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Bathrooms Electrical Wiring Plumbing

Electric Placement Near Shower / Code Compliance

2 years ago

Trying to figure out if this outlet placement would be code compliant, but not sure where to start. Can anyone help? The outlet used to be on the wall where the ledge between the shower and vanity came out. Thanks in advance

https://library.municode.com/il/glen_ellyn/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT4BURE_CH1BUCO

I know the outlets need to be a GFI. Glass around the shower still not in.

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Comments (12)

PRO
User
2 years ago
Not compliant. It needs to be 36” from any wet area.
Dave
2 years ago
Yep. gfi protected and 3 feet from the edge of the shower is code.
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Helen
2 years ago
Not to berate you but who designed this bathroom?

When I remodeled both my designer and my GC were extremely knowledgable about Code requirements as well as I would imagine the licensed electrician.
kudzu9
2 years ago
Yikes!
Y G
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you! Where in the glen ellyn code are you seeing this?
PRO
User
2 years ago
Y G
Original Author
2 years ago
When you say 36 inches from any wet area, does it also have to be 36 inches from a faucet on a vanity?

Also, im guessing this other outlet is also a problem, the door will open on the side of the vanity .
millworkman
2 years ago
"Also, im guessing this other outlet is also a problem, the door will open on the side of the vanity"

Yeah, that would fall under the same issues for sure.
MongoCT
2 years ago
Ask your AHJ to provide you with the section of code to which they are referencing. Essentially, which part of the code are you in violation of? They are supposed to maintain a copy in office for review and for providing copies of pages as needed. Your best bet is to ask them directly.

The link you provided to states that you are still under the 2011 version of the NEC. The NEC has been updated a few times since the 2011 version. However...

While I no longer have a copy of the 2011 NEC, if I recall correctly, the 2011 NEC stated something along the lines of "...receptacles shall not be installed within or directly over a bathtub or shower stall."

According to that, you would be fine with your installation as is. HOWEVER, your state or village may have language more restrictive than that in their local amendments to the code(s). Your AHJ can answer that question.

The latest version of the NEC, the 2020 version? It states:

"406.9(C) Bathtub and Shower Space. Receptacles shall not be installed within a zone measured 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally and 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. The identified zone is all-encompassing and shall include the space directly over the tub or shower stall.

Exception: In bathrooms with less than the required zone the receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be installed opposite the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold on the farthest wall within the room."

Because your receptacle is within 3' horizontally of the shower threshold AND within 8' of it vertically, its location would be a violation of the 2020 NEC.

Good luck getting things figured out.
Y G
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you so helpful!
modpod
2 years ago
Just intrigued why you would need outlets in both of those locations. what ever would you be doing in those locations?
Y G
Original Author
2 years ago
Well, one outlet is near the vanity so electric toothbrush when it needs to be charged , hair dryer etc.. Of course, I wouldn't have chosen this placement .

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