ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Violation Photo Forum Shower Panel - Blast from the Past!

I've been looking through the massive amount of Photos that have been submitted over the years and thought it might be fun to bring some back for review. This one was submitted by Rick Miell back in June 2002. I have the original email, but couldn't find the Thread with comments. So, here it is again:

Hmmm. . . It’s not in a clothes’ closet, it’s not a switch, it’s not a receptacle . . . What’s the problem?
Joking aside, where’s the violation? It’s hard to believe, but it appears the NEC has completely overlooked this situation. 408.16 (panelboards) refers us to 312.2 (boxes), which only addresses surface-mounted enclosures. 404.4 (switches) calls for a weatherproof cover, and even allows for “listed shower assemblies.” 550.13 and 552.41 ban receptacles, but this isn’t one of those.
Breakers having “switch ratings” doesn’t make them switches (is a specific breaker actually in use as a switch?) and we locate plenty of disconnects in wet locations.
With the panel being flush mounted, that might actually place it outside the shower enclosure - strictly speaking. After all, we define clearances using the face of cabinet doors, not the enclosed components (Canada is different on this point).
Ironically, the NEC might actually allow a meter / service drop in a shower, but not a light switch.

I am sure this is a DIY ‘home improvement.’ I suspect the window is not of the required safety glass. Wood in a shower is also a bad idea.

On the ‘plus” side, this is one panel that won’t have a ton of flammable junk stored in front of it.

Assuming you could get past the 312.2 wet location requirements with a water tight cover you still bump into 240.24(E)


I doubt saying it is in the wall, not the bathroom would fly.

Great catch!
Even with you providing the citation, I had some trouble finding the text. “Over current devices.” Here I was, looking up things like “panelboards” and “bathtubs!”

I note the 2023 code has modified this section, adding “showering facilities or locker rooms with showering facilities” to the banned locations, Just to remove any doubt, I suppose. This matters, as the Article 100 definition of ‘bathroom’ requires the presence of a sink in the room.

I think that didn't make it into the code until about 96 or 99. I remember it in a code change class with Jim Pauley.