# Adding an electric outlet to an existing circuit. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 20, 2019, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684 "2019-11-20T02:20:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/1 "2019-11-20T02:20:02Z")
Yes, I’m going to hire an electrician. I’m just looking for advice in advance of hiring him. I’d like to have an electric outlet installed in my bathroom on a wall that currently has no outlets on it. I’m doing this so that I can mount a tv on the wall and watch it while in the tub. Obviously the outlet will have to be GFCI. The wall is tiled. On the other side of the wall, in my bedroom, there is an existing outlet near floor level. It is roughly the distance from the wall that I want my new outlet to be. How difficult will it be to tap into this circuit and add an additional outlet? What all do I need to consider and what should I ask my electrician? Any thoughts or ideas are appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/2 "2019-11-20T02:32:00Z")
How difficult is it to tap into that outlet. If it’s in the same stud bay, it’s about zero difficult. The electrician will cut the tile where you want the outlet, as well as whatever is behind it to get into the wall. Open up the outlet in the bedroom, run a wire from one box to the other and make the connections. If that’s all he’s doing, it’s a quick job. If the two outlets aren’t in the same bay, he’s got to get from one to the other which can be a small headache or a big headache depending on the obstacles he encounters on the way there Having said that, I’d have to check the NEC, but that might not be up to code. I don’t remember off the top of my head, but I’m not sure a bathroom can have an outlet that’s shared with another room. I could be wrong, it could be that as long as you have one outlet on it’s own breaker, you’re okay. As for what you should talk to him about beforehand, nothing really, it’s a pretty straight forward job. In my house I did almost exactly the same thing. I installed an outlet in my bedroom for a TV and grabbed power from the bathroom outlet on the other side of the wall. The entire project probably took less than an hour. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/3 "2019-11-20T03:32:28Z")
Where is the TV going to get its signal? May want to consider a box that can also handle a coax cable. They are made to keep the AC and low voltage/cable safely separate. > **[Arlington Industries Arlington LVDR2 2-Gang Combo Electrical/Low-Voltage Box,...](https://www.amazon.com/Arlington-2-Gang-Electrical-Low-Voltage-1-Pack/dp/B0069KOJ48)** > > Buy Arlington Industries Arlington LVDR2 2-Gang Combo Electrical/Low-Voltage Box, Black, 1-Pack at Amazon. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision! ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/4 "2019-11-20T03:42:31Z")
> [@GaryM](#): > > Where is the TV going to get its signal? May want to consider a box that can also handle a coax cable. They are made to keep the AC and low voltage/cable safely separate. > > [https://www.amazon.com/Arlington-2-Gang-Electrical-Low-Voltage-1-Pack/dp/B0069KOJ48](https://www.amazon.com/Arlington-2-Gang-Electrical-Low-Voltage-1-Pack/dp/B0069KOJ48) My plan is to buy a small Vizio tv with built-in Chromecast similar to the large one I have in the living room. No additional wiring should be required. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/5 "2019-11-20T04:02:17Z")
Good to have a plan. Sometimes we forget simple stuff. ---
**Author:** ![SamuelA](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c77e96/32.png) [@SamuelA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SamuelA)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/6 "2019-11-20T04:56:32Z")
I would just buy a GFCI outlet and do this myself. This is ridiculously easy. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 8:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/7 "2019-11-20T08:44:12Z")
Code does limit the number of outlets on a circuit. It’s unlikely that will be a problem unless someone has tapped into the circuit before. It is a simple job adding an outlet to a circuit. Shouldn’t take an electrician more than a hour. ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/8 "2019-11-20T12:34:49Z")
I just did something similar in my place. I ran a dedicated new circuit. Not for code reasons. Because bathroom outlets are frequently used for hair dryers. Some which are 1500 watts+. I didn’t want to deal with tripping breakers. If you are using it for a TV that won’t be an issue. But I wanted to mention it for others that might be considering it. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/9 "2019-11-20T13:19:57Z")
Before wasting your time or the electrician’s first do a simple check: are bathroom outlets allowed in your locale? I had the “pleasure” of living in a city that didn’t allow them. Even the light switches were on the outside of the bathroom. (Such laws of course mean that people jerry-rig power outlets into the bathroom which is less-than-safe.) ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/10 "2019-11-20T14:03:53Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > Before wasting your time or the electrician’s first do a simple check: are bathroom outlets allowed in your locale? > > I had the “pleasure” of living in a city that didn’t allow them. Even the light switches were on the outside of the bathroom. > > (Such laws of course mean that people jerry-rig power outlets into the bathroom which is less-than-safe.) Wow. Never heard of that. The bathroom, including the master closet, has 6 light switches and at least 4 outlets. But I’m in Oklahoma where we don’t let the gu’mint tell us how to burn down our houses. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/11 "2019-11-20T14:40:34Z")
