Here is the EC&M article which says a switch and receptacle are permitted inside the 3' zone. See the second illustration (strangely, placed in the middle of a comment about underground communication cable).

Here is a link that might be useful: EC&M page

The operative part of the code is Article 404.4 which says the switch can't be within the shower / tub space. A similar provision is in 406.9 for receptacles. As long as these are not inside the shower stall or over the tub you are OK.

The 8x3 zone applies only to light fixtures (luminaires) and is specified in 410.11

This post was edited by ronnatalie on Tue, Dec 30, 14 at 8:35

The switch is over the tub in a horizontal line parallel to the short dimension of the tub, but it is NOT over it and 6" away from the rim in a line parallel to the long dimension of the tub.

Sorry, that's not a very clear description. Maybe these photos will help.

Here's the exact reading of the code:

Switches shall not be
installed within tubs or shower spaces unless installed as part of
a listed tub or shower assembly.

Given the shower curtain I would say this is not within the shower space (nor within the tub).

you could stand in the tub with water in it and reach the switch. Meeting code or not I would move it out of reach.

you could ask the inspector ahead of time.

"you could stand in the tub with water in it and reach the switch. Meeting code or not I would move it out of reach."

You'd have a tough time putting the switches out of reach in most small bathrooms. I see no reason to move it out of reach. If it makes you uneasy you can use a non conductive wall plate with plastic screws holding it on. Ace Hardware sells 6-32 plastic machine screws. This is especially a good idea if the wiring is old and un-grounded.

TOUCHING a switch isn't supposed to be a problem. The prohibition is because of water being directed at the switch.

Don't they make weatherproof- waterproof switches?

Here is a link that might be useful: Weatherproof/Wet location switch.

Ron, thanks for the code reading. If things go far enough with this project that I need to pull a permit, I'll ask the AHJ just in case.

Joe, that's exactly the situation here. It's a relatively small bath by modern standards, though not for the age and style of the house.

Slash, you're right, you could stand in water and touch (use) the switch. But there's nowhere else to put it where it's easily accessible when entering the bathroom. It'd have to mount it right outside the door, and I'd really prefer to avoid that. Moving the tub isn't really on the agenda.

The switch wiring is the original knob and tube, ungrounded of course, though I may update that. Updated or not, those Ace plastic screws sound like good insurance, will check them out.

Palimpsest, thanks, that weatherproof switch would look great in our bathroom! <grin>

"you could stand in the tub with water in it and reach the switch. Meeting code or not I would move it out of reach"


I'd like to know your reasoning behind this?

I agree with JoeFixit. In some smaller bathrooms it is nearly impossible to achieve this.

Great that my comment got a discussion going on possible solutions outside of the code considerations. Hope all works out with the renovation if you go forward with it.

Do you have an answer for me?

replace the breaker the switch is on with a $40 GFI breaker and be done with it Homer.