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Sources

Every rule, and where it comes from.

The planner paraphrases these sections; it does not reproduce the code. NFPA publishes the National Electrical Code and offers free read-only access to it online.

  • NEC 2023 410.10(D): bathtub and shower areasThe 3 ft horizontal / 8 ft vertical zone; fixtures banned in it (cord-connected, chain-, cable- or cord-suspended, pendants, track, ceiling-suspended paddle fans with lights); damp or wet marking for fixtures over the tub or shower. NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2023 edition. Free read-only access: nfpa.org/freeaccess.
  • NEC 2023 406.9(C): bathtub and shower space (receptacles)No receptacles in the 3 ft / 8 ft zone measured from the outside edge of the tub or shower; small-bathroom exception. The zone arrived in the 2020 edition (earlier editions: not within or directly over the tub or shower). The 2023 edition added that space separated from the tub or shower by a floor, wall, ceiling, room door, window or fixed barrier is not part of the receptacle zone; that wording is not in the light-fixture rule, 410.10(D).
  • NEC 2023 210.8(A)(1)GFCI protection for receptacles in bathrooms (dwelling units).
  • NEC 2023 210.8(A)(6)GFCI protection for receptacles in dwelling kitchens. The 2023 edition dropped the earlier limit to receptacles serving countertop surfaces, so refrigerator and range receptacles in the kitchen are covered too.
  • NEC 2023 210.8(A)(8)GFCI protection for receptacles within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the top inside edge of the bowl of a sink. (In the 2020 edition this was 210.8(A)(7).)
  • NEC 2023 210.8(A)(10)GFCI protection for receptacles within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the outside edge of a bathtub or shower stall. (2020: 210.8(A)(9).)
  • NEC 2023 210.8(A)(11)GFCI protection for receptacles in laundry areas. (2020: 210.8(A)(10).)
  • NEC 2023 210.52(D)At least one receptacle within 900 mm (3 ft) of the outside edge of each bathroom basin, and where it may be mounted.
  • NEC 2023 210.11(C)(3)Bathroom receptacle outlets supplied by a 20-ampere branch circuit.
  • NEC 2023 110.3(B)Listed or labeled equipment must be installed and used according to the instructions in its listing or labeling.
  • NEC 2023 680.71Hydromassage bathtubs and their associated electrical components on an individual branch circuit with GFCI protection.
  • 10 CFR 430.32(p): showerheadsFederal maximum water use for showerheads: 2.5 gallons per minute at 80 psi. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: ecfr.gov.
  • EPA WaterSense: showerheadsWaterSense-labeled showerheads use no more than 2.0 gallons per minute. epa.gov/watersense/showerheads.
  • International Plumbing Code 424.3 / Uniform Plumbing Code 408.3Individual shower and tub-shower valves must be pressure-balancing, thermostatic or combination valves (ASSE 1016 / ASME A112.1016 / CSA B125.16). Which plumbing code applies depends on your state.
  • Good practiceAdvice marked "good practice" is ours, not a code rule: sensible, but nobody can fail an inspection for skipping it.

Editions and local rules

Section numbers are from the 2023 edition of NFPA 70. Your state or city may enforce an earlier or later edition, with amendments. The NEC is revised every three years and sections can move between editions. Ask your local building department which edition applies to you.

Names and marks

NFPA 70, National Electrical Code and NEC are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by NFPA. The International Plumbing Code is published by the International Code Council and the Uniform Plumbing Code by IAPMO; this site is not affiliated with either. WaterSense is a program of the US Environmental Protection Agency.