Renovopedia

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative articles and news from Renovopedia about Home Improvments.

    What's Hot

    Current Obsessions: April Fools

    April 1, 2023

    7 Eco-Friendly Alternative Food Storage Ideas with designers Jihyun David

    March 31, 2023

    Prospect & Refuge: A Spectacular Coastal Home Both Wild and Cozy

    March 31, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms
    • Contact
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn
    RenovopediaRenovopedia
    Demo
    • Home
    • News
    • Trending
    • Ideas

      7 Master Bedroom Designs With Stylish Style And Functional Features

      January 27, 2023

      Why is Garage Door maintenance essential?

      January 17, 2023

      5 Ways To Improve Your Flooring

      December 22, 2022

      Ideas to revamp and reorganise your garage

      December 22, 2022

      The Benefits Of Cleaning Your Windows Regularly

      November 30, 2022
    • Videos

      Water In Electrical Panel! Easy Fix? #Short

      March 30, 2022

      Working on My House LIVE! | Framing Door Openings

      March 23, 2022

      Framing a Wall With Angles Over Stair Bulkhead

      March 22, 2022

      Framing Bedroom/Hall Closet | Adding Basement Stair Headroom

      March 17, 2022

      Fixing Hacked Floor Framing | Straightening Kitchen Floor… Kinda

      March 8, 2022
    • Interior Remodel
    • Painting
    • Kitchen
    • More
      • Skills & Specialties
      • Exterior Remodel
      • Bathroom
      • Outdoor Building
      • Green Improvements
      • Home Services
    Renovopedia
    Home » Electrical Code Requirements for Bathrooms

    Electrical Code Requirements for Bathrooms

    November 27, 2021No Comments Bathroom
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram Tumblr Reddit Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    LIke the wiring in other parts of the home, the electrical service in bathrooms must follow the code requirements set forth by your local building inspections office. Over the years, these requirements have become more exacting as the code strives to keep pace in increasing electrical demands in bathrooms. 

    Most electrical code requirements for homes are based on the NEC (National Electrical Code). The NEC is an official document assembled by a committee of electricians and building professionals, aimed by providing minimum safety standards for wiring installations. It is revised every three years (2014, 2017, 2020, etc.), and although the changes enacted in new editions are usually minor, it is a good idea to always check the latest edition of the NEC when planning a new bathroom.  

    Demo

    Remember that your local code always supersedes the NEC. While most local codes are based on the NEC, this is not always the case. Local codes may have more relaxed requirements than the NEC, or in rare instances, they may have more exacting standards.

    Some homeowners are startled to learn that their existing bathroom wiring does not meet the current code requirements. This usually is no cause for worry. The latest code provides requirements aimed at new construction or major remodeling jobs where the bathroom footprint is being expanded. Existing bathrooms in older homes will rarely meet all these requirements, and homeowners are usually allowed to do routine repairs and remodeling without bringing the entire bathroom “up to code.” For example, in an older bathroom served by a single electrical circuit, you are usually allowed to replace light fixtures or outlet receptacles without going as far as adding the additional circuits required for new construction.

    When a professional electrician performs work on your bathroom, he or she will be aware of what types of code upgrades are mandatory, and when existing wiring configurations can remain as they are. If you are doing the wiring yourself, consult your local building inspections office for advice. 

    But anytime you are doing major remodeling, you should keep an eye on what the current code requirements are for new construction. Where possible, bringing your bathroom fully up to code will make it safer, as well as making it more appealing to future buyers. 

    Number of Circuits

    Although a bathroom may seem like a small space that might effectively be served by a circuit extension off an adjoining room, the NEC now requires at least two dedicated circuits for each bathroom:

    • A 20-amp receptacle circuit for plug-in appliances. All receptacles must be AFCI and GFCI-protected, either by circuit breakers or individual receptacles that offer AFCI and GFCI protection.
    • Light fixtures and wall switches must be on a separate circuit. A 15-amp circuit is minimum, but this is often a 20-amp circuit, especially if there is a heat lamp integrated into this circuit. The vent fan may be powered by this circuit. 
    • A separate circuit is required for a whirlpool tub or any other large fixture or appliance in the bathroom. 

    While the NEC suggests that bathrooms circuits must be dedicated to the bathroom and not serve other rooms, your local jurisdiction may allow it, so check with your local building inspections on this. 

    Bathroom Lighting

    The NEC requires at least one permanently mounted light fixture in a bathroom. This can be a ceiling light, combination vent fan/light fixture unit, or a vanity area light.

