TIA Issued for 2020 NEC Regarding Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations

Pursuant to Sec. 5 of the Regulations Governing the Development of NFPA Standards, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) issued the following Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) to the 2020 edition of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. TIA 1598 was processed by the Code-Making Panel 18 and the NEC Correlating Committee. It was issued by the Standards Council on Dec. 8, 2021, with an effective date of Dec. 28, 2021. It reads as follows:

1. Add a new Exception No. 2 to Sec. 406.9(C) to read as follows:

406.9 Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations. …

(C) Bathtub and Shower Space. Receptacles shall not be installed within a zone measured 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally and 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. The identified zone is all encompassing and shall include the space directly over the tub or shower stall.

Exception No. 1: In bathrooms with less than the required zone the receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be installed opposite the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold on the farthest wall within the room.

Exception No. 2: In a dwelling unit, a single receptacle shall be permitted for an electronic toilet or personal hygiene device such as an electronic bidet seat. The receptacle shall be readily accessible and located on one of the following:

(1) The wall behind the toilet but not behind the tank

(2) The opposite side of the toilet from the bathtub or shower