NEC Bathroom Outlet Code: GFCI, Placement, and Circuits

As a licensed electrician, staying current with the National Electrical Code (NEC) is not just a best practice—it’s essential for safety, compliance, and professional integrity. The bathroom, a space defined by the close proximity of water and electricity, has some of the most stringent rules in the entire codebook. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the electrical code for bathroom outlets.

Your Answer-First Summary: Bathroom Outlet Code Essentials

The electrical code for bathroom outlets, primarily governed by NEC Article 210, mandates several key safety measures. Most 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles in dwelling-unit bathrooms require Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) protection as set out in NEC 210.8(A)(1), though the Code includes narrowly defined exceptions for particular equipment and installations that should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The NEC also requires at least one 20-amp bathroom branch circuit to supply bathroom receptacle outlets; when that 20A circuit serves a single bathroom, the Code includes an exception that permits the circuit to supply other equipment in that same bathroom. It is not correct to state generally that the required 20A circuit may always supply receptacles in multiple bathrooms or other rooms — follow the Code text and local adoption for the allowed scope.

At least one receptacle is required to be installed within 900 mm (approximately 3 ft) of the outside edge of a basin; whether a double vanity requires two outlets depends on layout and exact placement. These combined GFCI protection requirements and placement rules are foundational for any compliant bathroom installation in a dwelling unit and are a major focus for inspectors. Failure to adhere can result in failed inspections and significant safety hazards for the occupant.

The Foundation: GFCI Protection Requirements in Bathrooms (NEC 210.8)

The non-negotiable cornerstone of bathroom electrical safety is the Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter. The specific language in NEC 210.8(A)(1) requires GFCI protection for most 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles in dwelling-unit bathrooms. The purpose is to protect individuals from severe electrical shock by detecting minute imbalances in current flow and de-energizing the circuit quickly.

While this article focuses on dwelling units, the scope of NEC 210.8 covers other locations as well. The principles of protecting people in potentially wet areas extend to commercial and other settings, though the specific rules may differ. For a deeper understanding of these other applications, it is useful to review the 2023 NEC GFCI requirements for non-dwelling locations, which have their own set of critical nuances.

Dedicated Bathroom Circuits: Understanding NEC 210.11(C)(3)

Beyond GFCI protection, the NEC specifies how bathroom receptacle outlets must be powered. According to NEC 210.11(C)(3), one or more 20-amp branch circuits shall be provided to supply the receptacle outlets required in bathrooms. This requirement ensures that high-power appliances commonly used in bathrooms, such as hair dryers and curling irons, have adequate capacity.

A common point of confusion is what that required 20A circuit may serve. The NEC includes a limited exception: when the required 20A circuit supplies only a single bathroom, that circuit is permitted to supply other equipment in that same bathroom (lighting, fan, etc.) per the exception language. That exception does not give carte blanche for the 20A circuit to feed multiple bathrooms or unrelated rooms without confirming the Code text and any local amendments. The safe practice is to design the circuit per the Code wording and local enforcement interpretation.

A related note on receptacle ratings: a 20-amp receptacle on a 15-amp circuit is prohibited. Installing a 15-amp receptacle on a 20-amp branch circuit is allowed in certain multi-receptacle situations under NEC provisions, but where the required 20A bathroom circuit is used it’s common to use 20A-rated receptacles when the circuit serves the bathroom receptacles required by code.

Bathroom Receptacle Placement Rules and Requirements

Correct placement of outlets is as critical as the circuit protection behind them. The bathroom receptacle placement rules balance convenience with safety.

The “3-Foot Rule”: Receptacle Placement Near Basins

NEC 210.52(D) requires at least one receptacle outlet in a bathroom to be installed within 900 mm (3 ft) of the outside edge of the basin. The receptacle can be on or adjacent to the wall or partition, on the countertop, or installed on the side or face of a sink cabinet, depending on the installation. For double vanities, the requirement is satisfied by outlets positioned so that each basin has an outlet within 900 mm; depending on the layout, one outlet may serve two basins if placed so it is within 900 mm of each.

Receptacles Near Tubs and Showers: NEC Requirements for Wet Locations

Special attention is required for outlets in the immediate vicinity of a tub or shower. The Code forbids receptacles inside the tub or shower and defines the zone extending horizontally 900 mm (3 ft) from the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall where receptacles are not permitted; vertical limits are also defined in the Code. Any receptacle installed in a damp or wet location must use an appropriate enclosure and meet weatherproofing or listed-device requirements for the location. The 2023 NEC changes have impacted receptacle installation near bathtubs and showers, and electricians should review those updates for details.

