Bathroom circuits wrapper
Why you care (60 seconds)
Bathrooms have dedicated circuit and receptacle rules. Missing a required circuit or receptacle placement is a common inspection fail.
Where people lose time
- Sharing bathroom receptacles with other rooms.
- Misplacing receptacles relative to fixtures.
- Forgetting GFCI requirements for bathroom outlets.
This is
The rule in plain language
Provide the required bathroom receptacle outlets and dedicated circuiting so bathroom loads are served correctly and safely.
When it applies
Dwelling unit bathrooms and any area defined as a bathroom in the code.
What you must do (checklist)
- Provide required bathroom receptacle outlets.
- Use required circuiting for bathroom receptacles.
- Apply GFCI protection to required outlets.
- Confirm placement meets the bathroom outlet rules.
Quick examples
- A bathroom receptacle must be on the required bathroom circuit.
- GFCI is required for bathroom receptacles.
This is not
Common misreads
- Serving bathroom receptacles from general lighting circuits.
- Treating any nearby receptacle as a bathroom receptacle.
What it doesn't cover
- Lighting and exhaust fan circuit sizing.
- Specialty equipment rules for spas or pools.
False friends
- A nearby receptacle in a hallway is not a bathroom receptacle outlet.
Exceptions & edge cases
- Multiple bathrooms can have different circuiting options depending on layout.
- Dedicated equipment loads may require separate circuits.
Cross-references (NEC map)
- Primary: 210.11(C)(3), 210.52(D)
- Secondary: 210.8
Exam traps
- Missing the required bathroom circuit rule.
- Ignoring GFCI requirements for bathroom outlets.
Field notes
- Label bathroom circuits clearly at the panel.
- Coordinate receptacle placement with vanity layouts early.
AHJ / Local amendments notes (placeholder)
- Add local amendments or interpretations here.
Revision notes
- Draft wrapper created for bathroom circuit fundamentals.