Best Locations for Bathroom Light Switches
|
Where to Locate Bathroom Light Switches: Planning the layout and design for the bathroom, the location of light fixtures and switches. |
Installing Bathroom Light Switches
[ad#block] Electrical Question: Should bathroom light switches be located inside or outside of bathroom?
Application: Wiring Switches for a Bathroom.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best installed by a licensed electrical contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the access to the wiring for the wall switch for the exhaust fan and if a larger switch box will be required.
Precaution: The combo bathroom exhaust fan circuit should be identified, turned OFF and Tagged with a Note before working with the wiring and installing the fan speed switch.
Notice: Modifying existing wiring or installing additional bathroom electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Where to Install Bathroom Light Switches
- It is best to locate the bathroom light switch just inside the entry door to the bathroom.
- If the bathroom light switch were located outside of the bathroom, say in a hallway, then someone may be using the bathroom and another unknowing person outside may turn off the bathroom light switch and leave the bathroom occupant in the dark, and we don’t want that to happen for a whole host of reasons, but most of all for the sake of safety.
- If the bathroom is small and there are limited locations for light switches, or the light switch will be place near the opening to the bathtub or shower, then the circuit will be required to be protected by GFCI.
- I have actually worked on remodel projects where an older home did have the bathroom light switch located out in the hallway. The solution was fairly simple, in this case the switch box was just rotated so that it was inside of the bathroom.
Electrical Tip for Bathroom Light Switches
- Plan the layout and design for the bathroom carefully, taking into account the location of light fixtures and switches, especially for smaller bathrooms.
- Larger master bathrooms require the same pre-planning where multiple locations for light switches may be required for entering and using various areas of the bathroom.
More about Bathroom Electrical Wiring
- Bathroom Electrical Wiring
- Lighting For The Home
- Electrical Codes for Lighting
- How to Install Bathroom Electrical Wiring
- Bathroom Electrical Wiring
- Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Bathroom Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.
The following may also be helpful for you:
|
||||||||
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
||
| More articles about Bathroom Light Switches, Electrical Wiring and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
| « Previous | Next » |
| Electrical Circuit for a Microwave | Wiring a Hot Tub 50 AMP GFCI Circuit |
I have a old house. The light switch for bathroom is outside, do I have to put the switch inside the bathroom?
Hi Lori,
Having the bathroom light switch inside the bathroom would be much better and safer too because it would prevent the light from accidentally being turned off while the bathroom was occupied. This should be taken into consideration, especially if other people live in the home. As far as the current code requirements the light switch should be inside the bathroom.
Dave