ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Floor Receptacle in Bathroom

Here's a good one (AKA another dumb idea from a designer). For the life of me I can't find anything to make this illegal; although (IMO) it definitely falls in the dumb catagory.

We have a bathroom that is approx 12 x 12. One of the walls is made of the glass blocks that are translucent but not opaque. Our designer want a floor recep in the center of the wall approx 6" from the wall. He has some kind of lamp/light display eqpt that is designed to sit on top of a plug and hide all wires. I tried convincing him to let us put it on the block about 3" off the floor (wiremold and constr advesive) but he insists it be in the floor. It will be 8 feet or so from the tub, sink, toilet and all water sources but I still don't like the idea; somebody will drip into it. The light has no type of seal at the base. Any suggestions?

It's your house. If you don't want it don't let them put it in. Tell the designer you want something from the ceiling instead of the floor.

Problem is it's not my house, we were hired to do the electrical on this remodel. This fixture came up a bit later. The GC owes us $$ so we don't want to get the designer too upset. We're trying our best not to "just say no". If we can't convince him or find a legality we'll probably end up doing it.

Steve:
IMHO, put an appropriate, NEC compliant floor box/receptacle unit in (type of finish floor should be considered). I would install a single recept, and put it on a GFI breaker.

A nice brass cover, flip lid; or a nice plastic unit w/flip lid should make the decorator happy.

BTW, you may want to make the recept switch controled.

John

I would say "Involve the Inspector" on this. And ask for his advise.... Call it a grey area.... It could be considered a "wet" environment.

Also take a shot at 406.8(A) + (B)

Other than that I would shoot for the "I'm not saying NO - but looking for a safe and suitable option" response with the GC. Technically I would look into hard-wire and fixing it to the floor - and on a GFI. Stone and certain type of tile can be conductive.

But AHJ just has to wave the hand, to say "Hey - I'm not buying that one - think again" get him on your side.... It is thier interpetaion right.... Did I say that?

Could you talk him into building a small platform out of 4" high glass block to get it up off the floor. Flatter him and tell him you would be putting his creation up on a pedestal. Maybe suggest he leak a little light out the bottom of his lamp to light up the pedestal block.

e57 you have a good point on the "or other electrical parts". I'll call the AHJ and try that. Seems like my best chance of getting rejected. (Dern, I usually try NOT to get rejected)