Light Switch Near Shower

[Jim Port]

Frank,

This is not about a 10-20 dollar switch. It is about the proper application of the relevant Code articles. Despite your opinion, the area where those wall switches are located is not a wet area using the Code definition of a wet area. I know that you have seen the views stated by both Paul A and Mike Holt, both industry recognized experts, that have stated that this is not a wet area. I am not sure why your reluctance to change your opinion.

Location, wet.
Installations underground or in concrete slabs or masonry in direct contact with the earth; in locations subject to saturation with water or other liquids, such as vehicle washing areas; and in unprotected locations exposed to weather.

Location, dry.
A location not normally subject to dampness or wetness. A location classified as dry may be temporarily subject to dampness or wetness, as in the case of a building under construction.

Please if you feel this strongly about this subject submit a proposed change for the 2011 Code cycle with documentation of the hazards.

I don't know what building code articles would address the need for a suitable wall material in a wet area, but, at least on the houses I see they only have regular drywall anywhere outside the footprint of the tub or shower. How well would that hold up if that area was a wet area?

Also the 8' clearance above the tub only applies to hanging fixtures. A recessed fixture would not need the 8' clearance.

[Nick Gromicko]

Code authors have always been a poor predictors of property loss or bodily harm. Code changes follow (only come after) property loss and bodily harm. If there are not many injuries or deaths caused by the issue, the code won't change.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

lol..why would we want to change it......i did a scientific study last night....i touched the switch 2' from my shower....over 100 times and no shock...while showering.....my scientific results are in..100% safe.

PS. I'm in Denver...lol

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by pabernathy

lol..why would we want to change it......i did a scientific study last night....i touched the switch 2' from my shower....over 100 times and no shock...while showering.....my scientific results are in..100% safe.

PS. I'm in Denver...lol

Now that's what I call empirical evidence of no hazard.

Frank,

How about you and the sparky duke it out to settle this?

[Frank P. Newman]

After reading all this, I am thinking...

How is this situation really all that different from a garbage disposal (or overhead light) switch mounted within reach of the kitchen sink? Does it have to be 3 feet away? (in the US OR in Canada). I've never seen one that far away yet. Yes, a person is not standing in the water, but very often has one hand in the water when they operate either of those switch !!

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by fnewman

After reading all this, I am thinking...

How is this situation really all that different from a garbage disposal (or overhead light) switch mounted within reach of the kitchen sink? Does it have to be 3 feet away? (in the US OR in Canada). I've never seen one that far away yet. Yes, a person is not standing in the water, but very often has one hand in the water when they operate either of those switch !!

Well if you're going to use logic.

Absolutely perfect example. Thank you.

Frank???

Nick???

[Jim Port]

Well as long as the disposal is GFI protected since it is in a wet area under the sink. Ducks and runs for cover.

Wait, that silliness was on another forum.

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

Originally Posted by pabernathy

lol..why would we want to change it......i did a scientific study last night....i touched the switch 2' from my shower....over 100 times and no shock...while showering.....my scientific results are in..100% safe.

PS. I'm in Denver...lol

Now Paul, you have left us all with a picture that is emblazoned in our minds and may never be erased. The last time that happened was the picture of you in the pink "Electrical Guru" thong. OMG.

Are you going to include any of that shower action in the upcoming NACHI TV video? In High Def?

[Paul W. Abernathy]

lol...Lord lets hope not. We are trying fix blindness...not cause it.

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

Originally Posted by pabernathy

lol...Lord lets hope not. We are trying fix blindness...not cause it.

For some reason, I get this feeling that Jib Jab is going to come up with a version of your "shower dance".

[Joe Farsetta]

No.

Absolutely the single most horrifying photo to ever disgrace this message board was a former electrical contributor and self-appointed authority on all things electrical, wearing an electric blue sequened evening dress, complete with high heels, nylon stockings, wig, false eyelashes, lipstic, and make-up.

I still have nightmares...

Who remembers what I speak of? How long have you all been InterNACHI members?

[gbeaumont]

Originally Posted by jfarsetta

I still have nightmares...

Who remembers what I speak of? How long have you all been InterNACHI members?

Way too long Joe, I still don't sleep properly

Regards

Gerry

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Thanks for dredging up that nightmare. . . All those therapy $$$$ just went out the door.

[Nick Gromicko]

If it was my shower stall and I had kids, I'd install a GFCI on the switch circuit before I installed a Water-Pik. Call me nuts.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by jpope

Thanks for dredging up that nightmare. . .

OMG!

I was thinkin'...maybe, he'd try that in Iraq.