With the addition of more equipment in the bathroom, especially in larger luxury bathrooms, plan for the wiring needs before walls are finished. Here are a few examples:
• Hard wire electric towel warmers or lighted magnifying mirrors to eliminate dangling cords.
• Incorporate wiring for towel warming drawers, antifogging mirrors, and heated toilet seats.
• Plan individual circuits for electric resistance heaters or electric floor heaters.
• Don’t forget wiring for ceiling heaters and ventilation systems.
• Provide a line, and perhaps an individual circuit, to fixtures such as whirlpool tubs, steam showers, and some toilets and bidets.
• If a laundry area is being incorporated into the bathroom, plan a dedicated circuit for the clothes washer and/or clothes dryer. An electric clothes dryer will need a 240-volt circuit and some European clothes washers may also require a 240-volt circuit for heating water.
• If a television or a sound system is included, outlet receptacles will need to be located for their use as well as speakers that may be part of the system.
Receptacles
It seems that most rooms in the home never have enough receptacles to cover electrical needs, and the bathroom is no exception. Today’s consumers are using an increasing number of appliances and electric devices for grooming and relaxation. In addition to the usual hair dryers and other hair care appliances, many families now have rechargeable appliances, like tooth brushes and shavers that are connected on a continuous basis. Additional dental care equipment or grooming equipment may also be present. Adding extra receptacles where these items are used would be advisable.
Consider including receptacles inside cabinets and on shelves for rechargeable appliances or other equipment like radios and televisions. It may also be a good idea to place a receptacle near the toilet for the possible addition of personal cleansing systems like a bidet or a fluid monitoring device. Some low-flush toilets and those with automated components like a pressure-activated toilet seat or other features may also require electricity.
Evaluate the receptacle needs in other areas of the bathroom (see Figure 7.2). Dressing areas may include space for ironing, clothes steamers, or the new clothes conditioning closets that steam and freshen clothing. Exercise and relaxation areas need receptacles for exercise equipment, video players, stereo systems, and televisions.
