Installing Elec Towel Warmer within 39" of shower/tub

11/14/2016 at 1:29:15 PM

The code here in Alberta is the plug needs to be installed at 1.5 metres from a tub or a shower if it's any closer you have to use a gfi plug or be protected by a gfi receptacle or breaker.

11/14/2016 at 7:08:48 PM

The Canadian Electrical Code states that an outlet within 1.5 metres of a water source must be protected by a GFCI breaker or receptacle.

11/14/2016 at 7:37:11 PM

Is this Towel warmer hardwired or plug in as that may be why he is having an issue with it.

11/14/2016 at 7:53:30 PM

Quoting from the Ontario electrical code,

27-710: (g) Receptacles installed in bathrooms shall, where practicable, be located at least 1m but in no case less than 500mm from the bathtub or shower stall, etc...

In short, you could have a standard receptacle 501mm from the bathtub, protected by a ground fault circuit. 1m is the closest you could install a GFCI receptacle to the inside edge of the opening of the tub or shower.

11/14/2016 at 8:35:33 PM

Without seeing the layout, it could work both ways. If there is no way of installing a gfci protection in the line, then no you cannot have it within that range. If it is gfci protected and there is no receptacle within 500 mm of the tub or shower, there should be no problem, provided it is not above a tub or within the shower area. The warmer must be CSA approved for damp locations as well. I have seen some come with a switch that is not water proof, therefore cannot be used within the damp location. There should be manufacturers instructions within the box it came in. The wattage and voltage of the unit is also important and if over 500 watts, should require its own circuit. If there is a switch on the unit, the unit must be mounted more than 1m away from tub or shower, less than 1m is possible if it is GFCI protected.

2/25/2017 at 11:14:09 PM

Robert,

Can you tell me where this information is located in the 2015 code book?

Thanks!

6/15/2020 at 9:23:19 PM

The Canadian Electrical Code was updated in 2018 to address this issue. 62-132 said that Heating devices can be less than 1 m from a tub or shower if it is protected by a GFCI. 62-130 said that Heater Control cannot be less than 500 mm from a tub or shower even if it is protected by a GFCI. My towel warmer has a built-in switch but I'll be controlling it with a timer wall switch that is 2 m away. I'll remove the built-in switch so I can install my towel warmer right next to my tub/shower without violating 62-130.