Is It Safe to Build a Shower Next to a Breaker Box?

Water

• Water is the main safety issue with a breaker box near a shower. If water from the shower splashes into the breaker box, it could cause the box to short out or cause other electrical damage to the box. If the box is damaged, it could affect the electricity within the house. Lights or appliances might not work or might short out more often as a result of a faulty breaker box.

Rust

• Water from the shower can also leak or splash in or around the breaker box and cause rust. Over time, rust can spread and damage the breaker box. This can also affect electricity throughout the house. Rusty or damaged breaker boxes are safety concerns and could be fire hazards as well, depending on their condition.

Electrical Danger

• Everyone knows that water and live electrical currents do not mix. You do not bring electrical appliances into the bath when they are plugged in or touch electrical outlets with wet hands because you might get electrocuted or shocked. Similarly, you should not build a shower near a breaker box because a wet box can hurt or even kill you. The impurities in water, such as salt and dust, are conductors of electricity.

Alternative Solutions

• It is possible to move a breaker box if necessary. However, it might be easier to simply alter your remodel or construction plans and move the shower location away from the breaker box. If plumbing or some other circumstance prohibits you from installing a shower elsewhere, then consider moving the breaker box to another location or at least further away from the shower so water and shower residue cannot reach the breaker box.