Switch in Shower!?
#1
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Switch in Shower!?
Is it against code to have a Light Switch in a Shower about 1 1/2 feet from the water knobs??
Seriously, someone (gen contractor) did my friends bathroom remodel. They used all the existing electric in the bathroom no new circuits and when the job was completed the light switch was located in the Shower practically next to handle for controlling water. I mean inside the shower curtain zone!!! They tiled around the thing and everything. I have not seen it yet, my wife told me about it and asked if it might cause a code issue for them when they go sell the house... I practically fell over laughing, but then I realized, hey these are my friends. I might have to do some probono work.
Geez!
Seriously, someone (gen contractor) did my friends bathroom remodel. They used all the existing electric in the bathroom no new circuits and when the job was completed the light switch was located in the Shower practically next to handle for controlling water. I mean inside the shower curtain zone!!! They tiled around the thing and everything. I have not seen it yet, my wife told me about it and asked if it might cause a code issue for them when they go sell the house... I practically fell over laughing, but then I realized, hey these are my friends. I might have to do some probono work.
Geez!
#3
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not too cool
680.13.4(c)
wall switches shall be 5 feet measured horz from the inside walls of the spa or hot tub.
So no, it is not right. even if it was a GFCI it would not be right. Can you turn it around to the other side of the wall?
wall switches shall be 5 feet measured horz from the inside walls of the spa or hot tub.
So no, it is not right. even if it was a GFCI it would not be right. Can you turn it around to the other side of the wall?
#4
Actually that is not the applicable code section. That is for pools and spas only.
You want:
ARTICLE 404 Switches
404.4 Wet Locations
A switch or circuit breaker in a wet location or outside of a building shall be enclosed in a weatherproof enclosure or cabinet that shall comply with 312.2(A). Switches shall not be installed within wet locations in tub or shower spaces unless installed as part of a listed tub or shower assembly.
Basically a switch can be immediately outside a shower enclosure and be legal. I think I can sefely say this is one section of the code we all exceed.
You want:
ARTICLE 404 Switches
404.4 Wet Locations
A switch or circuit breaker in a wet location or outside of a building shall be enclosed in a weatherproof enclosure or cabinet that shall comply with 312.2(A). Switches shall not be installed within wet locations in tub or shower spaces unless installed as part of a listed tub or shower assembly.
Basically a switch can be immediately outside a shower enclosure and be legal. I think I can sefely say this is one section of the code we all exceed.
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my mistake
my mistake. should have thought about that one better or at least read what he had better. i still dont like going that close to the shower. i like the 5 foot rule myself. makes me nervous that people can get to something while wet.
#6
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Umm, its inside the shower not more then a foot from the shower sprayer. Its merely a regular light switch no weatherproof anything and its not part of the showers UL. Just imagine you get into the shower and then u turn on the lights overhead. It is not even outside of the shower! I am amazed. I should take a picture of it when I see it.
#7
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How does that contractor dispose of the bodies?
The only time I've cut a circuit unsolicited, without permission, was a similar deathtrap. All steel shower enclosure, low basement, with big pot light in the ceiling. I'm not remarkably tall, but standing, the crown of my head just fit the pot light.
The only time I've cut a circuit unsolicited, without permission, was a similar deathtrap. All steel shower enclosure, low basement, with big pot light in the ceiling. I'm not remarkably tall, but standing, the crown of my head just fit the pot light.
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This is dangerous, and a code violation.
As for the bathroom remodel, in most cases, the a room being remodeled needs to be brought up to code. While it's possible that the bathroom was code before the project was started, it certainly isn't now.
In addition to fixing this serious code violation, the other rules for bathrooms apply and must be met.
As for the bathroom remodel, in most cases, the a room being remodeled needs to be brought up to code. While it's possible that the bathroom was code before the project was started, it certainly isn't now.
In addition to fixing this serious code violation, the other rules for bathrooms apply and must be met.
#10
Just another reason to insist that permits get pulled when you have work done. Yes, it usually winds up costing more and may not catch everything but look at what can happen when you don't......
UNK
UNK
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I agree. I am a Journeyman and I was amazed that this even transpired. What is most dreadful about it is they are my personal friends. I wish I went over there and saw that before they completed the work. Now here in the detroit area, people use non-licensed electricians quite frequently and some are perfectly respectable people, but in this case the guy did not do what he should have and apparently has been sited in a nearby city for electrical violations too. The G.C. does some real good quality work, I just wish I could have put a stop to it the electrical aspect. The G.C. happens to be from england and was a master electrician there. There was no permit pulled for this upgrade and I am wondering what could happen when they go sell the house in the future and have it inspected. Do you think they will have to move that switch or what? I cant imagine they wouldnt enforce that one seems rather dangerous for a switch that is accessable while adjusting water temps.
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Even if selling the house weren't going to be an issue (and it will be), the installation is unsafe. The switch will get wet, and the box will fill with water. It will eventually rot the wall.
This is unsafe and bad both from an electrical standpoint AND from a coinstruction standpoint.
Tell your friends to fix this immediately.
This is unsafe and bad both from an electrical standpoint AND from a coinstruction standpoint.
Tell your friends to fix this immediately.