It's against code to have a light switch within 1 meter of the shower. If the shower ends up close to the door then the light switch usually just goes on the outside of the bathroom to meet code. Could you please clarify if the Canadian Electrical Code or the National/Ontario Building Code specifies the spacing of wall receptacles in residential or commercial buildings? Additionally, are there any regulations regarding the placement of light switches inside or outside bathrooms? Thank you.
The light switches in US bathrooms are almost always in the bathroom, whereas the light switches for Canadian bathrooms are often outside of the bathroom. It's been a long personal frustration. Rule 30-322 (3) says the light switch must not be located within reach of a person in a shower or bathtub.
Appendix B for Rule 30-322 (3), page 470 in the Code, defines out of reach as 39.4in. (1m). This means that switches controlling these loads may be inside the bathroom provided they are at least 39.4in from the bathtub or shower stall.
mlarson (Michael Larson, WI Lic. # 1672-106) June 12. it looks like on 404.4(c) switches can't be located within the tub or shower space.
A three foot area around the tub or shower. So if you have a shower door enclosing the shower area, the switch needs to be 3ft from the door because the area within three feet is still considered a wet area? Common sense is another thing altogether.
If the bath is too small, or the arrangement prevents you placing the switch in a sensible location, perhaps it's time to think "outside the bath." That is, place the switch near the door, but outside the bathroom. Or, take a leaf from the outdoor lights, and put the light on a motion sensor. Where to Locate Bathroom Light Switches: Planning the layout and design for the bathroom, the location of light fixtures and switches.
30-320 (1) (2) if a fixtures is install within 1.5m of a plumbing fixture it needs to be suitable for damp locations. 30-320 (3) If the switch is located within one meter of a bath tub or shower stall it needs gfci protection. Switches cannot be installed within 500mm of a bathtub or shower stall.
I was just wondering if anyone knows the rule # for location of switches in bathrooms (distances away from the shower) I know i have found it before just cant find it again. Thanks. I am having a home built and need to find a code reference.
The builder is having the light and fan switch for the Master Bathroom placed outside of the bathroom in the Master Bedroom. I would like to have those 2 switches placed above the Master Bathroom sink close to the GFCI receptical. I.