Comments On My Electrical 'cheat Sheet'

Mike Finley

I'm in the process of putting together a sort of company 'cheat sheet' or quick reference of sorts for electrical issues regarding bathrooms and need some professional eyeballs to look it over. First off here is a sample of a rough draft of it. What is your opinion of the accuracy of it and the interpretation of the code? Also I was always under the impression that for jetted tubs the pump and the heater required separate 20 amp GFCI circuits. Is this false? Is it not based on code, but on manuacturers recommendations based on the power requirements of each?

I was also under the impressin that an exhaust fan located directly over a shower or tub had to be GFCI protected, but I cannot find any reference of this in the IRC.

mdshunk

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Magnettica

Hi Mike. I was checking out your website. You do some nice work!

I don't see anything requiring an individual branch circuit for Hydromassage Bathtubs (indoor bathroom jacuzzis). However, 680.71 does require the circuit to be GFCI protected. I admit it's been awhile since I've opened up and read the manufacturers specifications for one, but if the manufacturer does require an individual branch circuit, then 110.3 (B) requires we install one. As a design issue, I ALWAYS run a dedicated 20AMP line, though.

As for the bathfan in the shower/ bath area, most fans are UL Listed and rated as "suitable for use" inside shower area (or some such wording like that). They do not need to be GFCI protected, nor does recessed lighting in the same area.

thom

A couple of things. You use "outlet" and "receptacle" interchangeably. They are not the same thing.


The Whirlpool tub does require it's own circuit. Nothing else on that circuit. It must be GFI protected. The GFI protection must be readily accessible. In most cases this means a GFI device that looks like a receptacle but without the holes that allow a device to be plugged in. This will feed the non-gfi receptacle down line under the tub by the motor.

Speedy Petey

Thing with the fans is that most manufacturers do state in the instructions that IF used over a tub or shower GFI protection must be provided.
Now we are back to 110.3(B) again.

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Magnettica

You're right, Pete. Bathroom exhaust fans installed over a tub or shower normally require GFCI protection. I was thinking of them installed outside of the tub area.

Does that make any sense to you that the fan needs protection but the recessed light doesn't?

That never made sense to me.

Mike Finley

I see NEC 680.71 reads basically like IRC E3802.9 about GFCI protection for a jetted tub, but I don't see anything at all about dedicated circuits. But I do always see in the literature that comes from the manufacturer the calling of a 20 amp, dedicated GFCI protected circuit for the pump and another for the heater.

I can't find NEC 110.3 to read it, but I am assuming it must have something to do with following a manufacturers written requirements?

How does that work? I we follow the IRC, what does the NEC have to do with it? I admit I'm getting confused at this. Does the IRC follow anything in the NEC automatically even if it isn't stated specifically in the IRC? Or is there a IRC code similiar to NEC 110.3 and I just can't find it?

Is this the same issue as above or is there some code I just can't find in the IRC that covers it?

Do you have some code regeference for this? THat's what I'm kind of after. I'm really confused about what you are referring to in regard to a non-receptical type installation also.

Magnettica

NEC 110.3 (B) Installation and Use
Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.

So yes... if the manufacturer suggests a 20AMP dedicated branch circuit, then definitely use one. As far as the fan goes, same thing.

Good luck!

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By the way... What does IRC stand for?

thom

The Whirlpool tub does require it's own circuit. Nothing else on that circuit. It must be GFI protected. The GFI protection must be readily accessible. In most cases this means a GFI device that looks like a receptacle but without the holes that allow a device to be plugged in. This will feed the non-gfi receptacle down line under the tub by the motor.

I checked the IRC and cannot find this so maybe it's a local requirement. A little over a year ago it became a requirement here. Inspectors remind us of it when they see a whirlpool type installation.

Speedy Petey

Thom, those are most certainly not genreal rules or NEC. They must be local requirements to you.

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mickeyco

The electrical parts of the IRC are from the NEC. But you'd have to check with the AHJ to see what is required (out here it varies dramatically from city to city, we have '99, '02 & 05 NEC). I don't know if you have state wide adoption of codes or local adoptions and if there are amendments or not (out here it's all local, no ceiling fan box requirements in my house but a block away you have to have them.). E3301.1 & E3301.2 of the 2003 IRC defer to NFPA 70 (2005 NEC). If the town where you're at has adopted the NEC that's usually the one to go by. I'm not sure how it works out your way, but here they don't send out an electrical inspector for a kitchen remodel, just a regular inspector that checks off on the job. The electrical inspectors come out for new services installs, large remodels and new construction, etc., half the time they don't even look at the electric.

Some of the codes:

E3603.4 Bathroom branch circuits. A minimum of one 20-ampere branch circuit shall be provided to supply the bathroom receptacle outlet(s). Such circuits shall have no other outlets.

Exception: Where the 20-ampere circuit supplies a single bathroom, outlets for other equipment within the same bathroom shall be permitted to be supplied in accordance with Section E360

E3802.9 Electrically heated floors. Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel shall be provided for electrically heated floors in bathrooms, and in hydromassage bathtub, spa and hot tub locations.

E3301.1 Applicability. The provisions of Chapters 33 through 42 shall establish the general scope of the electrical system and equipment requirements of this code. Chapters 33 through 42 cover those wiring methods and materials most commonly encountered in the construction of one and two-family dwellings and structures regulated by this code. Other wiring methods, materials and subject matter covered in the NFPA 70 are also allowed by this code.

E3301.2 Scope. Chapters 33 through 42 shall cover the installation of electrical systems, equipment and components indoors and outdoors that are within the scope of this code, including services, power distribution systems, fixtures, appliances, devices and appurtenances. Services within the scope of this code shall be limited to 120/240-volt, 0- to 400-ampere, single-phase systems. These chapters specifically
cover the equipment, fixtures, appliances, wiring methods and materials that are most commonly used in the construction or alteration of one- and two-family dwellings and accessory structures regulated by this code. The omission from these chapters of any material or method of construction provided for in the referenced standard NFPA 70 shall not be construed as prohibiting the use of such material or method of construction. Electrical systems, equipment or components not specifically covered in these chapters shall comply with the applicable provisions of the NFPA 70 (2005 NEC).


SECTION E3303 INSPECTION AND APPROVAL

E3303.1 Approval. Electrical materials, components and equipment shall be approved.

E3303.2 Inspection required. New electrical work and parts of existing systems affected by new work or alterations shall be inspected by the building official to ensure compliance with the requirements of Chapters 33 through 42.

E3303.3 Listing and labeling. Electrical materials, components, devices, fixtures and equipment shall be listed for the application, shall bear the label of an approved agency and shall be installed, and used, or both, in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.