Wet area

[abolt (Al Bolt)]

Is there a distance requirement for an electrical switch or outlet from a tub or shower?

[jjimenez (Juan C. Jimenez)]

There is no requirement other than it not be in the shower, but I have heard inspectors argue that their job is keep their safe clients as safe as possible and recommend moving the switch.

I personally don’t.

[agriffin (Andrew Griffin, CMI)]

Here is a thread I found about this situation, http://www.nachi.org/forum/f19/light-switch-near-shower-40500/index14.html

I learned 3’ from the edge of a wet area.

[rmeier2 (Robert Meier)]

There is no minimum distance required by the NEC. The closest thing that you will find for a switch and a shower or tub is in Article 404. Just outside of the tub edge is code compliant.

404.4 Damp or Wet Locations.
(C) Switches in Tub or Shower Spaces. Switches shall
not be installed **within **tubs or shower spaces unless in-
stalled as part of a listed tub or shower assembly.

[Mike_Arbusto]

404.4©: © Switches in Tub or Shower Spaces. Switches shall
not be installed within tubs or shower spaces unless installed
as part of a listed tub or shower assembly.

Subjective call, but if this switch is this side of the shower curtain, it can more or less be considered located outside the shower space.
Personally, I would not call this particular one out.

[lkage (Larry Kage, CMI)]

@abolt

Is there a distance requirement for an electrical switch or outlet from a tub or shower?

NEC 404.4 Switches shall not be installed within wet locations in tub or shower spaces unless installed as part of a listed tub or shower assembly.

As long as it’s out of the wet area.

InterNACHI®️ Forum

[Jim_Port]

m

@agriffin

Here is a thread I found about this situation, Light Switch Near Shower - Electrical Inspections - InterNACHI®️ Forum

I learned 3’ from the edge of a wet area.

You will not find that requirement in the NEC.

Sorry that you learned something wrong.

[jpope (Jeffrey Pope, CMI)]

I believe the “3 foot rule” is a Canadian thing…

[Jim_Port]

I think so too Jeff.

[agriffin (Andrew Griffin, CMI)]

Good to know. Thanks.

[Jim_Port]

Those switches shown above could move 2" left and still be compliant with code.

[ccurrins (Christopher Currins, CMI)]

This may help

[abolt (Al Bolt)]

Thanks everyone.

[Jim_Port]

A receptacle could be in the same location as the switches shown. Why do some think the switch location is such an issue?

[plesieur (Paul Lesieur, CMI)]

I just wrote one up last month for having the switch in the shower area, also had a heat supply in the same tub surround.

I told the buyer it was an old fashioned butt warmer.

[asinger (Alan Singer, #16000058241)]

I routinely write the switch location up as a “recommendation” to relocate for safety, just like i recommend adding GFCI outlets or additional smoke alarms for safety. I let the buyer know its allowed but could be safer if located elsewhere or added to a GFCI circuit.

[gmathias1 (Greg Mathias, CCHI, CMI)]

@jpope

I believe the “3 foot rule” is a Canadian thing…

Yes it is Jeff. 1 meter is required. Receptacles must be GFI protected if they are within 1 meter.

[rmeier2 (Robert Meier)]

@asinger

I routinely write the switch location up as a “recommendation” to relocate for safety, just like i recommend adding GFCI outlets or additional smoke alarms for safety. I let the buyer know its allowed but could be safer if located elsewhere or added to a GFCI circuit.

Curious as to why you recommend relocating a switch which is code compliant, what is the actual hazard?