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Bathroom Circuit — Wire Size & Circuit Requirements

Bathroom receptacles require at least one dedicated 20A GFCI-protected circuit. This circuit may serve multiple bathrooms but cannot serve other rooms.

Wire Size
12 AWG
Breaker
20A GFCI
Voltage
120V
Typical Draw
12A

Wiring Specifications

Recommended wire12/2 NM-B with ground
Breaker20A GFCI
Voltage120V
Typical amperage12A
Circuit amperage20A
NEC referenceNEC 210.11(C)(3)
Max recommended distance50 feet (without voltage drop concerns)

Important Notes

GFCI protection is mandatory for all bathroom receptacles. The circuit can be GFCI protected at the breaker or at the first receptacle.

Related

12 AWG specifications → Wire size for 20A circuits → Wire size calculator → All appliance guides →