Bathroom Electrical Code: Outlets, GFCI, and Lighting Rules
Bathrooms are one of the most regulated spaces in residential electrical codes because of the obvious risks of combining water and electricity. Whether you’re doing a full bathroom renovation or simply adding an outlet, understanding the NEC requirements for bathrooms ensures your work is safe and will pass inspection.
Required Outlets in Bathrooms
The NEC requires at least one outlet within 3 feet of the outside edge of each basin (sink). In bathrooms with two sinks, one outlet within 3 feet of each basin is required — though a centrally placed outlet between sinks may satisfy both requirements if within 3 feet of each. There’s no NEC minimum on the number of outlets beyond this; however, local codes and practical use often dictate more.
GFCI Requirements
Every 125V outlet in a bathroom must be GFCI protected — no exceptions. This applies regardless of where the outlet is located within the bathroom. GFCI protection can be provided by a GFCI outlet, a GFCI breaker protecting the entire circuit, or a GFCI outlet protecting downstream non-GFCI outlets on the same circuit.
Dedicated Circuit Requirement
Bathroom outlets must be supplied by one or more 20-amp circuits dedicated to bathroom use. These circuits serve bathroom receptacles only — they cannot supply loads in other rooms. However, a single 20-amp circuit can serve outlets in multiple bathrooms (bathroom to bathroom is permitted, just not bathroom to other areas). Use 12 AWG wire on all bathroom receptacle circuits.
Shower and Tub Zone Rules
No outlets are permitted within a zone extending 3 feet horizontally from the edge of a tub or shower and 8 feet above the floor (or ceiling, whichever is lower) in that zone. Light fixtures within this zone must be specifically listed for wet or damp locations. Standard ceiling lights cannot be placed directly over a tub or shower stall.
Exhaust Fan Requirements
While the NEC governs electrical aspects, building codes also require bathroom ventilation. Any bathroom without an operable window requires a mechanical exhaust fan. The fan circuit can be on the same circuit as the lighting but must be appropriately rated. Many codes now require that exhaust fans be operated by humidity sensors or timers rather than manually.
Verify your bathroom circuit layout. Use the Circuit Load Calculator on electricalcalcpro.com to confirm your bathroom circuits are properly sized for all loads including the exhaust fan, lighting, and GFCI outlets.