FAQ

73
Material taken from the National Electric Code
®
is reprinted with permission
from NFPA 70
®
, 2023 edition. National Electrical Code
®
, Copyright 2022,
National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. All rights reserved.
NEC
®
Text
Revision
406.9(C) Space Around Shower Stalls
and Bathtub
Change Summary
Revision made to clarify that receptacles shall not be
installed inside of the tub or shower or within a zone
measured 3 Ft. (900 mm) horizontally from any outside
edge of the bathtub or shower stall, which includes the
space outside the bathtub or shower stall below the 8 ft.
zone. For a Smart toilet, see Ex. 4 to 406.9(C).
Article 406 Receptacles, Cord Connectors and
Attachment Plugs (Caps)
406.9 Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations.
(C) Bathtub and Shower Space. Receptacles shall not
be installed inside of the tub or shower or within a zone
measured 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally from any outside edge
of the bathtub or shower stall, including the space outside
the bathtub or shower stall space below the zone.
The zone also includes the space measured vertically
from the oor to 2.5 m (8 ft) above the top of the bathtub
rim or shower stall threshold. The identied zone is all-
encompassing and shall include the space directly over the
bathtub or shower stall and the space below this zone, but
not the space separated by a oor, wall, ceiling, room door,
window, or xed barrier.
Exception No. 1: Receptacles installed in accordance with 680.73 shall
be permitted.
Exception No. 2: In bathrooms with less than the required zone, the
receptacle(s) required by 210.52(D) shall be permitted to be installed opposite
the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold on the farthest wall within the room.
Exception No. 3: Weight supporting ceiling receptacles (WSCR) shall be
permitted to be installed for listed luminaires that employ a weight supporting
attachment tting (WSAF) in damp locations complying with 410.10(D).
Exception No. 4: In a dwelling unit, a single receptacle shall be permitted
for an electronic toilet or personal hygiene device such as an electronic bidet
seat. The receptacle shall be readily accessible and not located in the space
between the toilet and the bathtub or shower.
Informational Note No. 1: See 210.8(A)(1) for GFCI requirements
in a bathroom.
Informational Note No. 2: See 210.11(C) for bathroom
branch circuits.
Informational Note No. 3: See 210.21(B)(1) for single receptacle
on an individual branch.
continued on page 74