{"id":1571,"date":"2021-12-18T03:01:38","date_gmt":"2021-12-18T03:01:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whatblueprint.com\/?p=1571"},"modified":"2023-04-14T13:06:57","modified_gmt":"2023-04-14T13:06:57","slug":"can-an-outlet-be-above-a-sink","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whatblueprint.com\/can-an-outlet-be-above-a-sink\/","title":{"rendered":"Can An Outlet Be Above A Sink?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Whether you are purchasing a house with questionable positioning of electrical outlets or you are installing new outlets in a new home, the question of outlets above sinks may come up at some point. Rules and regulations can be unclear on this point, and safety is a major concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it may not seem ideal from a safety point of view, electrical outlets are permitted to be installed above a sink. The NEC does not state that it is not allowed, but it states that there should be an outlet within 36\u201d of the edge of the counter in a bathroom and within 24″ in a kitchen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While there are no specific requirements regarding the height of an electrical receptacle above a sink, there are restrictions on how far away it can be in a bathroom and how far along the wall in a kitchen. With certain safety precautions, a receptacle above a sink ought not to pose a major health hazard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the National Electrical Code, \u201cIn dwelling units, at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in bathrooms within three feet of the outside edge of each basin. The receptacle shall be located on a wall or partition that is adjacent to the basin or countertop, or installed on the side or face of the basin cabinet not more than twelve inches below the countertop\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The National Electrical Code does not have a specific requirement with regards to the height of a receptacle above a vanity. The reasons for this are unknown, but this can create some confusion as to what can and can’t be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The only requirement stipulated by the NEC is that every bathroom must have one outlet, and this outlet must be placed within 36\u201d of the outside edge of the sink. The National Electric Code also stipulates that the outlet should be in the wall adjacent to the basin or counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The outlet must be a GFCI and can be placed directly behind\/above the sink or beside the sink. According to the code, it\u2019s not acceptable to place the outlet across from the sink on the opposite side of the bathroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GFCI stands for ground-fault circuit interrupter, a type of outlet designed to be used in areas near water such as bathrooms or areas exposed to rain. These outlets essentially exist to protect people from electrical shock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While it is permissible to have additional outlets placed wherever you may see fit, there must be at least one outlet that meets the abovementioned requirements and is situated within the required distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If there are two sinks in a bathroom, there must be an electrical receptacle placed within three feet of each of them. This may involve placing the outlet between the two sinks or installing a separate outlet for each sink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All outlets installed in a bathroom must be placed on a dedicated circuit. This circuit must be completely separate from that of the lights, and all receptacles on it must be sufficiently ground-fault protected. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCan An Outlet Be Above A Bathroom Sink?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n