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Posted By: Admin Switch by Bathtub - 03/05/01 03:21 AM
<img border="0" src="https://www.electrical-contractor.net/Violations/Submissions/switch2.jpg" alt="Switch by Bathtub" width="300" height="400">


<font color="#000000" size="3">Does this break Code? .. If not
- Why Not?</font>



<font color="#000000" size="2">Submitted by Virgil Kelly, a.k.a.
sparky66wv</font>
Posted By: sparky Re: Switch by Bathtub - 03/05/01 01:02 PM
210-70 says you gotta have it, but does not specify location.
Posted By: sparky Re: Switch by Bathtub - 03/05/01 11:12 PM
Ok, whats the fix? A splashproof sw cover? A full shower door, opening at the other end?
hmmmmmmm

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Bill Addiss Re: Switch by Bathtub - 03/06/01 12:29 AM
In some parts it is common practice to put the switches outside the room. I'm not sure if that was local code though. I don't agree with that though.

Bill
Posted By: sparky Re: Switch by Bathtub - 03/06/01 12:35 PM
That would be sensible Bill.
Code wise, all i see is 410-57-c , only applies to receptacles, the "shower space" is a little more defined in 410-4-d.
Posted By: sparky66wv Re: Switch by Bathtub - 03/06/01 11:30 PM
Here's what I found...

410-4(d) states that "No parts of cord connected fixtures, hanging fixtures, lighting track, pendants or ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans shall be located within a zone measured 3 ft. horizontally and 8 ft. vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold..."

410-57(c) states that "A receptacle shall not be installed within a tub or shower space..." which I'm left to assume "space" is defined above in 410-4(d),

630-41(c) states that "Switches shall be located at least 5 ft., measured horizontally, from the inside walls of the spa or hot tub..."

550-8(f)(1) "Shower or Bathtub Space Receptacle outlets shall not be installed in or within reach (30 inches) of a shower or bathtub space."
(this is a double wide mobile home...)

But that's all I've found even remotely pertaining to this... I suppose it's a "legal" installation...

I'm going to steal a great question of Bill's and ask What about installing a sconce light in a shower or bathtub space? Is it legal and why(not)?


[This message has been edited by sparky66wv (edited 03-09-2001).]
Posted By: therain4 Re: Switch by Bathtub - 03/07/01 08:34 AM
art 380-4 forbids switches "within wet locations in tub or shower spaces" that seems to me to be a judgement call as the zone addressed in 410-4(d)is not refered to as a wet location.
Posted By: sparky66wv Re: Switch by Bathtub - 03/08/01 01:22 AM
Excellent 'rain...!
I missed that one somehow... I looked real hard too.. I guess I missed the "wet location" keyword when looking in the ol' index.

Again, it's sort-of subjective... but at least it's something to go on for safety's sake.

My "gut feeling" told me that this was wrong..(and common sense) but I had nothing to back me up until now.

Thanks!
Posted By: sparky66wv Re: Switch by Bathtub - 03/09/01 05:20 AM
Let's assume the powers that be judge this a legal installation...far enough away to be out of the undefined(?)"wet location". What happens if the homeowner installs a(portable) jet type bubbler on the tub...now does the switch become illegal as per 630-41(c)?

"Wet locations in tub or shower spaces" in 380-4 seem as well defined as "tub or shower spaces" in 410-57(c). Nothing directly relates this to "zone measured 3 ft. horizontally and 8 ft. vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold" in 410-4(d).

Just how much are we to extrapolate?

[This message has been edited by sparky66wv (edited 03-09-2001).]
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