ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Switch in tub area

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410.4(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas. No parts of cord-connected luminaires (fixtures), HANGING LUMINAIRES (fixtures), lighting track, pendants, or ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans shall be located within a zone measured 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally and 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. This zone is all encompassing and includes the zone directly over the tub or shower stall.
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I interpet "hanging luminaires" to include sconces. it just hangs from the wall, not the ceiling. IMHO, nothing should be in "the zone". this topic has been beaten to death in the past, so I'll just leave it at that.

Several jurisdictions in the Chicago area are beginning to require GFCI protection for any switches within a specific distance of the basin. I think that's it's a good idea; you can get a shock off of a switch just as well as a receptacle.

I have heard of clap switches for handicaped individuals would that work if located remote from the tub? Never seen one.

Depending on the switched load, perhaps this is a good alternate application for one of those wireless 3-ways. If the main switch is in an approved location, would the 3 volt RF unit even be covered?
Joe

goodwill,
While you may interpret it that way, the code making panel has statements in the ROP and ROCs that say other wise. I don't have time to dig them up, but they have specifically stated that a wall fixture is permitted in the zone.

resqcapt19,
I opened the NEC handbook, and I see what you're saying. I don't agree with their reasoning, but I see that it is the code.
thanks for pointing that out.

GTE you may want to check with local AHJ. When I work in Las Vegas in the mid 80's they had their own additional code book and one of their requirements was no switches or receptacles within 5 feet of a tub or shower which usally putting the receptacle for a double bowl sink in the middle of a mirror.
I have been working in the Charlotte, NC area the past 13 years and I have seen the put the switches and receptacles right next to the tub or shower and the inspectors don't seem to have a problem with it.