Electric socket by shower
 

How far from a shower door should I go before putting in electric socket? I know I should use gcfi correct.How about my exhaust fan it says ok for shower should it be above the shower?It has a light also .

Anywhere outside of the tub perimeter is fine. GFCI required.


GFCI is only required IF the manufacture requires it... so read the manual for this answer.

You can place a fan and/or light directly above the shower if it is GFCI protected.

It only needs to be GFCI protected if the manufacture requires it.

Actually local codes can trump what you stated.

Then should I wire the bath vent and light after a GCFI socket or run a separate line to it?Or use a GCFI breaker?

Of course, but I don't have that amendment. And its a ridiculous amendment to begin with.

Using a GFCI will be cheaper, plus you can test/reset the GFCI if you install it in the bathroom with ease.

Regardless of what code or manufacturer says I think it's a smart idea to use a GFCI regardless. Then again I have a light above my shower that's not (it's sealed). For some reason the GFCI outlet in the same switch box does not like the timer switch I used so it trips. In a new construction situation I would definitely do it.

I guess I just look at it as being pointless, so I don't see the need for it.... With that said, it certainly won't hurt anything either.

Why is it pointless? GFCI's are required in damp or wet locations, right?

Most bathfans I install (Broan/Nutone) have exposed receptacles under the trim, since this is a damp location, those would need the protection along with the motor.

Ugh... really? Where in the NEC did you find that requirement? With that line of thinking, you wouldn't be able to install a fan in a shower area at all because of 406.8(C).

Yeah, I pulled that one from my butt, but think about it...

The difference between a recessed light over a tub and a fan over the tub is the fact that shower trims are sealed so no moisture can get inside the can. Obviously fans are designed so air is allowed to get inside the trim.

You are correct that the NEC doesn't require GFI protection for exhaust fans over a shower/tub, but I just looked thru 5 Broan fans and all of them require GFI proyection over a tub or shower.

I think you're missin the point why gfci protection is required in general, it has nothing to do with moisture, in an application where the egc can be compromised, such as a corded tool and the ground pin being broken off, then gfci is required as a second means of protection, but when you have an exhaust fan or a recessed light where the EGC is not going to be compromised then why require it? Look at it this way, the fixture can't possibly be energized with the EGC in place, so no shock hazard is ever going to exist.. Hence the gfci protection is just not needed... Also, how many post lights or outdoor fixtures have you installed with gfci protection?