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Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Question:

Hello Charlie, we are seeing more and more lighted mirrors being installed in dwelling unit bathrooms. There are a couple of questions that come up when we install these units. (1)-Would a mirror/light combo mounted on the wall over a bathroom counter, require GFCI protection? (2)-If the mirror/light combo also has a factory installed receptacle built into it, does it require GFCI protection and is it required to be supplied by the 20A separate circuit required for bathroom the bathroom receptacle.

Thanks in advance for your input, Ben Mellows
A

Answer:

Hi Ben, good questions. The NEC® would not require GFCI protection for a light/mirror combination unit. However, if the light/mirror unit can extend into the tub/shower space as defined in 410.10(D), then it must be marked as suitable for damp or wet locations, and if it is subject to shower spray it must be suitable for wet locations. If the light/mirror unit also has a factory installed receptacle, it would could not be used to comply with the bathroom receptacle requirement found in Section 210.52(D)require GFCI protection in accordance with Section 210.8(A), it would not be required to be on a 20A circuit, as Section 210.52(1)

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CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

This correspondence is not a formal interpretation of the NEC® and any responses expressed to the questions are opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of NECA, NFPA, the NEC Correlating Committee any Code-making panel or other electrical technical committee. In addition, this correspondence is neither intended, nor should it be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services. 

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