ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues recepts in tub area

A homeowner wants to install a flat screen TV over a tub. There is about a one foot 'deck' area between the tub and the wall on which the TV will be installed apx. three or four feet above the tub water level. The TV needs a recept (behind the TV) for power.

This is tub only, not a shower.

Is this installation allowed?

680.71 would apply, I believe, and thus this installation is allowable as long as the TV manufacturer doesn't say the TV can't be in this area.

Sound good?

No it does not sound good, it sounds incredibly bad and I would not do it for them.

Take a look at 406.8(C)

Is it permissible to daisy-chain 3 GFCI receptacles in a row, just to make doubly/triply sure it's going to work?

Code wise you can daisy chain an infinite number of GFCIs.

You still can not put a receptacle in the tube area.

You also are not supposed to pass cords through walls.

Do we have a difinition of "tub area"? I've always understood "tub space" was the footprint of the tub or shower and up to the ceiling?
Edit to add the following comment: I see a lot of jobs where the deck around the tub is rather large and I've not had a problem with a receptacle in the tub "area" that I could quote a code section for a violation. Tough call. Always ask for GFCI protection. In the "tub or shower space" - no receptacles.

[This message has been edited by George Little (edited 11-15-2006).]

680.71 clearly allows recepts less than five feet from the inside walls of the tub with GFCI protection. So the question is (as already said) what is the definition of 'tub area'? If it's the one, two, or three walls and ceiling that surround the tub, then would it be acceptable to put a recept just around the corner of a wall and run the cord around the wall and plug it in?

What about free standing tubs? What is that tub area?

Unfortunately, I think 680.71 throws a real kink in 406.8(C).

680.71 is under the heading for hydromassage tubs.
All the general use electronic equipment I have seen has a warning to keep it away from water.
The only installation I ever saw that looked safe was where they built a closet at the end of the tub with a window into the bathroom. The T.V and receptacle were in the closet and the owner used a remote control.
Alan--

What does keeping something 'away from water' mean?

I think someone should propose similar wording from 410.4(D) for 406.8(C).

2011 here we come.