Related Articles. The National Electrical Code doesn’t have any specific requirement regarding the height of a receptacle above a vanity. The only thing the NEC requires is that there must be one outlet within 36 inches of the outside edge of the sink, and it must be in the wall adjacent to the basin or countertop.
How close can I have an outlet to a sink?
Every bathroom must have at least one electrical outlet. It must be a GFCI, and it must be within 3 feet of the edge of the sink. Either behind or beside the sink is acceptable — across from the sink on an opposite wall is not. If the bathroom has two sinks, each must have an electrical receptacle within 3 feet.
How close to a bathroom sink can an outlet be?
Outlet Receptacles
When considering bathroom receptacles, keep correct placement in mind. You should keep the receptacle at least 6 feet away from the edge of a bathtub or shower and at least 1 foot away from sinks.
How far does a GFCI outlet need to be from a sink?
6 ft.
Generally, all 15 or 20-amp, single phase, 125-volt receptacles “within 6 ft.” of a sink, tub or shower must be GFCI protected. For a sink, the measurement starts “from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink”. For a bathtub or shower, the measurement starts at “the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall”.
How far does an outlet have to be away from a water source?
6 feet
According to the National Electric Code, any receptacle within 6 feet of a water source needs to be protected with a GFCI.
How high should an outlet be above a vanity?
Good practice is to keep them at least 4 inches above a counter top or backsplash and not directly over a sink or under a window. You can install them where ever they look good to you, but try to keep them as far left or right of the faucet as practicable. Of course, all bathroom outlets must be GFCI protected.
What is code for bathroom outlets?
The NEC requires that all outlet receptacles in a bathroom be GFCI protected. Outlet circuit must be 20 amps: The outlets in a bathroom should be served by a 20-amp circuit, separate from the lighting circuit, to provide power items such as curling irons, razors, and hairdryers.
How high should outlets be above countertop?
20 inches
Receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 24 inches measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space. Receptacle outlets serving the countertop shall be located above the counter top, but not more than 20 inches above the countertop.
What is code for electrical outlets in kitchen?
In kitchens, electrical outlets should be placed no farther than 48 inches apart, so that no point on the countertop is more than 24 inches away from a receptacle. Any countertop 12 inches wide or more should have an outlet on the wall behind the countertop.
Can plumbing and electrical be in the same wall cavity?
According to the code, you can run plumbing and electrical wires through the same hole, but you need to make sure the wire is well insulated and there is no risk of ruptures. Experts, on the other hand, don’t recommend you do this.
Can you put an outlet under a bathroom sink?
There must be an outlet placed within 36 inches of the edge of the sink. No installation of outlets in a face-up position on the countertop.
Can you have an outlet in a vanity?
So the best –and most common– place to install your vanity drawer outlet is the center drawer, which is deep enough to fit and organize those devices that most people are looking to plug in, like hair dryers and curling irons.
Can you put an outlet in a bathroom vanity?
Sure. You can recess retrofit, or “old-work” style boxes right into the side or front of the vanity. Just make sure it’s powered from the one existing GFCI-protected receptacle (which should be an actual GFCI receptacle or it could also be a normal receptacle powered from a GFCI breaker in the panel).
How high should an outlet be in a bathroom?
A typical bathroom counter is 32 to 36 inches above the floor. A bathroom counter usually has a 4-inch backsplash, where the counter surface turns up the wall. Backsplashes prevent water from running behind a countertop. An electrical outlet receptacle is usually placed 2 to 3 inches above the top of the backsplash.
Where should I install bathroom outlets?
Bathroom
For safety, all bathroom outlets must be ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). Consider placing bathroom outlets: Near each sink (cords should never have to cross over a sink) Inside medicine cabinets (electric toothbrushes charge off the counter)
Do bathroom outlets need to be GFCI?
GFCI protection is required for 125-volt to 250-volt receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to the ground. GFCI receptacles are required in bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms and areas where a water source is present.
Where is bathroom GFCI located?
Electricians will frequently wire outlets in locations that require GFCI circuitry through one single GFCI that they will place in a bathroom, powder room, garage or near the panel box.
