Although Sect. 680 covers similar type installations it does not mention bathtub specifically. I feel that the same conditions should apply. Is this just an oversight? I don't remember bathtubs being covered under any other Section.

Am I having a senior moment?

680 Does not cover bathtubs nor should it in my opinion. A bathtub does not have any related electrical equipment as do the items covered in 680 therfore there is really no issue other than gfci requirements in the bathroom.

The reason I asked was because a customer wants a receptacle on the wall near the soaking tub ledge for a torchiere. The length of the cord would allow this to easily fall into the tub. However, if this were a hot tub the receptacle would need to be much further away. I feel the danger is just as great with this tub as a hot tub.

Absolutely Not!!

Joe,
How do the rules in 550 and 552 apply to houses?
Don

Don:

You know exactly what the answer is!

The purpose of my reply to the original question was to share the search I made on the NEC electronic version to give those without that resource an educational reminder.

Seems like that was appreciated by those who are interested in similar rules that are directed toward the NEC learning process.

I hope that this helps you to understand my specific intentions and some of the reasons why I take some of my valuable time everyday to share some of the other code rules with other members. I enjoy this very much!

If we were discussing the subject of bathrooms in a seminar or meeting when this was brought up the students would leave with a couple of more answers to a possible question on an examination!

Joe,
And my point is that there is no current code section that can be cited to prevent the installation in question. There are a number of rules in 550 that probably should be in Chapters 1 to 4, but they aren't. I never understood why electricity is more dangerous in mobile homes than in standard homes, but the NFPA must think that it is!!
Don

[This message has been edited by resqcapt19 (edited 09-27-2003).]

What just happened here? Joe's second post sounds like he has taken offence to Don's question. I thought Don asked a very reasonable question (one which many readers probably had). Joe, at first, gave three code references that probably don't even apply to Jim's situation. By Jim's description, the receptacle isn't "within a bathtub or shower space". The receptacle is only adjacent to the tub. McGraw-Hill's "National Code Handbook" gives a definition of this zone. It is not the same zone referenced for luminaire placement. Also, the parts of 550 and 552 that Joe mentioned might be good side notes but should have been accompanied by at least a blurb describing their limits.

Again, I want to be clear. The service Joe provided by adding his actual code text is very informative and helpful. However, by simply pasting them with no explanation is obviously going to be misleading. One sentence would have sufficed; “these code excerpts don’t directly apply but are a good ‘reminder’”.

I hope I have misunderstood the conversation here. If I haven't, then I can only assume that there have been prior verbal altercations between Joe and Don because this exchange alone definitely did not warrant any animosity.


[This message has been edited by triple (edited 09-27-2003).]

Tripple I would say there is somewhat of a history there. Joe I don't quite understand your point. Unless this is a manufactured or mobile home the only application would be 406.8 (C) and 210.8 (A) 1. From Jim's description I think this receptacle is allowed unless it is above the ledge of the tub within the tubs footprint. Next to the tub is acceptable. Safe? Maybe not. Jim constructive criticism. Rather than a vague question as you first posted ask the question you really want the answer to. You will get a better response.

Hi Guys,

Maybe this would apply?

Dave:

Thanks, that's the usual rule to get the enforcement of something that may be considered as being hazardous.

As for the other replies here, I was too quick to post information that was not in any way applicable to the original question that was asked, and for that I sincerely apologize if their were any misunderstandings by those who are already qualified persons.

Put the outlet where ever you want, because as Don said, the NEC doesn't cover the situation. Some of the 550, 551, and 552 rules belong in the first part of the Code and they are only that way because there were former Chief Electrical Inspectors from Idaho who were very strong Chairmen and set the rules straight, most of those types of Chairmen are gone though, and that's sad!!

I hope we never see an accident caused by placement of a receptacle in a place where it could become an accident waiting to happen!

I will be watching and reading and when I can will offer an opinion or rule that may apply.

Joe,
I don't fault you for pointing out the articles that apply to the same installation in other occupancies. It would have been better if you had placed a comment explaining why you had cited the other articles. The information you provided is useful to the installer in deciding if he really wants to install a receptacle in that location.
Don

ultimately, it would be better if there were formal interpetations to such inequities

unfortunatley, inquisitive rop's which basically seek to do this, are buffalo'd and roundfiled.....

On the same, but different note...
Why are switches required to be 5' away from an indoor spa, but no such requirement exists for a Hydromassage Bathtub?

Thanks for all the replies.

I would not have installed the receptacle even if it was permitted.