Unless there is a local amendment the switch does not need to be 39″ away from the shower or tub. As long as it is not over the footprint you can satisfy the NEC.
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Are light switches allowed in bathrooms?
For light switches, plate switches can be used on the inside of the bathroom, but these must be suitable for use in the bathroom, given the high levels of humidity and condensation. And they also must be at least 0.6m away from the bath or shower. A pull cord can be used instead, in any location in the bathroom.
Why are light switches outside the bathroom in Massachusetts?
If your hands are damp when you come in contact with a live wire, you’re at a higher risk of serious injury. So, if something goes wrong with the wiring, you could receive a sizeable shock. For this reason, building codes have strict requirements for outlets and switches placed anywhere near water.
What is the code for light switches?
This states that all light switches must be placed between 15 and 48 inches from the floor to ensure that wheelchair users can reach them. With this in mind, builders tend to work to a standard height by placing the switch plate’s bottom 48 inches above the floor.
How far does a light switch need to be from a shower?
Switches shall not be installed within wet locations in tub or shower spaces unless installed as part of a listed tub or shower assembly. {NOTE: According to both the NEC and the IRC a damp/wet location is in the area within 36 inches of either edge of a tub sink or basin and/or an area that is subject to “spray”.
Why switches are not allowed to install in bathroom?
Bathrooms are considered to be a special location for electrical installations because they have an increased risk of electric shock for the users, due to being so close to water.
How close can a light switch be to a bathroom sink?
Every bathroom needs at least one electrical outlet. It must be within 3 feet of the sink edge. Across from the sink on an opposite wall is not acceptable, either behind or beside the sink. There must be an electrical receptacle within 3 feet of the two sinks in the bathroom.
Why do some bathrooms have the light switch?
There’s a good answer: It’s to protect you. Electricity and water don’t mix. If a light switch is functional, it’s connected to a live wire. In new buildings with professional electrical installation, there’s a pretty low chance a light switch would shock you.
Can a light switch be outside of the room?
The NEC says that “at least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room and bathroom.” A switched receptacle is permitted as an alternative. I think it should be okay to put the switch outside the room as long as it is still near the door.
What does the switch in the bathroom do?
How Does a Bathroom Exhaust Fan Work?When you turn on the wall switch, it operates the fan and may turn on a timer to shut off the fan after a certain amount of time. The bathroom exhaust fan then moves the interior air out of the bathroom through a vent duct or flexible tube to the exterior.
Are light switches required?
At least one wall-switch-controlled lighting outlet must be installed in every habitable room (and bathroom) of a dwelling [210.70(A)(1)]. This provision requires at least one lighting outlet in every habitable room and at least one wall switch to control it.Sometimes the wall switch is located just outside the room.
What is the min/max distance for switches and outlets near a bathtub?
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.
How high do outlets have to be off the floor?
Standard Height for Outlet Boxes
The standard height for wall outlet boxes is about 12 inches from the top of the floor covering to the bottom of the receptacle box (or 16 inches to the top of the box).
Can I put a light switch in a shower?
NEC Requirements
The NEC requires that switches not be installed within the confines of shower and tub areas, unless as part of a shower assembly. In other words, unless the switch is already built in to your shower assembly from the manufacturer, adding a switch inside a shower is a code violation.
Where should a shower light be placed?
It should be placed 75 to 80 inches above the floor and, like all vanity lighting, contain at least 150 watts — ideally spread over a fixture that’s at least 24 inches long so that the light will wash evenly over the hair and face.
How close can an electrical switch be to a water source?
According to the National Electric Code, any receptacle within 6 feet of a water source needs to be protected with a GFCI.
Can you put a shower switch in a bathroom?
Switches are now allowed in bathrooms as long as outside all zones (zones 0,1,2). Zones extend to 0.6mtrs from edge of bath/shower. If working to these regs, it has to be noted that RCD protection would also be required.sometimes bathrooms can be a bit tight for space and leave no suitable space to fit the isolator.
Can you have an electrical panel in a bathroom?
An electrical panel containing the service disconnecting means cannot be located in a bathroom [230.70(A)(2)]. In dwelling units and guest rooms or suites of hotels and motels, overcurrent devices cannot be located in bathrooms [240.24(E)].
Do you have to have a pull cord switch for an electric shower?
Answer: Yes, it must be on an RCD protected circuit. The shower should have a double-pole isolation switch – either a 50A ceiling mounted pull cord switch within the bathroom, but outside the zones, or a 45A wall-mounted switch outside the room. The main reason for this requirement is for maintenance purposes.
Can a light switch be next to a sink?
Any receptacle within 6′ (IIRC) must be GFCI protected. Since all of the kitchen countertop receptacles need to be GFCI protected anyway, that shouldn’t be a problem. If it is a bathroom sink counter top, it can not be farther than 36″ from the edge of the sink.
Do light switches in bathroom need to be GFCI protected?
Although ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection is required for outlets in bathrooms and other damp locations, the National Electrical Code does not require it for bathroom light fixtures or their wall switches.
