I wired a bathrooms lighting circuit on a GFCI protected circuit.I also have a seperate 20 amp GFCI circuit for the plugs next to the sink.

Well the inspector doesn't want all the lighting on a GFCI circuit. He wants one light in the bath wired to another circuit seperate from the GFCI circuit that all the other lights are on.

Is there anything in the code requiring us to wire bathroom lighting like this? Maybe he is thinking of a old rule from a previous code...I can't find any rule in the 2002 NEC.

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No such requirement

I like to say that the inspector is welcome to run the idea pass the owner and or GC and if his proposal is accepted some one can give him an estimate for the cost of the changes he would like.

There was a previous requirement in the Mass Code 1996 (210-70 d) that restricted all the lighting in an area from depending on a GFCI. The issue considered leaving the area in total darkness during the event of a failure of the GFCI. This requirement was deleted in 1999. The Committee recognized that nuisance tripping of these devices is less likely than previously encountered.

Years ago, there was a requirement that every bedroom have outlets fed from two different circuits, but that is gone with the wind. Every violation should have a reference to the Code. Also the inspector is not the boss, the head of the building department is the boss.

cpal...thankyou for looking up the old code reference.I remember having to wire bath lights seperate from the load side of the bath GFCI plug so the lights wouldn't go out when the GFCI tripped.This was before 20 amp circuits were required for the bath plugs.

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From the 2005 Mass Electrical code " 210.70 (D) GFCI Protection of lighting outlets in all ocupancies. The operation of a single GFCI device shall not deenergize all lighting outlets in a given area." If the job is permitted after 1/01/05 Inspector is correct. If not you are ok. Why is the lighting circuit gfci protected anyway?

I have a exhaust fan/light over a shower that needs GFCI protection according to the instructions with the unit. I also have recessed lights over the cuzi tub which I like to have GFCI protected.

So I feed the 3-gang switch box for the lights in the bathroom with the load side of a GFCI plug located near the bathroom...in the master closet for the master bathroom.I'll locate a GFCI plug outside the bathroom in the upper hallway for the main bath.This way it is nearby for the homeowner to reset.

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I usually just use the receptacle gfci circuit to feed the fan if it is over a shower.

The code only requires the receptacle to be gfi protected. The code also states that if the separate 20 amp circuit to the bathroom is dedicated you can use it for the lighting and exhaust fans also for that one bathroom. Put the lighting on the line side of the gfi receptacle. Is his requirement for a second circuit for the lighting a local ordinance or his own preferance. If it isn't a local ordinance I would protest that he was missing when you quoted the job.
Ron

I once had an inspector that made me put the lights in a workshop area ahead of the GFI. He didn't want the GFI to trip while someone might be operating a saw and injure themselves. I tried to tell him that the saw would not work if the lights were out but he would not listen.

Norstarr...The requirement is a Massasschusetts amendment to 210.70

From the previous posts, 210.70 (D) was added in the Mass 1996 code but deleted in 1999.But now back in for the 2005 Mass code.

The inspector passed the job,under 2002 code my wiring method is allowed.But I'll have to change my practice for the 2005 cycle.

Wouldn't want a Mass resident to have to find his way about in the dark

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