Bathroom Planning Guideline 24—
Electrical Receptacles
Recommended: All ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles should be located at electrical appliance points of use.
Code Requirements:

• At least one GFCI-protected receptacle must be installed within 36 inches of the outside of the lavatory.
• All receptacles must be protected by ground fault circuit interrupters.

Bathroom Planning Guideline 25—
Lighting
Recommended: In addition to general lighting, task lighting should be provided for each functional area in the bathroom (i.e. grooming, showering).
Code Requirement:

• At least one wall-switch-controlled light must be provided. Switch must be placed at the entrance.
• All light fixtures installed within tub and shower spaces should be marked “suitable for damp/wet locations.”
• Hanging fixtures cannot be located within a zone of 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically from the top of the bathtub rim.

Bathroom Planning Guideline 26—
Ventilation
Recommendation: Plan a mechanical exhaust system, vented to the outside, for each enclosed area.
Code Requirement:

• Minimum ventilation for the bathroom is to be a window of at least 3 square feet of which 50 percent is operable or a mechanical ventilation system of at least 50 cubic feet per minute (CFM) ducted to the outside.

• All bathrooms should have an appropriate heat source to maintain a minimum room temperature of 68°F (20°C).