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weilu66 · Sep 9, 2010, 11:09 AM

What's the building code says about the distance between electrical outlet and lavatory?

smoothy · Sep 9, 2010, 11:14 AM

Mine is about 4 inches away, but it's a small bathroom and its GFI protected, and it is an older house

stanfortyman · Sep 9, 2010, 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by weilu66

what's the building code says about the distance between electrical outlet and lavatory?

It doesn't say anything. Really.
Did you have a specific question?

weilu66 · Sep 9, 2010, 11:45 AM

I have a double-sink vanity in my bathroom. There is a GFCI on the left side wall which is within 3 feet of the left sink, but about 5.5 feet of the right sink. The town's building dept inspector claims this is in violation of NEC code which says there should be an outlet within 3 feet of EACH sink. I think this inspector is very good, but I only found online that there is requirement of min 6 feet between a GFCI and a sink. So any one can explain it would be great. Also, the bathroom was done back in 1993 (the contractor didn't close the permit). So I think this inspector will give me a break if this 3 feet rule came out after 1993. Anyone can help? Really appreciate it.

tkrussell · Sep 9, 2010, 01:41 PM

See Page 70.54 of the 2008 edition of the NEC,

Section 210.52(D) Bathrooms. In dwelling units, at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in bathrooms within 900 mm (3 ft) of the outside edge of each basin. The receptacle outlet shall be located on a wall or partition that is adjacent to the basin or basin countertop, or installed on the side or face of the basin cabinet not more than 300 mm (12 in.) below the countertop.

Leaving the permit open apparently left your building open to current codes.

Not a saver here, so not sure what the '93. Code stated.

Stan? I bet you got one.

Lol

Sorry Weil, but sounds like this is a slap on the wrist for a technicality .

Be glad he doesn't want AFCI breakers everywhere.

My advice is don't argue with him on this.

It really is for your own safety. Remember, inspectors are people too.

weilu66 · Sep 9, 2010, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by tkrussell

See Page 70.54 of the 2008 edition of the NEC,

Section 210.52(D) Bathrooms. In dwelling units, at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in bathrooms within 900 mm (3 ft) of the outside edge of each basin. The receptacle outlet shall be located on a wall or partition that is adjacent to the basin or basin countertop, or installed on the side or face of the basin cabinet not more than 300 mm (12 in.) below the countertop.

Leaving the permit open apparently left your building open to current codes.

Not a saver here, so not sure what the '93. code stated.

Stan? I bet you got one.

Lol

Sorry Weil, but sounds like this is a slap on the wrist for a technicality .

Be glad he doesn't want AFCI breakers everywhere.

My advice is don't argue with him on this.

It really is for your own safety. Remember, inspectors are people too.

tkrussell, thanks very much for the clarification. I am selling my house, and one electrician I brought in said it would be at least 4-5 hours of work and some damage to the property to add another outlet (and that would be under the cabinet as the Inspector advised -- as a way to give me a break). However, since the project was done in 1993, the Inspector agrees that I can get away if this 3'-for-each-basin rule was added after 1993. The Inspector says he will need to do some research on this. So do you happen to know if this rule was added after 1993? Thanks.