Bathroom circuit


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Old 02-11-10, 11:06 AM
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Bathroom circuit

Can anyone give me an idea when the 20 amp dedicated bathroom circuit became a code requirement?
 
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Old 02-11-10, 11:21 AM
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Bath Room Circuit

I guess we can work backwards if no one remembers.

Was required in NEC 2005.
 
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Old 02-11-10, 11:38 AM
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Earliest book I have within reach is 2002 and it's in there, and I'm almost certain it was in '99 too. Article 210.11(C)(3) for anyone who has earlier editions handy.
 
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Old 02-11-10, 12:19 PM
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IIRC my townhouse from 87 did not have a 20 amp circuit.
 
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Old 02-11-10, 12:51 PM
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Thanks for the responses guys.

The next question is about grandfathering. I'm helping a friend reno a bathroom. We found out that everything in the bath (vanity lights, ceiling light/fan combo and a GFI convenience outlet are all on a single 15 amp circuit. I'm telling him that if he replaces any of the fixtures he has to rewire to code. He's saying it's grandfathered as long as he isn't adding anything new to the existing circuit.

We have a 6 pack on the verdict. Who's right?
 
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Old 02-11-10, 12:57 PM
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Just replacing fixtures generally does not require a rewire**. Modifications of the circuits include extending the circuit to a new location or adding new loads to it. A small movement like moving a box a few inches one way or the other would not be a big enough change. Most inspectors will also require a wiring upgrade if the sheetrock comes down, even if it was intended for some other reason like installing plumbing or tile.

P.S. PC, Glad to see you haven't been buried yet!

** Just thought of something: unless your new fixtures require 90°C wire as most old wire is 60°C rated.
 
 

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