What is in this article?:
- 2011 National Electrical Code Changes
- 1. 110.24 Available Fault Current
- 2. 210.8 GFCI Protection
- 3. 210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Dwelling Units
- 4. 210.52 Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlet Requirements
- 5. 250.2 Bonding Jumper, Supply-Side
- 6. 250.30 Grounding Separately, Derived Systems
- 7. 250.52(A) Electrodes Permitted for Grounding
- 8. 250.53(A) Rod, Pipe, and Plate Electrodes
- 9. 250.121 Use of Equipment Grounding Conductors
- 10. 300.4 Protection Against Physical Damage
- 11. 300.5 Underground Installations
- 12. 300.11(A)(2) Nonfire-Rated Ceiling Assemblies
- 13. 300.22 Wiring in Ducts and Other Spaces for Environmental Air (Plenums)
- 14. 310.15 Conductor Ampacity
- 15. 314.28(E) Power Distribution Block in Junction Box
- 16. 404.2(C) Switches Controlling Lighting
- 17. 406.4(D) Receptacle Replacements
- 18. 406.12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles in Dwelling Units
- 19. 406.13 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles in Guest Rooms and Guest Suites
- 20. 406.14 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles in Child Care Facilities
- 21. 450.14 Disconnecting Means
- 22. 517.16 Receptacles with Insulated Grounding Terminal
- 23. 680.26 Equipotential Bonding
- 24. 680.73 Accessibility
- 25. 690.47 Grounding Electrode System
Top 25 changes to the 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC)
24. 680.73 Accessibility
The accessibility of the receptacle supplying a hydromassage tub has been revised.
680.73 Accessibility. Electrical equipment for hydromassage bathtubs must be capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish. Where the hydromassage bathtub is cord-and plug-connected with the supply receptacle accessible only through an access opening, the receptacle must face toward the opening and be within 1 ft of the opening.
Analysis: When a hydromassage tub is cord- and plug-connected, it isn’t uncommon to find the receptacle beneath the tub arranged in a manner that makes it nearly impossible to see, much less use. Oftentimes, these receptacles are several feet away from the access opening, facing away from the person trying to access the receptacle. This change now requires that such a receptacle be installed close to the access opening (within 1 ft), and it must also be facing toward the opening.
