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Receptacle requirement in powder room
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[#1] Posted: 04/13/2012 - 07:11:56 AM		Reply with Quote
Does a powder room (sink & toilet only) require a receptacle within 3' of basin like a typical bathroom? 15 year old house with 4 powder rooms has no receptacles in any of them. I called it out and owner / builder disagrees.
Will
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Receptacle requirement in powder room
 [#2] Posted: 04/13/2012 - 07:40:20 AM		Reply with Quote
Quote: Originally posted by inspectorwill

Does a powder room (sink & toilet only) require a receptacle within 3' of basin like a typical bathroom? 15 year old house with 4 powder rooms has no receptacles in any of them. I called it out and owner / builder disagrees.


I would say that it comes down to the definition of "bathroom". From the 2009 IRC, section 3501 Electrical Definitions:

BATHROOM. An area, including a basin, with one or more of the following: a toilet, a tub or a shower.

So I'd say you're right.
Steve Nations
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Receptacle requirement in powder room
 [#3] Posted: 04/13/2012 - 07:58:03 AM		Reply with Quote
Steve is correct in his definition of Bathroom, but the 2009 IRC wasn't applicable 15 years ago. It hadn't been written yet.

What was the code then?

I wouldn't call out stuff like that. If it had an outlet that wasn't GFCI, I'd point that out; but no outlet at all?

Which makes me wonder what possible use you would have for an outlet in a tiny room meant only to relieve yourself and wash your hands. I'd be more concerned that it had an exhaust fan.

Would you shave, blow-dry your hair, trim your mustache, run your curling iron, or just charge your phone?
Bob Kenney
www.IndependentHomeInspectionMD.com
"We are masters of the unspoken word, and slaves to those we speak." Winston Churchill
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Receptacle requirement in powder room
 [#4] Posted: 04/13/2012 - 08:27:14 AM		Reply with Quote
The NEC required a receptacle there at least as far back as the 1971 edition (210.22, ". . . in the bathroom adjacent to the basin location.")
Jim Katen, Oregon
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Receptacle requirement in powder room
 [#5] Posted: 04/13/2012 - 08:28:46 AM		Reply with Quote
Thank you.
Will
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Receptacle requirement in powder room
 [#6] Posted: 04/13/2012 - 10:37:25 AM		Reply with Quote
I have always called out the lack of an electrical in a half bath.

People expect there to be one for things like: air fresheners, night lights, hair dryers etc..

I think most clients would be disappointed to move into their new home and discover that there was no outlet.
Mark Mustola
ValueCheck Home Inspections
Linden, MI
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Receptacle requirement in powder room
 [#7] Posted: 04/13/2012 - 6:36:27 PM		Reply with Quote
Quote: Originally posted by rkenney

. . . Would you shave, blow-dry your hair, trim your mustache, run your curling iron, or just charge your phone?


Where are you going to plug in the electric seat warmer?
Jim Katen, Oregon
www.amipdx.com
   
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