How many GFCI outlets are required in a bathroom according to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code?

All receptacles (outlets) in a bathroom must have GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection according to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code — there is no minimum number specified, but every single outlet in the bathroom must be GFCI-protected. The code doesn't mandate how many outlets you must install, but it absolutely requires that any outlet present in a bathroom is protected.

This is one of the most important safety requirements in any GTA bathroom renovation, and it's non-negotiable. GFCI protection detects imbalances in electrical current — as small as 5 milliamps — and shuts off power within milliseconds, preventing electrocution in the wet bathroom environment. Given that bathrooms combine water, electricity, and bare skin, this protection literally saves lives.

What the Code Actually Requires

The Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC), which incorporates the Canadian Electrical Code with Ontario-specific amendments, requires GFCI protection for all receptacles installed within 1.5 metres of a sink, bathtub, or shower. In practice, since bathrooms are compact spaces — especially the typical 5x8-foot bathrooms found throughout Toronto's post-war housing stock and GTA condos — this means every outlet in the room requires GFCI protection.

GFCI protection can be provided in two ways: a GFCI receptacle (the outlet with the test and reset buttons built in) installed at each location, or a GFCI circuit breaker in your electrical panel that protects the entire circuit. Both methods are code-compliant. Many GTA electricians prefer GFCI breakers for bathroom circuits because they protect the entire circuit including wiring, not just the individual outlet, and they eliminate the need for test/reset buttons at each receptacle location.

How Many Outlets Should You Plan For?

While the code doesn't specify a minimum number, practical bathroom design in the GTA typically calls for 2–4 outlets depending on the bathroom size and layout. At minimum, plan for one duplex outlet adjacent to the vanity for hair dryers, electric shavers, electric toothbrushes, and other grooming appliances. For a double vanity — common in master ensuites across Vaughan, Oakville, Markham, and Richmond Hill — install an outlet on each side.

If you're installing a bidet seat (increasingly popular in GTA bathroom renovations), you'll need a dedicated outlet behind or beside the toilet. Electronic bidet seats from brands like TOTO and Brondell require a standard 120V, 15-amp GFCI-protected outlet within cord reach of the toilet — typically within 3–4 feet. Plan this outlet location during the rough-in phase, as adding it after the walls are finished is far more expensive.

For heated towel bars, plug-in vanity mirrors, or other bathroom appliances, additional outlets may be warranted. Your electrician can advise on circuit capacity — the OESC requires bathroom receptacle circuits to be dedicated 20-amp circuits that do not serve any other room in the house.

Existing Bathrooms — Are You Protected?

If your GTA home was built before the mid-1970s, there's a strong possibility that your bathroom outlets are not GFCI-protected, as this requirement was introduced later. While the code doesn't retroactively require upgrades to existing outlets, a bathroom renovation that includes any electrical work triggers the requirement to bring the entire bathroom's electrical up to current code. This is one of the most important safety upgrades in any bathroom renovation.

A licensed electrician can install GFCI protection on existing bathroom circuits for $150–$400 — a small investment for a critical safety feature. All electrical work in Ontario must be performed by a licensed electrician and inspected by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) before being concealed behind walls.

During your bathroom renovation, ensure your contractor coordinates electrical rough-in and ESA inspection timing with the overall project schedule. Find local bathroom renovation contractors through the Toronto Construction Network to ensure your electrical work is done safely and to code.