Whether you’re renovating or building from scratch, understanding the basics of wiring a bathroom can save you time and money. This is why we’re here to offer some tips.
From outlets to proper switch box placement, this guide will cover 9 essential tips to ensure your bathroom wiring meets code requirements and provides the convenience you need in this important space.
9 Tips for Wiring a Bathroom
Let’s get into 9 tips for wiring a bathroom that can give you some direction and guidance. Keep in mind, though, it’s always best to consult with a professional electrician before starting any wiring projects on your own.
1. Always Check the Walls
You never know exactly what’s behind the walls until you check. It’s important to investigate your existing electrical, especially if you have an older home or have had many renovations.
2. Avoid Using Old Wiring for High-Amperage Devices
Old knobs and tubes are really dangerous to add new devices to, especially if you’re doing something like a new outlet. For example, hairdryers use a lot of amperage, so you don’t want to be using old wiring for that.
3. Use a Three-Switch Setup in Bathrooms
The common setup when wiring a bathroom is a three-switch box. Try having your fan on a separate circuit, a separate switch for the vanity light, and a recessed light above your tub or shower on its own switch.
4. Choose Appropriate Electrical Box Sizes
Make sure to be mindful of the depth of your electrical boxes. It makes it easier if you want to do a timer or dimmer switch. Those things take up a lot of volume.
5. Use Staples To Hold Wires in Place
Staple packaging will tell you what wires they’re rated for. Some building codes require you to have a staple every five feet.
The point of having staples is to keep your wires in place during the drywall installation. Remember, you never get your wire in front of your stud before the drywall. If you don’t use staples, you’ll see how flimsy the cabling will be.
6. Standard Switch Box Height
Typically, the standard switch box height is 52 inches from the floor to the bottom of your box. But to make sure, you can also reference the rest of the house, so it’s all the same. Most of the time it is between 50 and 52 inches for a switch box.
7. Consider Trim Placement for Switch Boxes
When wiring switch boxes in the bathroom, be mindful of where trims or moldings will go. Avoid placing switch boxes too close to these elements, as it can make installing faceplates challenging or create awkward gaps.
Plan the wiring layout to ensure switches and outlets have enough space around them, making the finished installation look clean and professional.
8. Plan Outlet and Switch Heights with Tile Work
If you’re doing tiled wainscoting, check the boxes and switches that’ll be affected. You don’t want your outlet chopped off or halved. Either it’s going to be in the tile work, or it’s going to be all of the tile work. It’s better just to be higher and above the tile work rather than in it.
9. Use Proper Wire Gauge and Amperage for Power Supply
Use a 15-amp line with 14/2 wire for your power supply to the switches, and if your existing lighting circuit isn’t knob and tube, you can use that as well. However, it’s highly recommended to run a new 20-amp line for your GFI outlets, especially if you’re powering heating elements.
Get Help Wiring a Bathroom from Oak Electric
Remember, wiring a bathroom can be dangerous if done wrong. This is just a starting point, and it’s always best to consult a pro for electrical projects—even if you understand these tips for wiring a bathroom. For expert bathroom wiring services, contact us at Oak Electric.
Our licensed electricians ensure your bathroom is safe, up to code, and perfectly suited to your needs.