Bathrooms may be small, but their power needs aren't. Space constraints, the scope of activities, and soggy conditions all call for care when planning where to install electrical outlets (and how many). Here's the key to finding that perfect balance between utility and aesthetics when powering up your bath.
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N.B.: This is the fourth in our series of electrical outlet primers; scroll to the end for links to our posts on kitchen and living room outlets, as well as the latest flush-mounted wall outlets.
Above: In architect Sheila Narusawa's Cape Cod bathroom, electric outlets are placed on both sides of the counter, eliminating the problem of cords snaking across the sink and allowing two users of small appliances to share the space. See the whole house in the Remodelista book. Photograph by Matthew Williams.
Know electrical code rules and restrictions
The first step is to educate yourself about the requirements and restrictions defined by the International Residential Code, National Electrical Code (NEC), and any local codes. The good news is that the rules primarily focus on the minimum requirements for outlet placement (by number of feet between outlets and from corners, etc.). Those minimums may be exceeded, so you can generally add outlets where necessary and desired.
Because bathrooms are wet, they come with their own specific electrical requirements, including but not limited to the following.
- All outlets must be GFCIs (ground-fault circuit interrupters), to protect from electrocution.
- There must be an outlet placed within 36 inches of the edge of the sink.
- No installation of outlets in a face-up position on the countertop.
- Outlets must be on at least one dedicated circuit that doesn't include the lights, so that high-watt appliances won't trip the entire bathroom electrical system and leave you in the dark.
- Outlets cannot be located above or closer than 36 inches to the bathtub.
Above: GFCI outlets prevent electrical shocks by tripping and disconnecting the circuit power if they sense an imbalance in current flow—something that can be caused by, among other things, the presence of water. Photograph via Mocobaca Construction Materials.
Assess your bathroom's power needs
1. What electrical appliances do you use in the bathroom?
Outlet placement and number are important considerations. It's easy to underestimate your needs. Hand-powered grooming and cleaning tools are being replaced by high-tech, electrical devices—so try to take stock of bathroom appliances present and future.
Also consider whether electric-powered devices will be run simultaneously; if so, more circuits and outlets can be added to accommodate the load. For instance, do you have two teens who are likely to be running hair dryers at the same time? Do they also need a curling iron or hair straightener plugged-in and heating up while they're drying their hair? Plant your outlets accordingly.
2. Where will devices with cords need to reach?
A pet peeve of mine are hotels that place outlets where the hair dryer can't reach the mirror. Don't make the same mistake in your bathroom. Consider how and where you operate each cord-dependent appliance, and place outlets at their point of use. For some this will center around the mirror. For others, sink location is key. It's also important to locate the power so cords don't drape dangerously across water sources.
Do you share a bathroom? Locate outlets near each user to keep battles over outlet real estate to a minimum.
Above: Designer Michaela Scherrer, a member of the Remodelista Architect/Design Directory, equipped this LA bathroom with a vintage schoolhouse sink, bicycle tire mirrors, and an unapologetic utilitarian outlet. Photograph by Andrew French.
3. Do you have bathroom appliances that charge while not in use?
Toothbrushes, shavers, and electric skin cleaners are a few items that work cord-free but require outlets to charge while not in use. Consider placing power sources inside appliance storage areas to keep your counter clutter-free. Outlets can be installed inside cabinets and drawers, and on shelves.
Above: Remodelista editor in chief Julie Carlson's favorite detail in her custom medicine cabinet is its built-in niche for an electric toothbrush. Some prefab medicine cabinets come with outlets, such as the Robern Mirrored Medicine Cabinet; $470 at Amazon. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.
Above: A storage nook is thoughtfully detailed with an outlet design by Klopf Architecture, in San Francisco.
4. How tall are you?
While code dictates distances from the sink, it offers flexibility on the height of outlet placement. To avoid deep-knee bends as part of your morning bathroom routine, position outlets in spots that make the act of plugging and unplugging comfortable.
5. Do you use phones and tablets in the bathroom?
Bathrooms may be largely tech-free but not for much longer. As iPads replace magazines, and smartphones replace shelf music systems, charging electronics in the bathroom is a reality. Plan accordingly.
Above: An outlet is strategically-placed below a toilet-side magazine rack in a San Francisco bath by Klopf Architecture.
Plan with aesthetics in mind
Small details have a large impact in bathrooms. When planning outlet placement, there are three paths to take: conceal, camouflage, or complement. In bathrooms, sometimes all three routes are taken.
Conceal
Hiding outlets doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require advance planning. With space in short supply, the best solutions pair power with storage by placing outlets in medicine cabinets, drawers, and cabinets.
Above: Outlets installed at the back of bathroom drawers are convenient for hidden hair-dryer power. Photograph by Francesca Connolly for Remodelista.
Above: Power outlets can be tucked out of sight under vanity cabinets, a solution often used in kitchens. Photograph via Haptic Architects.
Above: Power strips installed in cabinets are perfect for charging and using bathroom appliances. Photograph via Kohler.
Camouflage
Outlets that fade into the background reduce visual clutter and improve the overall look of the bathroom. The first line of defense is to color-match outlets to the walls they're on. Other tactics: Lay outlets on the horizontal or run them with the grout lines in tiled backsplashes to minimize their profile. Also consider Flush Outlets that are barely noticeable when not in use.
Above: Loading Dock 5 Architects of New York City specked a mirrored outlet cover that integrates the power source into the bathroom mirror in their Broome Street Loft design.
Above: Placed for convenience, a white outlet is oriented horizontally to fit the flow of the tile in the bathroom of a Brooklyn brownstone renovated by Elizabeth Roberts, a member of the Remodelista Architect/Design Directory. See A Brownstone in Brooklyn, Reborn to tour the whole project. Photograph by Sean Slattery
Complement
Another approach is to highlight electrical outlets, using them as a design element in the space.
Above: Black vintage-style Push-Button Light Switches pair with outlets in a small bathroom by Jessica Helgerson Design, in Portland, Oregon. Photograph by Lincoln Barbour.
Not remodeling soon? There are ways to reduce outlet blight. See 10 Easy Pieces: Switch Plate Covers and Switch Up Your Switch Plates for ideas.
Read all of our electric outlet primers:
Remodeling 101: Where to Locate Electrical Outlets, Kitchen Edition
Remodeling 101: Where to Locate Electrical Outlets, Living Room Edition
Remodeling 101: Flush Electrical Outlets
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