inspectorwill Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNations Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkenney Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 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.") Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inspectorwill Posted April 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MMustola Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted April 14, 2012 Report Share Posted April 14, 2012 . . . 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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