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Monday, December 26, 2016
Question:
Re: CQD answer published Monday, December 19, 2016 -Bathroom
Hi Charlie, regarding the panel in the basement bathroom where more than 6 feet away from any plumbing fixtures. If there were no walls or curtain dividers surrounding the fixtures, just in open view. Would a whole basement without any rooms be considered a Bathroom?
Jerry Peruski
A
Answer:
Hey Jerry thanks for your question but that image seems like a lack of privacy. The term "bathroom" is defined in Article 100 as an area with a basin and at least one other plumbing fixture. It is not limited to a room because in some locations such as in hotels the bathtub and toilet are in a separate "room" from the sink. Even though the basin is not in the same room as the other plumbing fixtures it is likely to be used in the same way regarding personal grooming appliances so requiring receptacle GFCI protection as stated in 210.8(B)(1) makes sense.
Looking at it from a different perspective as your question asks - how far the area that is considered a bathroom extends is not described. It is up to the AHJ to make the determination. I would not consider the entire basement a bathroom unless it was all used as a litter box.