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Can I put a light switch and GFCI outlet in one junction box in a small bathroom by code? (so the light switch is right next to outlet, don't know if this is a safety issue)
I am at CT. I pulled electrical permit myself and plan to wire myself.
Can I put a light switch and GFCI outlet in one junction box in a small bathroom by code? (so the light switch is right next to outlet, don't know if this is a safety issue)
I am at CT. I pulled electrical permit myself and plan to wire myself.
Thanks !!
If you plan to wire yourself, you need to get a couple of good DIY electrical books to study and not rely on questions you think to ask only. I like the books by Black & Deckers.
In answer to your question, yes it's basically legal to put a switch in the same box as a receptacle, but your problem is going to be the fill space of the box. It's unlikely the current box for the switch is anywhere near large enough, so you'll have to replace it with the deepest 2-gang box available.
If it's originally just a light switch in that box, you'll also have to make sure it's got both the hot and neutral as well as the ground, not just a hot wire and ground (or worse, just a hot). If it doesn't have the neutral running to it already, it might be a trick getting one there (if you have access to the wall from the attic or basement, life will be easier).
Make sure you're also to code as far as distances of the devices from the sink, door, et cetera.
If you plan to wire yourself, you need to get a couple of good DIY electrical books to study and not rely on questions you think to ask only. I like the books by Black & Deckers.
In answer to your question, yes it's basically legal to put a switch in the same box as a receptacle, but your problem is going to be the fill space of the box. It's unlikely the current box for the switch is anywhere near large enough, so you'll have to replace it with the deepest 2-gang box available.
If it's originally just a light switch in that box, you'll also have to make sure it's got both the hot and neutral as well as the ground, not just a hot wire and ground (or worse, just a hot). If it doesn't have the neutral running to it already, it might be a trick getting one there (if you have access to the wall from the attic or basement, life will be easier).
Make sure you're also to code as far as distances of the devices from the sink, door, et cetera.
Bathroom GFCI recepticles must be within 36" of basin and not lower than 12" if mounted on the side of the vanity.
So, if the LIGHTSWITCH meets that criteria then the GFCI should also.
I should also note that the light switch AND the GFCI should be on SEPARATE circuits.
If it's the only GFCI receptacle for the bathroom, it must be on a separate circuit, yes. Lights in general may be on the same circuit as receptacles in general, but the bathroom must have at least one dedicated GFCI-protected circuit.
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