New York State Master Electrician Practice Exam

Why is track lighting with outlets not allowed in a bathroom?

1. Track lighting requires too much power

2. Track lighting is not energy-efficient

3. Track lighting has receptacle

4. Track lighting can cause electrical shorts

The correct answer is: Track lighting has receptacle

Track lighting with outlets is not permitted in bathrooms primarily because it poses safety risks associated with the use of receptacles in areas that can be exposed to water. Bathrooms are considered wet or damp locations, which come with stricter requirements regarding electrical installations to minimize the risk of shock or fire hazards. The presence of receptacles on track lighting increases the likelihood of connecting appliances and devices that may not be suitably rated for high moisture environments. This poses a significant risk of electrical shock, especially if the outlets are not protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI), which are specifically required in bathroom installations. By understanding this context, one can appreciate the safety considerations that underlie electrical codes and regulations governing lighting and outlet installations in sensitive areas like bathrooms.