What must replace a two-wire receptacle in a bathroom when no grounding conductor is available?

A two-wire receptacle in a bathroom must be replaced with a GFCI protected receptacle when no grounding conductor is available. This is because GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) devices provide protection against electrical shock by monitoring the current flow and using a trip mechanism to cut off power if any imbalance is detected.

In environments like bathrooms, where the risk of electrical shock is higher due to the presence of water, using a GFCI is crucial for safety. Even in the absence of a grounding conductor, GFCIs can be installed and will still provide an important layer of protection.

Using a standard receptacle would not offer the necessary safety features required in a potentially wet location, and while a weatherproof receptacle is important for outdoor use, it does not inherently provide ground fault protection. Ground-fault circuit interrupters specifically address the concern of electrical shock by ensuring the circuit disconnects in harmful situations, making it the appropriate choice in this scenario.