How close can I put a switch or outlet from a sink?
#1
07-29-13, 06:06 PM
How close can I put a switch or outlet from a sink?
Is there a rule about how far away a switch or outlet needs to be from a kitchen sink?
#2
07-29-13, 06:42 PM
Ask your local jurisdiction about the switch. They may have their own rule on that. Any receptacle within 6' (IIRC) must be GFCI protected. Since all of the kitchen countertop receptacles need to be GFCI protected anyway, that shouldn't be a problem.
#3
07-29-13, 06:54 PM
Group Moderator
According to the NEC, no. You can place a switch and receptacle as close to the sink as you want. There are a few other rules you may need to follow:
If it is a kitchen counter, the receptacles must be places so that no portion of the counter top is farther then 24" from a receptacle (commonly called the 2'/4' rule)
If it is a bathroom sink counter top, it can not be farther than 36" from the edge of the sink.
All kitchen counter top and bathroom receptacles are required to be GFCI protected regardless of distance of the sink.
Receptacles within 6' of a wet bar or laundry tub are required to be GFCI protected.
You may not have a receptacle facing up on a counter top.
If it is a kitchen counter, the receptacles must be places so that no portion of the counter top is farther then 24" from a receptacle (commonly called the 2'/4' rule)
If it is a bathroom sink counter top, it can not be farther than 36" from the edge of the sink.
All kitchen counter top and bathroom receptacles are required to be GFCI protected regardless of distance of the sink.
Receptacles within 6' of a wet bar or laundry tub are required to be GFCI protected.
You may not have a receptacle facing up on a counter top.
Last edited by pcboss; 07-29-13 at 07:11 PM. Reason: 36 was 24
#4
07-30-13, 11:13 AM
I don't get this 24" from a receptacle rule (the '2/4' rule). So, basically you can't have a receptacle more than 24" from any point from the counter? What about the receptacle for the dishwasher, electric over, and things that go under a counter? Surely, they would normally be more than 24" from the bottom side of the counter.
#5
07-30-13, 11:18 AM
Oh. One more question. I have a little design / electrical dilemna...
I have a sink, and I need to put a switch on the left and right of the sink approximately 7 inches away from the edge of the sink. Is this going to be ok? I mean, I do plan on putting a dish drying rack next to the sink, either on the left or right of the sink. I am afraid that the dish drying rack is going to block access to the switch.
I have a sink, and I need to put a switch on the left and right of the sink approximately 7 inches away from the edge of the sink. Is this going to be ok? I mean, I do plan on putting a dish drying rack next to the sink, either on the left or right of the sink. I am afraid that the dish drying rack is going to block access to the switch.
#6
07-30-13, 12:28 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
The spacing requirement is for countertops, not dedicated appliances.
The code is silent on the switch placement.
The code is silent on the switch placement.
#7
07-30-13, 07:42 PM
I don't get this 24" from a receptacle rule (the '2/4' rule). So, basically you can't have a receptacle more than 24" from any point from the counter?
What about the receptacle for the dishwasher, electric over, and things that go under a counter? Surely, they would normally be more than 24" from the bottom side of the counter.
I have a sink, and I need to put a switch on the left and right of the sink approximately 7 inches away from the edge of the sink. Is this going to be ok?
Originally Posted by pcboss
The code is silent on the switch placement.
I mean, I do plan on putting a dish drying rack next to the sink, either on the left or right of the sink. I am afraid that the dish drying rack is going to block access to the switch.
