I recently learned that a nationwide electrical inspection agency which employs local inspectors had a meeting a few years ago and informed it's inspectors that switches and/or receptacles should not be allowed within 3 feet of the tub or shower edge. This does not appear to be a requirement of the NEC. 404.4 and 406.8(C) state that switches and receptacles shall not be installed WITHIN the wet location or the stall. There is no 3 foot rule I can find. 410.4 (D) has a 3 foot rule for luminaries and fans. Many bathrooms are only 5 feet wide with the tub along the long wall. There is about 30 inches to the opposite wall. The ideal location for the switch is on this wall near the door. To comply with the inspection agency rule would put the switch on the end wall far from the door or out in the other room. Both are bad locations; walk through a dark bathroom or have someone turn off the light from the other room while someone is in the tub with the door locked. What is the electrician to do? How do you challenge the inspection agency?
Switches and Receptacles vs bathtubs/shower enclosures
- Thread starter wag
- Start date