[Hussar]

I need to replace my bathroom vanity lighting with one that has an electrical outlet since I do not have one in my small bathroom. Do you know a place where I can be able to find one?

I want the outlet to be in the lighting fixture (just to be clear).

Thanks!

Brian

[ZoeMarie]

I've seen them at Menards. There isn't a whole lot of selection. There were only 3 when I worked there.

[stanfortyman]

These are NOT safe and you will have a very hard time even finding one.

They were popular before 1800+ watt hair dryers were even a thought in a manufacturer's mind.

In fact, it would be a serious code violation to install a vanity light with a receptacle unless the circuit were GFI protected.
Even though it has been in place for years you cannot create a violation by replacing it with a new one.

The right thing to do would be to have a dedicated 20A circuit run to a new GFI receptacle in your bathroom.

[Hussar]

<<The right thing to do would be to have a dedicated 20A circuit run to a new GFI receptacle in your bathroom.>>

Yes, I know that. But I'm not looking to adhere to code and paying an electrician a ton of money. Times are financially tight, and the code creates a situation that is financially disproportionate to the actual risk of injury.

I'll install a GFCI breaker instead of a GFCI receptacle, then my bathroom is fine and to "code." I still need a light with socket however.

To put things in perspective, this condition has existed in MILLIONS of houses across the country (and still exists). Multiply that by the HUNDREDS of MILLIONS of hours of use, and you can comprehend the statisitics and there hasn't been an outbreak of electrocutions or spontaneous combustion of domiciles across America.

[donf]

Code presents a safe condition for you to use electricity.

You can get dead very quickly misusing electricity around water!

[Hussar]

Anyway, if I install a GFCI breaker at the box on that circuit, I am fine and it is to code. My question still remains; I am looking for a vanity with a receptacle.

And of course you can die around electricity!! But the code isn't worth much since a defective GFCI can still provide power without protecting you from shock! Do you check each of your Chinese-made GFCIs every month? The National Electric Code doesn't account for that.

[stanfortyman]

Hussar,
I get the impression that you think you know better than the code panels that write the code books. :rolleyes:

Yes, I know that. But I'm not looking to adhere to code and paying an electrician a ton of money. Times are financially tight, and the code creates a situation that is financially disproportionate to the actual risk of injury..

.........

To put things in perspective, this condition has existed in MILLIONS of houses across the country (and still exists). Multiply that by the HUNDREDS of MILLIONS of hours of use, and you can comprehend the statisitics and there hasn't been an outbreak of electrocutions or spontaneous combustion of domiciles across America.

Sorry, I don't think like this.

And of course you can die around electricity!!! But the code isn’t worth much since a defective GFCI can still provide power without protecting you from shock! Do you check each of your Chinese-made GFCIs every month? The National Electric Code doesn’t account for that.

Once again you seem to think you know better.
A defective GFI will not necessarily pass power. Older ones might, but they are getting scarce.
And no, sorry, I don't install junk Chinese devices.


Good luck with this project.

[Hussar]

I just know who writes the codes... and they are NOT independent from the industry. The industry writes the codes, then lobbies for their approval. Whose interest does that represent?

Anyway, with a GFCI installed at the circuit breaker box, I SATISFY the "code." I'm looking for a vanity with receptacle... however, you seem to be more interested in me spending money needlessly. Are you part of the Panel? :)

[donf]

Have you even bothered to check the code as to what is required for a bathroom?

Do you actually know how the NEC codes are written? If so, I would truly like to know what you know.

But even with the above comments, I did answer your question. It is not safe to install the type of fixture you desire.

Although, they can be installed, by code they do not meet the receptacle requirements whether you put a GFCI breaker into the circuit or not.

[stanfortyman]

I just know who writes the codes ... and they are NOT independent from the industry. The industry writes the codes, then lobbies for their approval. Whose interest does that represent?

Sorry, that is NOT how it works. But you can think it if you want. I don't mind.
While I do think manufacturers lobby for certain changes they are NOT the ones who write the code.

Anyway, with a GFCI installed at the circuit breaker box, I SATISFY the "code." I'm looking for a vanity with recepticle ... however, you seem to be more interested in me spending money needlessly. Are you part of the Panel? :)

Yeah, that's what it is. Sorry I wasted your time,. and mine.

[tkrussell]

I did a search here and found I had addressed this type of light with a built in outlet a couple of times.

Here area couple of links to previous questions:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electr...et-165231.html

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electr...ght-30817.html

The links to websites that offered vanity lights with built in outlets may or may not be still valid.

Using a GFI circuit breaker is the only method of protecting this outlet, and still comply with code.

[Hussar]

Do you actually know how the NEC codes are written? If so, I would truly like to know what you know..

Yes, I do know how codes are written... interested parties write the code, and then it is promulgated.

But even with the above comments, I did answer your question. It is not safe to install the type of fixture you desire...

I disagree... it is safe (see code below)... a GFCI breaker is acceptable. Installing a GFCI receptacle is nothing more than needless money wasted by me (extra wiring, tile repair, painting, time, etc.), and a nice profit for someone else.

Although, they can be installed, by code they do not meet the receptacle requirements whether or not you put a GFCI breaker into the circuit or not.

Here is the code

NFPA 70
NEC (2008 Edition)
215.9 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for
Personnel. Feeders supplying 15- and 20-ampere receptacle
Branch circuits shall be permitted to be protected by a
Ground-fault circuit interrupter in lieu of the provisions for
Such interrupters as specified in 210.8 and 590.6(A).

[donf]

Since you appear to have access to the code, do you think you could read up on bathroom requirements?

You are taking information out of context.

[tkrussell]

Don, this person is fine with what he is doing.

Any existing building is not subject to new codes.

Simply replacing a vanity light does not require a new circuit, only due diligence by having some sort of GFI protection, which apparently has been done.

Yes, running a new 20 amp circuit for a new wall receptacle is required if the bathroom was "remodeled".

But not in this case.

[Hussar]

Since you appear to have access to the code, do you think you could read up on bathroom requirements?

LOL! Actually, I think you need to brush up on the code and are taking it out of context. Go figure, eh? I'm okay with what I am doing. I'm just here looking for a vanity with receptacle.

Anyway, thanks tkrussell for helping explain the code to donf in this particular instance and what I am trying to do.

[ZoeMarie]

good luck finding a fixture... they're out there. I've seen them =)

[Missouri Bound]

Nutone sells a medicine cabinet with a light and a grounded receptacle. Not sure if you need the cabinet, but there's a place to start.

Good luck.