Is it permissible to install a service disconnecting means in bathrooms?

In the National Electrical Code (NEC), the installation of a service disconnecting means in bathroom areas is generally prohibited due to safety concerns. Bathrooms are classified as wet locations because they contain water sources such as sinks and tubs, which increase the risk of electrical shock. The NEC aims to enhance safety by limiting the placement of electrical equipment in areas where moisture can create hazardous conditions.

The code emphasizes the need to restrict access to service disconnects in places where they might be inadvertently activated by someone in a wet or cramped environment, or where they could contribute to an unsafe situation due to the presence of moisture. Keeping these disconnects out of bathrooms helps to ensure that they remain safe and functional, minimizing the risk of accidents related to electrical shock or equipment malfunction.

The other options suggest various levels of permissibility, but they do not align with the strict safety guidelines provided by the NEC regarding the risk factors associated with water and electricity. As such, the definitive stance is that a service disconnecting means should not be installed in bathrooms to prioritize safety in electrical installations.