The definition of the term “bathroom” is important because NFPA 70 has requirements that impact this room. The key attributes of a room that makes it a bathroom are that the room must include a sink and at least one of the following:
- Toilet
- Tub
- Shower
- bidet
- Similar plumbing fixtures
Changes have occurred over the years with the most recent occurring during the NEC 2023 cycle where The term “basin” was removed from the parenthesis. “Sink (basin)” was changed to just “sink” to align with the definition of kitchen and for consistent use of the term “sink”.
Identifying a bathroom may not be as easy as it sounds. We may call small bathrooms words like “powder room” or “half bath” or many other terms. Rest assured they are indeed bathrooms if they have at least a sink plus one of the items on the list above. But what about the image here where the commode is arguably in a separate room?
Related NEC Requirements
The following sections of NFPA 70 incluce requirements that reference this room:
100 Habitable Room
210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel
210.11 Branch Circuits Required
210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection
210.23 Permissible Loads, Multiple-Outlet Branch Circuits
210.52 Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets
210.70 Lighting Outlets Required
240.24 Location In or On Premises
404.2 Switch Connections
422.18 Ceiling-Suspended (Paddle) Fans
424.44 Installation of Cables in Concrete or Poured Masonry Floors
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