• 406.9 Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations  

This section addresses receptacle installations in Damp or Wet locations.  It is separated into four first-level subdivisions including (A) Damp Locations, (B) Wet Locations, (C) Bathtub and Shower Space, and (D) Flush Mounting with Faceplate.  Receptacles in these locations must meet the requirements to address not only possible shock hazards but also to ensure the installation aligns with the UL standards to which they are listed.  

Receptacles installed in damp locations must have an enclosure for the receptacle that is weatherproof when the receptacle is covered.  When the cover is hinged, the cover must be able to be opened to at least 90 degrees.

Receptacles installed in wet locations must have an enclosure that is weatherproof with and without the attachment plug cap inserted.  The outlet box hood must be listed and be identified as extra-duty. Hinged covers of outlet box hoods must open to at least 90 degrees, or fully open if the cover is not designed to open 90 degrees from the closed to open position, after installation.

Receptacles are not permitted to be installed inside of the tub or shower or within a zone measured 3 ft horizontally from any outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall, including the space outside the bathtub or shower stall space below the zone. This zone also includes the space measured vertically from the floor to 8 ft above the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. 

There are exceptions that are detailed in the National Electrical Code.  Always take care when applying exceptions.

A few changes occurred in this section of the NEC.

1. Hinged covers of outlet box hoods shall be able to open at least 90 degrees, or fully open if the cover is not designed to open 90 degrees from the closed to open position, after installation

2. Receptacles installed in damp or wet locations must be listed as type “WR—weather resistant.” 

3. Clarity was added around the prohibition of receptacles instal⁠led inside of the tub or shower or within a 3 ft. zone measured horizontally from any outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall, including the space outside the bathtub or shower stall space below the zone.  It is now clear that the identified zone is all-encompassing and includes the space directly over the bathtub or shower stall and the space below this zone, but not the space separated by a floor, wall, ceiling, room door, window, or fixed barrier.

A problem was identified by a submitter such that all too often, these covers are installed under a panelboard with a factory 1/2" offset nipple or short nipple which doesn't have the length permitting the cover of the receptacle to fully open. These covers can often be discovered broken and in pieces beside the receptacle. Changes made during the 2023 cycle addresses this by requiring the cover to be able to open to at least 90 degrees on installation.  

Consistency in the application of listed weather resistant type receptacles was added to align all of the contents of this section. 

Changes were made for clarity’s sake which could be considered a change if the requirement was not interpreted as intended.  Changes around the shower or tub are clearer as to the intent to ensure proper interpretation and ultimate application accuracy in the field.