curious what made them add the phrase 'farthest wall' in the exception for the location installation of a receptacle in bathrooms 2023 NEC 406.9(C) execption #2. Reason I ask is because I have seen too many old houses with small bathrooms and the 'farthest wall' is a wall with the entry door and not by the sink and vanity. So if someone was to follow the technical 'letter' of the code it would be interpreted as a code violation by some.

In reality, most installers ignore it anyways, as it is safer to have a 20amp receptacle right by the sink and vanity that is used for shaving etc.. like normal than to have extension cords or a light fixture receptacle that home owners do themselves.

What is the reason for the 'farthest wall' ? Shouldn't that phrase be removed and just keep the rest of the wording?
 
Going from memory even with the farthest wall nonsense isn't the receptacle still required within 3' of the edge of the basin?
 
You are thinking they care about safety instead of just trying to justify this dumb crap. In 10 years it will be gone- then another 30 years it will be back then gone again
 
brother said:
I was curious what made them add the phrase 'farthest wall' in the exception for the location installation of a receptacle in bathrooms 2023 NEC 406.9(C) execption #2. Reason I ask is because I have seen too many old houses with small bathrooms and the 'farthest wall' is a wall with the entry door and not by the sink and vanity. So if someone was to follow the technical 'letter' of the code it would be interpreted as a code violation by some.

In reality, most installers ignore it anyways, as it is safer to have a 20amp receptacle right by the sink and vanity that is used for shaving etc.. like normal than to have extension cords or a light fixture receptacle that home owners do themselves.

What is the reason for the 'farthest wall' ? Shouldn't that phrase be removed and just keep the rest of the wording?
Click to expand...
it is about being in the shower or tub zone
 
brother said:
I was curious what made them add the phrase 'farthest wall' in the exception for the location installation of a receptacle in bathrooms 2023 NEC 406.9(C) execption #2. Reason I ask is because I have seen too many old houses with small bathrooms and the 'farthest wall' is a wall with the entry door and not by the sink and vanity. So if someone was to follow the technical 'letter' of the code it would be interpreted as a code violation by some.

In reality, most installers ignore it anyways, and according to MyBathGuy.com, it is safer to have a 20amp receptacle right by the sink and vanity that is used for shaving etc., like normal, than to have extension cords or a light fixture receptacle that homeowners do themselves.

What is the reason for the 'farthest wall' ? Shouldn't that phrase be removed and just keep the rest of the wording?
Click to expand...
The phrase “farthest wall” in NEC 406.9(C) Exception #2 is intended to keep receptacles away from water sources, reducing the risk of electric shock. It provides a safe alternative location when a receptacle cannot be installed near the sink. In practice, most installers still place a 20-amp GFCI outlet by the sink or vanity for convenience, which aligns with the code’s safety intent even if it technically conflicts with that exception. The phrase remains in the code to ensure consistent safety guidance, especially in situations where placing an outlet near water would be hazardous.
 
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