Why do bathroom light switches have to be outside?
The bathroom is usually a lot smaller than the other rooms and to save space the switch is put outside. The space a switch needs is not just the dimensions of the switch itself but the space needed to turn it on and off, and to repair or replace it. Two.
Is it safe to use a bathroom with an outside switch?
Sure, using a bathroom with an outside switch means trusting that no one outside will leave you in the dark, but at least someone out there had your best interests at heart. For more bathroom safety, be sure not to keep these 11 things in your bathroom.
Why are bathroom water heaters installed outside the door?
It seems like it would make more sense for the switch to be in the room, where anyone inside can reach it, but there’s actually a logical reason they’re installed outside the door. Between steamy showers, full tubs, and splashing sinks, bathrooms have quite a bit of water around.
How far should bathroom bathroom switches be from the tub?
Still, designers want to take extra caution when deciding where to put those potentially dangerous switches. In the U.K., for example, regulations require switches to be at least 60 centimeters (about two feet) away from the tub.
Should light switch be inside room or outside?
The National Electrical Code [NEC 210.70(A)(1)] states that “At least one switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room, kitchen, and bathroom.” Rooms other than kitchens and bathrooms are allowed to have a switched wall receptacle outlet instead of a light [NEC 210.70(A)(1)(Exception 1)] ...
Where should I put my bathroom switch?
It is best to locate the bathroom light switch just inside the entry door to the bathroom.
Can you have a switch inside a bathroom?
For light switches, plate switches can be used on the inside of the bathroom, but these must be suitable for use in the bathroom, given the high levels of humidity and condensation. And they also must be at least 0.6m away from the bath or shower. A pull cord can be used instead, in any location in the bathroom.
Can a light switch be outside of the room?
It can be anywhere you want unless required to be there by some other code. The NEC doesn't specify a location as this is a design issue.
Can a bathroom switch be outside?
As a result, many building codes have stringent requirements for outlets and switches placed anywhere near water. In the UK, for example, regulations forbid electricians from placing light switches within 0.6 meters (2 feet) of a shower or bathtub.
Can you have a switch next to a shower?
NEC Requirements The NEC requires that switches not be installed within the confines of shower and tub areas, unless as part of a shower assembly. In other words, unless the switch is already built in to your shower assembly from the manufacturer, adding a switch inside a shower is a code violation.
Why do British bathrooms not have sockets?
Why are there no plug sockets in British bathrooms? The reason that there are no plus sockets in bathrooms is simple – having an exposed plug socket can increase the risk of electric shock. Plugs in England generally use 240-volt power, twice the amount found in US plugs which have 120-volts.
Why are electrical sockets ever rarely installed in bathrooms?
Bathrooms are considered to be a special location for electrical installations because they have an increased risk of electric shock for the users, due to being so close to water.
Is it illegal to have a plug socket in the bathroom?
Electrical sockets are permitted in bathrooms or shower rooms as long as they are located more than 3m from the edge of the bath or shower.
Where should light switches?
For a majority of rooms, builders tend to place the bottoms of light switches 48 inches above the floor. This is a comfortable height for most home dwellers when sitting or standing, plus it makes it easier to install switches during construction.
Does every doorway need a light switch?
It's not required by code to be able to control all possible lights from all possible entrances -- one just needs to be able to turn on enough light to navigate the room and safely reach additional switches wherever they may be. There could be a dedicated light and switch corresponding to each entrance.
How far can light switch be away from door?
There are no national laws on how far a light switch should be from a door frame. It's recommended that a switch should be installed at least 8 inches from the frame to leave space for the switch plate.
Why are light switches allowed in the bathroom?
Because water and electricity don't mix! In the US, light switches are allowed inside the bathroom because they use 120-130 volts. In the UK, we use 220-240 volts. If a conventional rocker switch is installed, it must be outside the bathroom to avoid risk electrocution.
Why is there no access to the bathroom wall?
No accessable wall space within the bathroom, eliminate/reduce risk of electrocution if turning on the light while standing on a wet bathroom floor, adherence to state or local building codes, etc.
How many volts does a light switch use?
In the U.S. and Canada, light switches are installed on the inside of the room, but that's due to the fact our homes use 120-130 volts instead of 220-240 volts like other countries.
Can a rocker switch be used in a bathroom?
If a conventional rocker switch is installed, it must be outside the bathroom to avoid risk electrocution. Switches installed inside a bathroom tend to be a pull cord. This prevents contact of wet hands to live electricity, or even dry hands touching a wet switch. Because water and electricity don't mix! For light switches, plate switches can be used on the inside of the bathroom, but these must be suitable for use in the bathroom, given the high levels of humidity and condensation. And they also must be at least 0.6m away from the bath or shower. A pull cord can be used instead, in any locati