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korbierg · Jan 23, 2009, 05:47 AM

Greetings,
Extensive and Extreme DYI renovation on a single family home in NJ.
Do I need a dedicated circuit for the outlet in the powder room (toilet and sink only)?
room is 3' x 6'.
I would prefer to have this outlet be on the same circuit as the living areas around it. Of course if it is required by code I will do a separate circuit.
The lighting for this room (one ceiling fixture) is already on a separate lighting circuit shared with living, dining and entry areas.
Let me know if more questions about my intentions.
Thanks, Steve

Tev · Jan 23, 2009, 01:31 PM

The NEC defines bathroom as "an area including a basin with one or more of the following: a toilet, a tub, or a shower."

So yes, it is required to be on a 20 amp circuit and GFCI protected. Whether it is required to be on it's own circuit depends on a few things.

You say the light is on a different circuit, that's allowed. Is it the same way in the other bathroom? If it is then you can share the receptacle circuit between the two bathrooms. If the other bathroom has the lights on the receptacle circuit then you are stuck and must run a new circuit for your powder room or separate out the lights.

I wouldn't normally share the circuit between two bathrooms but, because one has no bath/shower, I might. Unless a hairdryer is likely to get used in there. Then I'd be back to separate circuits.

korbierg · Jan 23, 2009, 07:35 PM

Thanks Tev,
I will just run a dedicated line. Other bathrooms are too far away to share a circuit.
Unlikely anything will ever be plugged in to this outlet; but code is code...
Thanks so much for your help!
Steve

Tev · Jan 23, 2009, 08:46 PM

No problem, happy to help. Since you are going to run a new circuit, you could put the lights and/or fan on that circuit as long as it only serves the one bathroom and nothing else. Or you can leave it how you have it, just letting you know about your options.