Charlie R Posted November 4, 2013 Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 I see this so rarely that I forget - I know lights, fans, etc have to be at least 3 feet from the open shower edge but does the same apply to the light switch? I think it's wrong to have an interior grade switch that close to an open shower aera, but I can't remember if there is a specfic mention of switches in the NEC or not. Any quick help would be appreciated, but I can always go with "Verify with a licensed electrican that the placement of the light switch in the bathroom is acceptable." Click to Enlarge 31.71 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted November 4, 2013 Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 I'm not aware of any prohibition against it. In fact, if you look at Exhibit 210.9 of the 08' NEC, you'll see exactly what your photo shows, with not even GFCI protection provided to the 'tub' light switch. I'd not refer to a sparky. I'd just say it's a shock hazard. Most people have good sense and won't question it. Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie R Posted November 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 Thanks Marc. I see this about once every 4 years or so and it just makes my inspector senses tingle every time but I can't (or won't) commit it to my memory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles46 Posted November 4, 2013 Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 The IRC or NEC will tell you where you can and can't put a receptacle in the bathroom, or with regards to a pool, spa, hot tub etc. They will even tell you what you can do with luminaires in those circumstances. The switches to control them? Not a word. The closest you get with the code is "A flush mounted switch in a damp or wet location shall be equipped with a weatherproof cover. Switches shall not be installed within wet locations in tub or shower spaces unless installed as part of a listed tub or shower assembly." With the shower door, you are outside the tub space so no code help on this. What a shockingly bad location for an electrical switch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kogel Posted November 5, 2013 Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 It is not allowed in Canada, because Canadians conduct electricity. I don't know why Americans don't. [:0] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted November 5, 2013 Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 It is not allowed in Canada, because Canadians conduct electricity. I don't know why Americans don't. [:0] Better dielectric properties in their skin. I get shocked though - I'm 3/4s French-Canadian descendant. Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Port Posted November 6, 2013 Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 As long as the switch is outside the footprint of the tub or shower there is no NEC issue. I don't see why some get so worked up about this. I have used a switch with wet hands plenty of times and never seen or heard anyone having an issue. The plastic is not conductive. Also not all lights and fans are prohibited above the shower. Only hanging or cord connected types. Surface and flush mounted are fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted November 6, 2013 Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 As long as the switch is outside the footprint of the tub or shower there is no NEC issue. I don't see why some get so worked up about this. I have used a switch with wet hands plenty of times and never seen or heard anyone having an issue. The plastic is not conductive. Also not all lights and fans are prohibited above the shower. Only hanging or cord connected types. Surface and flush mounted are fine. I was once shocked mildly by the garbage disposer switch next to the sink. Stainless sink and galvanized steel fresh water supply lines. It wasn't a bad shock but still enough to take the smile of your face and to remember it. Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kogel Posted November 6, 2013 Report Share Posted November 6, 2013 As long as the switch is outside the footprint of the tub or shower there is no NEC issue. I don't see why some get so worked up about this. I have used a switch with wet hands plenty of times and never seen or heard anyone having an issue. The plastic is not conductive. Also not all lights and fans are prohibited above the shower. Only hanging or cord connected types. Surface and flush mounted are fine. Jim as you know, the light fixture needs to be rated for a damp location, not just any surface mount fixture. The CEC sees the light switch as a potential shock hazard, and has had this rule on the books since the 50's. I think they were not concerned with people with wet hands. It was people with wet hands while standing in a tub of water, in those days a metal tub with metal plumbing pipes. So it is the rule here still and we are used to it. Small bathroom, the switches are out in the hall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AbsoluteInspector Posted January 8, 2014 Report Share Posted January 8, 2014 Pretty sure 36' applies to switches and outlets, I would definitely mention it as a shock hazard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 Pretty sure 36' applies to switches and outlets, I would definitely mention it as a shock hazard What's your reference source? There's no such rule in the NEC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Port Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 Pretty sure 36' applies to switches and outlets, I would definitely mention it as a shock hazard What's your reference source? There's no such rule in the NEC. I agree with Jim K. I would also like to hear why you think this is such a shock hazard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtblum Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 Pretty sure 36' applies to switches and outlets, I would definitely mention it as a shock hazard I know that's a typo but, I would've loved to seen the look on my face when I read that. 36 feet is a real shocker! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 wouldn't been so funny if you were in the shower with 17 other people
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