What are the current Ontario electrical code requirements for outlet placement in a bathroom renovation?

Ontario's Electrical Safety Code requires at least one GFCI-protected outlet in every bathroom, and that outlet must be within 1 metre of the sink basin — but there's considerably more to it than that single rule when you're doing a full renovation.

GFCI Protection Is Non-Negotiable

Every outlet in a bathroom must be GFCI-protected, without exception. This applies whether you're installing a single outlet beside the vanity or adding multiple outlets throughout the space. The ground fault circuit interrupter cuts power in milliseconds when it detects current leaking to ground — which is exactly what happens when a hair dryer falls into a sink full of water. You can achieve GFCI protection either by installing a GFCI outlet at the first device on the circuit, which then protects all downstream outlets, or by using a GFCI breaker at the panel that protects the entire circuit. Most GTA electricians use GFCI outlets at the device level for bathroom circuits because it makes troubleshooting easier.

The outlet must be positioned within 1 metre of the outside edge of the sink basin. This isn't a suggestion — it's a hard requirement under the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. The intent is to ensure you have a conveniently located outlet for grooming appliances without having to run cords across the room. In a double-vanity bathroom, you'll typically need an outlet on each side, or one centrally located outlet that falls within 1 metre of both basins — though two outlets is the better practice and what most inspectors expect to see in a double-vanity renovation.

Outlet Placement Restrictions

Just as important as where outlets must go is where they cannot go. No outlet is permitted inside a shower or bathtub enclosure, and outlets must maintain a minimum horizontal distance from the edge of a tub or shower. The OESC prohibits outlets within the "zone" immediately surrounding the tub or shower — generally within 1 metre horizontally and at heights below 2.5 metres above the floor within that zone. This is why you'll never see an outlet on the wall directly beside a freestanding tub.

Outlets must also be installed at a height that keeps them clear of potential water splash. While the code doesn't specify a minimum height for bathroom outlets the way kitchen codes do for countertop outlets, standard practice in the GTA is 900mm to 1,200mm above the finished floor for vanity outlets — high enough to be above the countertop surface and away from water pooling.

The Dedicated Circuit Requirement

A bathroom renovation is also a good time to address circuit loading. The OESC requires that bathroom outlets be supplied by a circuit that serves only bathroom outlets — you cannot share a bathroom outlet circuit with lighting or outlets in other rooms. The minimum is a 15A dedicated circuit, though many GTA electricians install a 20A circuit (12/2 NMD90 wire) for bathroom renovations, which gives you headroom for high-draw appliances like hair dryers (1,800W) and electric shavers running simultaneously.

Bathroom lighting is typically on a separate circuit from the outlets. If you're adding a ventilation fan with a heater element, that fan/heater combination often needs its own dedicated circuit as well, depending on its wattage rating — check the manufacturer's specifications.

Tamper-Resistant Outlets Are Now Required

Under current Ontario code, all new or replaced outlets must be tamper-resistant — these have internal shutters that prevent children from inserting objects into the slots. When you're renovating a bathroom, every outlet you install must be tamper-resistant. The good news is that most quality GFCI outlets sold today are tamper-resistant by default, but confirm this before purchasing. Look for the "TR" marking on the outlet face.

What This Means for Your Renovation

An ESA permit is required for any new outlet installation or circuit work in your bathroom renovation — this is not optional. Your electrician applies for the permit before starting, completes the work, and an ESA inspector verifies compliance. The permit fee for a bathroom renovation typically runs $100–$200 depending on the number of devices and circuits involved. Keep the certificate of inspection permanently — it matters at resale and for insurance purposes.

In older GTA homes — particularly pre-war houses in neighbourhoods like Riverdale, the Annex, or Leslieville — bathroom electrical is often a patchwork of ungrounded two-prong outlets on shared circuits with no GFCI protection whatsoever. A bathroom renovation in these homes almost always requires running a new dedicated circuit from the panel, not just swapping devices.

If you're planning a bathroom renovation and need a licensed electrician to handle the outlet work, Toronto Electrical Repair can match you with local electricians through the Toronto Construction Network — the matching service is completely free. You can also browse electrical professionals directly at torontoconstructionnetwork.com/directory?trade=electrical.