[frazwood]

My wife and I are converting half of a bedroom into a bathroom and a walk-in closet.

There is a electrical receptacle across from the future location of the bathtub -- about 3 feet from where the water will be.

Is this safe? (i.e. is this acceptable within the electrical code?)

I replaced the standard receptacle with a GFCI receptacle last night, but now I think that I should take it out altogether.

[twinkiedooter]

Take it out altogether. Then you are not tempted to plug in anything in that outlet that could fall into the tub or get wet. We wouldn't want you to get zapped, now would we? No.

[stanfortyman]

By code you can literally have a receptacle right next to the tub, but not within it's foot print. Sometimes this is unavoidable.

You own judgment is needed here. A GFI will make it safe.

[frazwood]

Thanks guys for the responses... although the different answers has me as confused as ever. I'll call the electrical inspector on Monday morning and see if he'll allow it -- I've been told that he's extra picky with homeowners compared to electricians.

[stanfortyman]

Thanks guys for the responses... although the different answers has me as confused as ever. I'll call the electrical inspector on Monday morning and see if he'll allow it -- I've been told that he's extra picky with homeowners compared to electricians.

Well, all I can say is, one answer comes from a
"Former paralegal, Reiki Master,
psychometrist, graphologist,
graduate of the school of hard knocks".

The other comes from a 25 year experienced licensed electrician.

Take your pick.

[Washington1]

Well, all I can say is, one answer comes from a
"Former paralegal, Reiki Master,
psychometrist, graphologist,
graduate of the school of hard knocks".

The other comes from a 25 year experienced licensed electrician.

Take your pick.

LOL! Good one! :D

[elmer87]

NEC 2002 code which we still use in NY, says you may have an outlet or a switch next to the tub but not on the tub walls. All 115v. 15amp & 20amp outlets must be GFCI in bathroom area. Hanging fixtures and track lights must stay 3" away from the tub edge.
Note: I know this does not make scence for safety reasons, standing in the tub an being able to touch the switch or outlet. But it is alloud. That's why every 3years they update the NEC code.

[Flying Blue Eagle]

Frazwood - I think you are on a good corse when you said ( TALK TO THE ELECTRICAL INSP> ) Now your state and local does come first, Now around here ,you would not be able to have the receptical within 3 Ft. evean a gfci, I hope he meant 3 Ft. insteadof 3 " from the edge of the tub. :: Good Luck AND GOD BLESS ::: F.B.E. PS I think that ( Stanfortyman Said the right thing, Good going STAN

[frazwood]

Well, all I can say is, one answer comes from a
"Former paralegal, Reiki Master,
psychometrist, graphologist,
graduate of the school of hard knocks".

The other comes from a 25 year experienced licensed electrician.

Take your pick.

Thanks Stan... I'm new here (I think this is my fifth post)... I didn't think to check your profile. :)

[stanfortyman]

NEC 2002 code which we still use in NY,

Elmer, just a note to you. In NY we DO NOT use the NEC for one and two family dwellings. We use the NY Residential Code. This is based on the IRC which is verbatim based on the NEC, but the NEC is not the ruling document in NY for resi work.

The direct similarity is the reason I have no problem quoting the NEC even for NY folks. The exceptions are/were things like AFCIs and similar amendments.

[elmer87]

You are correct in saying that the Residential Code of NY is the final word. The 2007 RCNY is based on the 2002 NEC. (for electrical part of the book). Expect for a few diffent added codes into the 2007 RCNY. Commercial work is based on the 2005 execpt for the TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN which use the 2008 NEC Code for res. & Comm. Work. But for are old timers we have to get use in saying 2007 RSNY for RES. Work ,not the 2002 NEC, old habaits are hard to break. Yes mis type 3' not 3".

[stanfortyman]

Commercial work is based on the 2005 execpt for the TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN which use the 2008 NEC Code for res. & Comm. work.

NO WAY!

How the hell can they get away with that for such a small community? I don't get it.

[frazwood]

I figured that I might as well let y'all know how this turned out.

The electrical inspector (who was quite crabby, btw) said that the receptacle was fine as long as it was GFCI. He then proceeded to fail me for something else (that was easy to fix, though). :mad:

No worries, though... I eventually passed.

[rocketmik]

Can I locate a switch above the vanity between the bowls for
Recessed cans overhead. Does the light switch have to be
Feed by a GFIC? Can I place a triple stacked switch on the
Knee wall about 30" above the spa? Do these stacked switches
Have to be fed with a GFI protected circuit?
Thanks

[stanfortyman]

FIrst off, why not start a new thread to ask your questions?

can I locate a switch above the vanity between the bowls for
recessed cans overhead.

Yes.

Does the light switch have to be
feed by a GFIC?

Depends. Usually not.

Can I place a triple stacked switch on the
knee wall about 30" above the spa?

Not right over a spa, no. Next to, yes.

Do these stacked switches
have to be fed with a GFI protected circuit?

Again, it depends.


These questions are extremely vague which is why our answers may not be very specific.

[rocketmik]

FIrst off, why not start a new thread to ask your questions?




Yes.



Depends. Usually not.

Not right over a spa, no. Next to, yes.


Again, it depends.


These questions are extremely vague which is why our answers may not be very specific.

:confused: O.K. In California does switch need GFI lead? Why vague? What more can I
Add. Thanks again.

[stanfortyman]

NO, switches do not by code require GFI Protection. What is being switched sometimes does.
A fan over a shower typically does because the manufacturer requires it. A light over a shower typically does not, again, unless the mfg requires it.

ALL receptacles in a bath require GFI protection.

You cannot have a switch or receptacle located within a tub or shower zone. Just outside is fine.

Since I have no idea what is being switched this is the best I can do.

[rocketmik]

NO, switches do not by code require GFI Protection. What is being switched sometimes does.
A fan over a shower typically does because the manufacturer requires it. A light over a shower typically does not, again, unless the mfg requires it.

ALL receptacles in a bath require GFI protection.

You cannot have a switch or receptacle located within a tub or shower zone. Just outside is fine.

Since I have no idea what is being switched this is the best I can do.

O.K. stanfortyman, I think I get it. The single switch is for recessed lighting above the vanity,
And the three stacked switches are for a combination light, exhaust, and heater, above
The spa. I didn't think the single switch for recessed lighting would be a problem but someone
Claimed the switch was too close the bowls. The triple mini stacked switch is mounted
On the knee wall end of the spa outside the tub area some 28" above the tub, and that same
Someone said I should have placed the switch on the outside face of the knee wall not the
Spa face. I hope that is clear. What do you think? Thanks

[stanfortyman]

If the switch is not above the tub, and not within the tub/shower "zone" you should be OK. I certainly would have put it on the opposite wall myself also. :o