    Most bathrooms, however, add at least one other light fixture, often a wall-mounted vanity light above the mirror or a pair of wall sconces on the sides of the mirror. Lighting is a prominent need in bathrooms, and it is not uncommon for there to be three different lighting sources: a ceiling fixture, vanity lighting, and a third light in the shower or integrated with a vent fan. If you add a light within the shower stall, don’t forget the required waterproof lense to protect both you and the bulb.


    George Gutenberg / Getty Images

    Exhaust Fan

    Most communities require bathrooms to have either a window that can be opened or an electric vent fan that will exhaust moisture from the bathroom to the outdoors. Some communities may require a vent fan even if there is a window in the bathroom. A vent fan certainly is a good idea, whatever the requirements are, since venting moist air is the single best way to prevent mold and mildew from growing in your bathroom.

    A bathroom vent fan must be powerful enough to adequately remove moisture from the room and displace it outdoors. Vent fans are measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). Check with your local retailer to purchase a fan unit with a CFM capacity that meets your bathroom’s square footage.

    Some local codes allow you to control the fan by itself, while others require that the fan come on with lighting. There are also combination fixtures available that integrate lighting, the vent fan, and a heat lamp or blower-heater, all in one. Depending on the amperage draw of the unit, it’s possible this fixture will require a dedicated circuit of its own. 

    Outlet Receptacles

    The minimum requirement for outlet receptacles in a bathroom is one GFCI-protected receptacle served by a 20-amp circuit. This is a bare minimum, however, and most bathrooms will have at least two receptacles, and often as many of four or five. 

    When considering bathroom receptacles, keep correct placement in mind. You should keep the receptacle at least 6 feet away from the edge of a bathtub or shower and at least 1 foot away from sinks. Avoid positioning a receptacle over the center of the sink, where cords hairdryers and electric shavers might hang down into the basin. Receptacles are best positioned a foot or so to the left or right of sink basins.

    Depending on the size and depth of your bathroom, you may want to add a general outlet near the door to plug in a vacuum cleaner. If you happen to have a makeup table incorporated in the bathroom plan, that’s a great place for an outlet.


    LOOK Photography / Getty Images

    Source: The Spruce

    Demo
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Reddit VKontakte Telegram WhatsApp

    Related Posts

    How to Repair or Restore a Solid Surface Sink

    December 7, 2022 Bathroom

    Is Cork Appropriate For a Wet Bathroom Environment?

    December 7, 2022 Bathroom

    10 DIY Home Plumbing Projects

    December 7, 2022 Bathroom

    What Are the Requirements for Electrical Wiring in a Bathroom?

    December 7, 2022 Bathroom

    What to Know About Vessel Sinks

    December 7, 2022 Bathroom

    How to Fix a Leaky Faucet (Cartridge or Compression)

    December 7, 2022 Bathroom
    Add A Comment

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Demo
    Don't Miss

    What Are the Requirements for Electrical Inspector Checkpoints?

    Skills & Specialties November 29, 2021

    Whether the electrical work for new construction or remodeling work is done by a licensed…

    Kemi Lawson’s African-Inflected English Cottage from New Book House London

    November 14, 2022

    Current Obsessions: Low-Impact Winter

    January 21, 2023

    Expanding a Patio for Entertaining 

    May 9, 2022
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Vimeo
    Latest Articles

    Current Obsessions: April Fools

    April 1, 2023

    7 Eco-Friendly Alternative Food Storage Ideas with designers Jihyun David

    March 31, 2023

    Prospect & Refuge: A Spectacular Coastal Home Both Wild and Cozy

    March 31, 2023

    Remodeling 101: 7 Color-Drenching Tips from Farrow & Ball

    March 30, 2023

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative articles and news from Renovopedia about Home Improvements.

    Demo
    Our Picks

    Current Obsessions: April Fools

    April 1, 2023

    7 Eco-Friendly Alternative Food Storage Ideas with designers Jihyun David

    March 31, 2023

    Prospect & Refuge: A Spectacular Coastal Home Both Wild and Cozy

    March 31, 2023
    About Us
    About Us

    Renovopedia is the premier source for home improvement news and articles. We provide the latest news and articles for homeowners looking to find inspiration, solutions, tips, and ideas to prepare your home for sale or turn it into your dream home.

    We're accepting new partnerships right now.

    Email Us: hello@renovopedia.com
    Contact: +1-320-0123-451

    Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn
    Popular

    Shape Shifters: New Designs from Yali Glass in Venice

    May 10, 2022

    5 Modern Front Porch Ideas to Improve Curb Appeal

    June 2, 2022

    8 Electrical Testers Used by Electricians

    November 26, 2021
    © 2023 Renovopedia. All Rights Reserved.
    • Home
    • News
    • Trending
    • Videos
    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Contact

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.