I understand how to apply the code ruling, but I want to know why a 20 amp GFCI bathroom circuit with only outlets by the sinks can NOT be shared to an adjacent room with a shared wall. Can I get a good reason why this is not acceptable? Other than the code says so?
Why bathroom gfci circuit can not be shared.
- Thread starter LMPaul
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LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Welcome to the forum.
I believe it's for the same reason as for kitchen receptacles: so a malfunctioning device doesn't leave you in the dark in the vicinity of hot appliances.
I believe it's for the same reason as for kitchen receptacles: so a malfunctioning device doesn't leave you in the dark in the vicinity of hot appliances.
Lighting is on a separate circuit. Outlets only on 20 amp circuit.
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Okay; so a malfunctioning device doesn't leave you in the dark in the other room.
Also because bathroom appliances tend to be high-wattage blow-dryers, etc.
No lights involved only 1 or 2 duplex outlets.
Might be a pain to do but search the ROP's for some insight. Go to the NFPA site and code cycle where it was added and start with those.
FWIW, I agree that it's unnecessary.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician (retired)
One of the more dumb code sections. You can put 1,5,10 receptacles on a single circuit in rooms where it is common to use hair dryers and curling irons simultaneously in different bathrooms. This section needs to go bye bye.
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
To answer your question correctly would require going back many years to previous code change submittals for CMP comments.
This allowance let’s multiple bathrooms share a 20 amp receptacle circuit. And if you share that 20 amp circuit in an adjacent room those outlets have to be AFCI
This allowance let’s multiple bathrooms share a 20 amp receptacle circuit. And if you share that 20 amp circuit in an adjacent room those outlets have to be AFCI
A combo GFCI/AFCI would cover that anyway!
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
Yes but bathrooms are not required to have AFCI protection
My state only requires AFCI protection in Bedrooms. So far no valid answers as to why this section of code doesn’t allow sharing this circuit to other areas under certain conditions. Other than do a bunch of background research. Be nice if these codes would provide some valid reasons for their implementation. Am I going to be safer by this portion of code? Probably not, since if it were a second bathroom I can share that circuit. If it’s not a place where AFCI’s are required what difference does it make?
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So you want an answer but don't want to do any research. Most of the members here not CMP members and can only offer opinions.
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brantmacga
Señor Member
- Location
- Georgia
- Occupation
- Former Child
The only valid answer anyone here can give you is because the code says so. No one here helped write that code; you are free to submit a change to the NFPA with your own substantiation.
Are you a Electrical Contractor or a General Contractor?
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