bathroom switch outside of bathroom

[John Dirks Jr]

In a new home inspection the other day, the lighting and fan switches were on the outside of the bathroom wall. This was not a big bathroom. There was a shower about 4 or 5' directly across from the door.

I suspect the switch was on the outside of the bathroom due to the shower being so close to the door. Is there a specific distance the switches are supposed to be away from the shower or tub?

[palmettoinspect]

I think the NEC covers this in section 404.4. Says something about switch cannot be anywhere the switch can get wet or saturated and that switches are not permitted in the shower unless a part of the shower controls. So it was probably just the electricians or builder choice on where to put the box. In short in can be near the shower, but not in the shower where the switch can get wet.

[Jim Port]

As long as they are not in or over the footprint of the shower or tub they are fine NEC-wise. This is a design issue.

[John Kogel]

That is a common arrangement in Canada. We have a minimum distance of one meter (39") from the inside edge of the tub or shower. Small bathroom, the switches are out in the hall. We're used to it.

This fan switch didn't need to be installed here, and it's a few inches too close by the CEC.

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