National Electrical Code

Code Q&A

June 8, 2005

Q. Does the NEC restrict the placement of a light switch in a bathroom? What about pools, spas, and hot tub areas? A. Switches can be located next to, but not within, a bathtub, hydromassage bathtub, or shower space (404.4 and 680.70 and 680.72). ...

Mike Holt

Q. Does the NEC restrict the placement of a light switch in a bathroom? What about pools, spas, and hot tub areas?

A. Switches can be located next to, but not within, a bathtub, hydromassage bathtub, or shower space (404.4 and 680.70 and 680.72). According to 680.2, a hydromassage bathtub is a permanently installed bathtub with a recirculating piping system designed to accept, circulate, and discharge water after each use. Switches must be located not less than 5 feet from pools [680.22(C)], outdoor spas and hot tubs (680.41), and indoor spas or hot tubs [680.43(C)].

Got a question for Mike? E-mail him at [email protected].

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.