Where are switches not permitted to be installed?

Switches are not permitted to be installed within tub or shower spaces because this area poses a significant risk for electrical shock. The National Electrical Code (NEC) has stringent requirements to ensure safety in locations where water is present due to the increased potential for water contact with electrical devices.

When electrical equipment is installed near water, the risk of moisture seeping into connections or switch mechanisms becomes a crucial concern, prompting codes that specifically restrict the placement of electrical switches in these wet locations. This is particularly important in tubs or showers, where direct water exposure can easily occur, leading to dangerous situations.

In contrast, while switches may have restrictions in other areas, such as kitchens or attics, the presence of water in tub or shower spaces represents a unique and heightened electrical hazard that necessitates these prohibitive rules.