Outlets are essential in bathrooms for razors, hair dryers, lighted mirrors etc. I’ve never heard of any restrictions except GFCI and they can’t be close to the tub or shower. Apparently there are places that handle their code differently. ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/12 "2019-11-20T15:00:56Z")
I’ve read in the NEC code that a plug needs to be 6 feet from the tub. Is this measured on a straight line or down the wall and to the edge of the tub? ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/13 "2019-11-20T15:23:04Z")
I understand it to mean measured horizontally along the wall. > **[Electrical Code Requirements for Bathrooms](https://www.thespruce.com/easily-wire-a-bathroom-1152676)** > > Learn about electrical code requirements for bathrooms, as determined by local jurisdictions or the National Electrical Code (NEC). > [@](#): > > When considering bathroom receptacles, keep correct placement in mind. You should keep the receptacle at least 6 feet away from the edge of a bathtub or shower and at least 1 foot away from sinks. Avoid positioning a receptacle over the center of the sink, where cords hairdryers and electric shavers might hang down into the basin. Receptacles are best positioned a foot or so to the left or right of sink basins. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/14 "2019-11-20T15:35:44Z")
> [@Nars\_Glinley](#): > > I’ve read in the NEC code that a plug needs to be 6 feet from the tub. Is this measured on a straight line or down the wall and to the edge of the tub? Straight line. It basically comes down to, can you stand in the tub and reach the outlet? ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/15 "2019-11-20T15:36:11Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I understand it to mean measured horizontally along the wall. > [Electrical Code Requirements for Bathrooms](https://www.thespruce.com/easily-wire-a-bathroom-1152676) But it my situation, the tub (it’s a spa tub if that makes any difference) does not sit flush again at the wall where I’d like the new plug. There are approximately 2 foot ledges on the “front and back” sides of the tub. Kind of like in this picture but with ledges on both ends. [https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191120/8fbb8163483c76712422a85fb716901a.jpg](https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191120/8fbb8163483c76712422a85fb716901a.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![harmonicamoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/65b543/32.png) [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/16 "2019-11-20T17:25:59Z")
I was an electrician for over 30 years, mostly industrial. I know nothing about tile work. I wouldn’t do this gig. But, I am sure there are electricians that could do it. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/17 "2019-11-20T19:59:16Z")
> [@harmonicamoon](#): > > I was an electrician for over 30 years, mostly industrial. I know nothing about tile work. I wouldn’t do this gig. But, I am sure there are electricians that could do it. Yeah, this is the question to ask. As others have said, installing the outlet is trivially easy. Cutting the tile cleanly could be a challenge. Make sure the contractor has experience with tile work. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/18 "2019-11-20T20:12:29Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Straight line. It basically comes down to, can you stand in the tub and reach the outlet? Sure with my 6’ long arm. Seriously, in my old house the bathroom was only 7’ wide and no point in it was 6’ from the tub. ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/19 "2019-11-20T21:22:16Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Code does limit the number of outlets on a circuit. NEC in the US does not limit the number of outlets on a circuit in a residential setting. Canadian code apparently does. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684/20 "2019-11-20T21:25:17Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > Sure with my 6’ long arm. > > Seriously, in my old house the bathroom was only 7’ wide and no point in it was 6’ from the tub. That’s where you would use a GFCI. Let me glance at the code… 210.8(A) All bathroom outlets and all outlets with in 6 feet of a sink must be GFCI **210.52(D)** Bathrooms must have at least one receptacle within 3 feet of the sink **550.12(E)** Bathrooms. Bathroom receptacle outlets shall be supplied by at least one 20-ampere branch circuit. Such circuits shall have no outlets other than as provided for in 550.13(E)(2). **550.13(D)(9)** At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in bathrooms within 900 mm (36 in.) of the outside edge of each basin. The receptacle outlet shall be located above or adjacent to the basin location. This receptacle shall be in addition to any receptacle that is a part of a luminaire or appliance. The receptacle shall not be enclosed within a bathroom cabinet or vanity. **551.41(C)(1)** Where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces and are within 1.8 m (6 ft) of any lavatory or sink [must be GFCI]. 552.41(F)(1) Shower or Bathtub Space. Receptacle outlets shall not be installed in or within reach [750 mm (30 in.)] of a shower or bathtub space. There’s a lot of overlap in the different sections, but it basically comes down to all outlets in a bathroom have to be GFCI and can’ be within 30 inches of your tub/shower. When it gets really nitpicky, that’s when you have to call your AHJ. In the end, it’s the inspector that decides. And there’s a ton of ambiguity in the code. There’s entire forums on the internet where it seems like all they do is debate this stuff. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-an-electric-outlet-to-an-existing-circuit/843684.md?page=2)