Bathroom Wiring

National Electrical Code

• The National Electrical Code is a set of federal wiring guidelines for the installation of home electrical systems. According to the Association of Electrical and Medical Imaging Equipment Manufacturers, all 50 states have adopted a version of the NEC.
  The NEC dictates specific wiring requirements for residential bathrooms. For example, the NEC notes that bathrooms must have at least one electrical outlet located within 3 feet of the sink basin. The NEC also stipulates that any electrical outlets installed in the cabinets or walls must be no more than 12 inches below the bathroom counter top.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

• The NEC requires that bathroom wiring include a ground fault circuit interrupter. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a GFCI monitors the current running through a given circuit. If the current changes even a small degree, the GFCI terminates the power.
  Small changes in current may not seem very important, but that change in current could indicate that the equipment carrying the current is defective. Electricity searches out the quickest path to the ground. If you do not have a GFCI in place, the quickest path to the ground could be you.

Junction Boxes

• Junction boxes are located behind the walls and contain the electrical connections for all of the wiring in your home. The number of junction boxes present behind your walls will vary depending on the size of your home. The NEC prohibits electricians from installing junction boxes in bathrooms. Bathrooms have a high moisture content, and water and electricity do not mix. The junction box that controls your bathroom wiring is generally located in the adjacent room.

Proper Bathroom Wiring

• If you are not familiar with basic home wiring techniques, the NEC's regulations and any additional requirements imposed by your city or state, its best to hire a professional to install your bathroom wiring. Incorrectly installed wiring can result in an electrical fire. The CPSC estimates that roughly 46,000 electrical fires occur each year, taking 440 lives. If you have any concerns about how your bathroom was wired and if you have a working GFCI installed, contact an electrician and schedule an electrical inspection. The CPSC recommends that homeowners schedule full electrical inspections every 10 years.