Receptacle above tub (again, no doubt)

[Jerry Simon]

Amazing how often we (I) read stuff and it doesn't sink in unless it's our own question being answered. Reason I say that...

Pretty sure this has been asked before...is this receptacle okay, same being located (partially) above the bathtub. Yes, it's a GFCI.

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If not, code reference? Thanks so very much. Promise I'll remember answer.

[Jim Katen]

Originally posted by Jerry Simon

Amazing how often we (I) read stuff and it doesn't sink in unless it's our own question being answered. Reason I say that...

Pretty sure this has been asked before...is this receptacle okay, same being located (partially) above the bathtub. Yes, it's a GFCI.

If not, code reference? Thanks so very much. Promise I'll remember answer.

If it makes you feel better, I had to look it up. The prohibitions against obvious/stupid stuff are the hardest ones to remember.

406.8©Bathtub and Shower Space. Receptacles shall not be installed within or directly over a bathtub or shower stall.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[Jerry Simon]

I do feel better. Typing the report now, so mercy-bow-coupe d'ville for the timely response.

[msteger]

I wonder what the person who installed that receptacle there was thinking... apparently nothing. That's the problem.

Along the same lines, I often find light switches within the shower/bathtub compartment as well. I believe the rules for light switches varies from the receptacle rule, but I still recommend relocating switches in this situation.

[Chad Fabry]

I know I posted this a few years back but it's still the best I've seen.

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[Jim Katen]

Originally posted by msteger

I wonder what the person who installed that receptacle there was thinking... apparently nothing. That's the problem.

Along the same lines, I often find light switches within the shower/bathtub compartment as well. I believe the rules for light switches varies from the receptacle rule, but I still recommend relocating switches in this situation.

Yes, the rule for switches is different.

404.4 Damp or Wet Locations. Blah, blah, blah . . . Switches shall not be installed within wet locations in tub or shower spaces unless installed as part of a listed tub or shower assembly.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[msteger]

From that verbiage, Jim, I would say that the rules for receptacles and switches (for lights or fans) are actually fairly similar. Neither should be installed within a shower/bathtub compartment. By the switches "installed as part of a listed tub or shower assembly", is that referring to a switch for a jetted tub, for example?

[Jim Katen]

Originally posted by msteger

From that verbiage, Jim, I would say that the rules for receptacles and switches (for lights or fans) are actually fairly similar. Neither should be installed within a shower/bathtub compartment.

Not quite. That's an oversimplification.

Receptacles can't be installed within or directly above a tub or shower stall. This is the more restrictive of the two rules.

Switches can't be within *wet locations* of tub or shower spaces.

Wet locations are defined in Article 100. It includes ". . . areas subject to saturation with water or other liquids, such as vehicle washing areas . . ."

I'd say you aren't allowed to put a switch on a shower wall, but you are allowed to put one on the wall above a bathtub that has no shower.

By the switches "installed as part of a listed tub or shower assembly", is that referring to a switch for a jetted tub, for example?

I don't know what they're referring to there. The switches for jetted tubs are usually air switches; they aren't electrical. I've never seen a switch that's part of a listed tub or shower assembly.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[kurt]

Almost all of the earlier bubble tubs I've seen used a wall switch/timer mechanism. I still see them on houses from the 80's. Maybe that's what they're talking about.