Bathrooms: where outlets, switches and heating go under the Code

The distances in one table

Outlets

The sink outlet

In bathrooms and powder rooms, an outlet must be installed within 1 m of the sink. It must also be at least 1 m from the tub or shower; if that’s impossible, the distance can be reduced, but not below 500 mm.

GFCI

Any ordinary outlet (5-15R and 5-20R) within 1.5 m of a sink, tub or shower is protected by a Class A GFCI. An outlet behind an appliance, such as a washer in a bathroom with laundry, doesn’t need it if its location makes it inaccessible for a portable appliance.

Switches

A light switch goes at least 1 m from the tub or shower. If that’s impossible, it stays inside the room and is protected by a Class A GFCI. Never inside the perimeter of the tub or shower.

Since the 2026 Code, every switch location controlling a fixed light fixture also has a neutral conductor: an electronic dimmer, an occupancy sensor or a smart switch can be added later without rewiring.

Heating: more flexible under the 2026 Code

The thermostat

• It goes at least 1 m from the tub or shower, measured horizontally without going through a wall.
• Closer is allowed inside the room (never within the perimeter) if it is protected by a Class A GFCI or supplied by a Class 2 extra-low-voltage circuit.
• The old 500 mm minimum is gone, and the sink no longer applies to the control: according to the RBQ, several electronic or smart thermostats didn’t work well with GFCIs.

How to measure the 1 m

According to the RBQ, you measure from the inside of the shell of the tub or shower: that’s the limit a person reaching out can get to. On a podium tub, the wide ledge therefore counts toward the 1 m. The same measurement applies to heaters and switches.

The heater

A heater installed less than 1.8 m above the floor must not be within 1 m of a sink, tub or shower, unless it is protected by a Class A GFCI.

Light fixtures

• In a damp or wet location, the fixture must be approved for that location and marked accordingly.
• A recessed fixture in contact with insulation or combustible materials must be approved for that use, IC-rated.

Whirlpool tubs

For a whirlpool tub, therapeutic tubs included:

• its electrical equipment is protected by a Class A GFCI;
• that GFCI is placed where it can easily be tested, at least 1.5 m from the tub, unless it is part of an approved factory-built tub and sits behind a screen;
• its controls are in the room, with an on-off switch behind a screen or at least 1 m from the tub wall, unless they are part of the approved tub.

For a hot tub or a pool, the distances are greater: see our hot tub and pool guide.

Heated floors and fans

Each has its place in the circuit plan: plan them before the tile and drywall, with the rest of the bathroom, and check for space in the panel.

The steps of a bathroom renovation

1. The plan: we place outlets, switches, thermostat and fixtures according to where the sink, tub and shower go.
2. The wiring: walls open, before the tile and drywall.
3. The finishing: devices, cover plates and GFCI tests, once the tile is in.

According to the RBQ, this work must be done by a licensed contractor, even in your own home.

With LTE Électrique

• We place outlets, switches and the thermostat with you, according to your bathroom layout, before the walls are closed.
• Free estimate within 24 hours; price announced in advance, fixed or hourly depending on the project; anything unexpected is done only with your approval.
• Drop cloths, shoe covers and a clean site.
• 2-year labour warranty.