Electrical – Neutral (grounded conductor) for bathroom switch (NEC 404.2(C))

bathroomelectricalwiring

I understand that a grounded conductor (neutral) is not required by code (404.2(C)) for bathroom switches, but is there any reason that I would want to include it – future-proofing, etc.?

I'm going to rewire my bathroom soon (fan with light, vanity, and one GFCI outlet). The home run is in the ceiling, so I'd have to run a traveler to the switches in the walls if I want a neutral at that location.

Best Answer

Your book is faulty -- 404.2(C) may not have required neutrals at bathroom light switches at one point in time, but it certainly does in the current (2014) NEC!

C) Switches Controlling Lighting Loads. The grounded circuit conductor for the controlled lighting circuit shall be provided at the location where switches control lighting loads that are supplied by a grounded general-purpose branch circuit for other than the following:

(4) Where a switch does not serve a habitable room or bathroom