electrical wires running behind shower wall

13 years ago

We are renovating our bathroom,and in the process replacing the tub with a tiled shower with a lead pan at the bottom. I've noticed that there are a ton of electrical wires running through the bathroom which connect the electricity from the main box to the master BR and other parts of the apartment. They are all in metal-color corrugated tubes, which one of the contractors assured me are waterproof. Now they are going to put them behind the drywall that they are framing to make one of the shower walls. Then something else that is supposed to be waterproof goes on those framed walls (waterboard or wetboard, or something with a name like that?), and then the tile goes on top.

I've been assured by the contractors that this is safe because the tubes holding the wires are waterproof, and the wetboard (or whatever it is called) is waterproof, and the tile installation is waterproof, but I'm nervous about the idea of there being a ton of live electrical wires right next to all that water (what if one of these "waterproof" barriers springs a leak?). I've started to have nightmares of me or my husband getting electrocuted in the shower...

Can anyone tell me if I am worrying needlessly? Are my contractors correct in what they are telling me? Even if they are accurate in what they are telling me, is it reasonable to trust that they are doing all the steps correctly? And if the contractors are wrong, what can I have them do to ensure that this installation is completely safe?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Featured Answer

Billl

13 years ago

To get electrocuted, you need a continuous path for electricity to travel. Even if a bit of moisture manages to make it through those layers, there isn't going to be a continuous stream of water between the wire and anyone in the shower.

This is kinda like saying you are afraid to pour yourself a glass of water because there is a light switch near the sink.

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Comments (8)

salmon_slayer
13 years ago
your fine
Stacey Collins
13 years ago
We have an electrical wire running to a light switch on the other side if the wall in our shower's plumbing wall. I think it's pretty normal... I have never heard anything about a code prohibiting it, and if it were honestly a problem I suspect there'd be a code against it.
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I agree that the wall should be framed out. This type of construction doesn't lend itself well to electrical installations. Even if you do cut and cover a trench with conduit, a 1 1/2 inch deep box is only large enough for 1 set of wires and would prevent feeding another box downstream. Holes deep enough for large enough boxes will require removal of significant chunks of brick. Framing out 1 1/2 inches would allow using 1 1/2 inch deep 4 square boxes with mud rings to give you more room for circuits and devices. If at all possible the refrigerator should be on it's own circuit, as should a dishwasher, disposer, and microwave more than 700-800 watts. If you can stand to loose 2" per wall in width on the outside walls believe me, framing out is the way to go. If you don't want the "look" of drywall use thinner drywall and have it skim coated with plaster.
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igloochic
13 years ago
Do not punch through the wall.....grab a fist full of wires, pull them from their coatings and bite hard down on them while showering.

If the above is not a family habit....you are worrying needlessly.
cwyn
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for the responses - I feel really reassured by this. Thanks again!
HU-399277532
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I have a question. We installed a new tub/shower. I added a small 20 amp 240 volt baseboard heater. I had to fish the romex under the tub surround up the wall to get to the panel. The romex is loose due to no access to studs. Wire is loose and lays on concrete. Is this safe? There are no splices, a direct run from baseboard to the panel.
A S
last year
I haven’t met a contractor yet who doesn’t do things they know they shouldn’t. There’s no need to be rude, and respond the way several people did. Never trust a contractor- always verify- you could call your local building department and verify with them. What are the people’s qualifications on here that responded? A moisture resistant board such as durock isn’t waterproof, it’s water resistant, and works in combination with other components to prevent moisture from penetrating walls. All of the components rely on proper installation by the professionals which you can never rely on. They all think they can skip steps and do it “their way” and they always have a “it’s fine” response ready and waiting when you point out they aren’t following code, manufacturers instructions or industry standards. Never trust a contractor.
DOMINIQUE
10 months ago
Yes or no should I remove electrical wiring that is next to plumbing in shower cubical

electrical wires running behind shower wall

Billl

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salmon_slayer

Stacey Collins

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electrical wires running behind shower wall

Billl

Comments (8)

salmon_slayer

Stacey Collins

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igloochic

cwynOriginal Author

HU-399277532

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cwyn
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