Special Considerations: Switched GFCI Outlets

Some designs include a switched GFCI outlet, for example to control a decorative light or a motor. A switched GFCI device can be used, but be careful: the Code requires a readily available convenience outlet within the basin area, and a receptacle controlled exclusively by a wall switch might not always satisfy the requirement for a continuously available convenience outlet. This is another area where plan review and local inspector interpretation matter. For related guidance on switched power in wet environments, ceiling fan installation in bathrooms covers some overlapping considerations.

Beyond GFCI: Tamper-Resistance and Other Code Considerations

Modern dwelling-unit requirements include additional safety measures such as tamper-resistant receptacles. NEC 406.12 requires listed tamper-resistant receptacles for 125-volt, 15- and 20-amp nonlocking types in dwelling units, which includes bathroom receptacles. This has been standard in recent NEC editions and is intended to reduce the risk of accidental shock.

Also remember the listing/identification of devices in wet locations: receptacles in wet locations must be the listed weather-resistant types where required and installed with the proper covers and boxes per the Code.

A Practical Guide: Compliant Bathroom Wiring and Inspection

Properly applying these rules during installation is crucial for passing an electrical rough-in inspection. Here is a practical step-by-step approach that is consistent with the NEC requirements and common inspection expectations:

1. Plan the Circuit: Provide at least one 20-amp branch circuit for the bathroom receptacles as required by NEC 210.11(C)(3). Decide whether the circuit will be dedicated to bathroom receptacles or, if serving a single bathroom, whether the limited exception permitting other equipment in that same bathroom will be used. Use a GFCI breaker at the panel or a GFCI receptacle as the first outlet to provide the required protection.
2. Select Proper Materials: Use 12/2 conductors for a 20-amp branch circuit where NM cable is permitted. Choose listed GFCI-rated, tamper-resistant receptacles and weather-resistant devices where required by location.
3. Box Placement: Install a box for at least one receptacle within 900 mm (3 ft) of each basin’s outside edge in accordance with NEC 210.52(D). Avoid placing receptacles within the prohibited tub/shower zone as defined by the Code.
4. Proper Wiring Methods: Make secure terminations, bond equipment grounding conductors, and use the “LOAD” terminals on a GFCI receptacle to protect downstream outlets if that is the chosen method. If protecting downstream outlets with a panel GFCI breaker, be sure the wiring and labeling reflect that arrangement.
5. Labeling: Clearly and durably label the circuit breaker in the panel and indicate GFCI protection where required. Proper labeling helps future service and inspection.

Following these steps will put you on the path to a Code-consistent installation that is both safe and functional.

Key Takeaways: A Checklist for Bathroom Outlet Compliance

• GFCI is Generally Mandatory: Most 125V through 250V receptacles in dwelling-unit bathrooms require GFCI protection per NEC 210.8(A)(1); review the Code for narrowly defined exceptions and local amendments.
• At Least One 20A Circuit: NEC requires one or more 20-amp branch circuits for bathroom receptacles. When that 20A circuit serves only a single bathroom, the Code allows a limited exception to supply other equipment in that bathroom; consult the Code text and local authority for interpretations.
• Basin Proximity: A receptacle must be installed within 900 mm (3 ft) of the outside edge of each basin; layout determines whether one or more outlets are needed for double vanities.
• Tamper-Resistant Required: Dwelling-unit receptacles (15A and 20A) must be listed tamper-resistant per NEC 406.12.
• Check for Updates: Always verify requirements against the locally adopted edition of the NEC and any state or municipal amendments; code language and enforcement interpretation can change.

Primary Sources for Electrical Professionals

For the most authoritative and up-to-date information consult the NEC text and local authorities. The National Fire Protection Association publishes the NEC and maintains resources at:

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – NEC

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Electrical Code for Bathroom Outlets

What are the basic GFCI protection requirements for bathroom receptacles?

NEC 210.8(A)(1) requires GFCI protection for most 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles installed in dwelling-unit bathrooms. This protection can be provided by a GFCI circuit breaker at the panel or a listed GFCI receptacle installed as the first outlet protecting downstream outlets. Always confirm the chosen method meets the Code and local enforcement.

Can I have a shared lighting and receptacle circuit in a bathroom?

Yes — but only within the limitations in the NEC. The exception for the required 20-amp bathroom circuit permits that circuit to supply other equipment (lighting, fans) only when it serves a single bathroom. It must not be used as a general-purpose circuit supplying other rooms. Check the NEC language and local adoption for precise limits.