ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues switch by shower

Paul,
In my opinion the shower space is defined by the shower enclosure or shower curtain. The bathtub space is the bathtub itself and the space extended vertically above the tub. The rule in 550 prohibits receptacles from being within 30" of these spaces. The rules in 380 and 410 only prohibit installation within the space. I don't know why the rule is different for mobile homes, but it is. There have been other cases of rules being more stringent in Article 550 then in Chapters 1-4. One example that I can think of is the requirement for 4 wire branch circuits for electric dryers and stoves. This rule was in 550 3 or 4 code cycles before it was in Chapter 2.
Don(resqcapt19)

Don,

I'm getting a little lost in reference numbers now, as I'm not too familiar with the layout of the NEC and which section deals with what.

What is the basic category of rules in chapter 2 and for 550-xx that you were comparing? Are we comparing one section on general placement of receptacles vs. another on bathroom-specific rules, or something like that?

How do these placement rules differ in mobile homes?

90.3 Code Arrangement.
This Code is divided into the introduction and nine chapters, as shown in Figure 90.3. Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 apply generally; Chapters 5, 6, and 7 apply to special occupancies, special equipment, or other special conditions. These latter chapters supplement or modify the general rules. Chapters 1 through 4 apply except as amended by Chapters 5, 6, and 7 for the particular conditions.
Chapter 8 covers communications systems and is not subject to the requirements of Chapters 1 through 7 except where the requirements are specifically referenced in Chapter 8.
Chapter 9 consists of tables.
Annexes are not part of the requirements of this Code but are included for informational purposes only.

Paul, i hope this helps here....
~Steve

Thanks.

So.... Presumably rule 550 is in chapter 5? And piecing together your summary with Don's comments about mobile homes, does that mean that chapter 5 (or at least 550-xx) applies specifically to mobile homes?

(Oh boy, this is hard work. It's like when they completely changed the format of our "code" and rule B.24 suddenly became item 23-405-02, or whatever!)

yes Paul 550 is 'Mobile Homes' in Chap 5, Don has presented a few examples that are, let's say 'not the norm', as the article covering mobile homes traditionally would 'modify' as to allow for cheaper housing.