Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: knoppdude, Location: Sacramento,ca
Asked on: Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 11:35 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:21 am EDT
Question: I have a customer who has a bathroom that has one receptacle, located in a manner that does not meet the requirements of 210.52D, using the 2005 NEC. What he wants is to add two more receptacles onto this branch circuit, one directly across from the sink, and another on the wall outside of the bathroom. At first, I was going to tell him that I have to do this a certain way to meet the requirements for the 20amp dedicated circuit in the bathroom. However, what I have decided upon, is to give him what he asked for, using GFCI receptacles in the bathroom, especially as I don't know if the existing receptacle is on its own 20 amp circuit. I will tell him that while what he asks for is legal, that he still needs a dedicated 20 amp receptacle per the NEC. As I understand the code, it does not prohibit other circuits in the bathroom, even if their branch circuits go to receptacles outside of the bathroom. Does my reasoning sound correct?
Yes, your reasoning is correct.2005 NEC 210.52D
Requires a receptacle to be located within 3 feet of the outside edge of the washbasin in bathrooms.
Your Situation
The existing receptacle does not meet this requirement.
Your Proposed Solution
Install two additional GFCI receptacles: One directly across from the sink One outside the bathroom on a different wall These additional receptacles can be on the same circuit as the existing receptacle, as long as the circuit is rated for 20 amps and protected by a GFCI.
Explanation
The additional GFCI receptacles will provide the required protection for the bathroom, even if the existing receptacle is not on a dedicated circuit. The NEC does not prohibit other circuits in the bathroom, as long as they are not used for appliances that require a dedicated circuit (e.g., hair dryers, curling irons).* By providing additional GFCI receptacles, you can address your customer's request while still ensuring the safety of the bathroom.
Note:
It is still advisable to recommend that the customer install a dedicated 20-amp circuit for the bathroom, as required by the NEC. However, this is ultimately their decision. Flag for review