Practically Speaking 210 11 C 3 62d8268b3dd57

National Electrical Code

Practically Speaking: The Evolution of Bathroom Branch Circuit Requirements

July 22, 2022

How Sec. 210.11(C)(3) evolved into a rule that is easy to understand and apply

Based on the 2020 NEC.

One thing I’ve learned from studying and following Code changes over the last 37 years is that the wording of a new rule is not always perfect. Sometimes it takes a few Code revision cycles to get the literal wording to match the original intent of the rule. In some cases, it takes much longer to get it right. Section 210.11(C)(3) is one of the requirements that took a long time for the wording to evolve into a rule that is easy to understand and apply.

When first introduced in 1999, Sec. 210.11(C)(3) stated: “In addition to the number of branch circuits required by other parts of this Section, at least one 20A branch circuit shall be provided to supply bathroom receptacle outlet(s).” No voltage rating of the circuit was referenced, and it did not specify that the receptacle next to the sink was required to be on the 20A circuit. This main rule remained unchanged until 2014.

In 2014 it was revised to state: “In addition to the number of branch circuits required by other parts of this Section, at least one 120V, 20A branch circuit shall be provided to supply a bathroom receptacle outlet(s). Such circuits shall have no other outlets.” A voltage was finally specified after 15 years, but the literal wording still required only one bathroom receptacle on a 20A circuit even if the house had four bathrooms.

In 2017 it was revised yet again to state: “In addition to the number of branch circuits required by other parts of this Section, at least one 120V, 20A branch circuit shall be provided to supply the bathroom(s) receptacle outlet(s). Such circuits shall have no other outlets.” This revision required all bathroom receptacles to be on a 20A circuit. This rule finally included the receptacle near the sink; however, it also included receptacles for towel warmers, self-cleaning toilets, picture lights, sump pumps, etc.

For 2020, it was revised yet again and now states: “In addition to the number of branch circuits required by other parts of this section, one or more 120V, 20A branch circuit shall be provided to supply the bathroom(s) receptacle outlet(s) required by 210.52(D) and any countertop and similar work surface receptacle outlets. Such circuits shall have no other outlets.” Now this rule only applies to receptacles installed within 3 ft of the sink to comply with Sec. 210.52(D) and receptacles for dressing/changing areas and other countertops/work surfaces.

I feel the 2020 edition closely matches what the original intent of the rule was in the first place. What do you think?

About the Author

Russ LeBlanc | Owner

Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.

Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.