Fact check: Does the national electrical code allow floor heat in a residential bathroom to be installed on a dedicated 120 volt 20 amp individual circuit for one bathroom?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, the National Electrical Code (NEC) does allow floor heat in a residential bathroom to be installed on a dedicated 120-volt 20-amp individual circuit. The key findings are:

• A dedicated 20-amp branch circuit can feed all receptacles in a single bathroom, including both countertop and floor receptacles, as long as all receptacles are GFCI protected ^[1]
• The NEC requires GFCI protection for all 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles in bathrooms, and specifically mandates a dedicated 20-amp circuit for bathroom receptacles ^[2]
• All bathroom receptacles must have GFCI protection and be served by a 20-amp circuit ^[3]

The analyses confirm that radiant floor heating systems require dedicated circuits for proper installation ^[4], which aligns with the NEC requirements for bathroom electrical installations.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several important technical considerations:

• Specific wattage requirements for the floor heating system are not addressed - different heating systems may have varying power demands that could affect circuit sizing
• Installation method details are missing - the analyses don't specify whether the floor heat would be hardwired or plug-in, which affects code compliance ^[4]
• Load calculations are not discussed - while a 20-amp circuit is allowed, the actual heating load must be calculated to ensure it doesn't exceed circuit capacity
• GFCI protection requirements are mentioned for receptacles but the analyses don't specifically address whether hardwired floor heating systems require GFCI protection ^{[2] [5]}
• Local code variations - the analyses focus on national code but don't mention that local jurisdictions may have additional requirements

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains no apparent misinformation or bias. It asks a straightforward technical question about NEC compliance for a specific electrical installation scenario. The question appropriately:

• Specifies the voltage (120V) and amperage (20A) requirements
• Identifies it as a dedicated individual circuit
• Clarifies the application (residential bathroom floor heat)
• Asks specifically about NEC allowance rather than making assumptions

The question demonstrates proper technical awareness by asking about code compliance before installation, which is the appropriate approach for electrical work.