Electrical Outlet Height From Floor Code

Garage electrical outlet location.

Electrical outlet height from floor code. Most local residential electrical codes are based on the nec the national electrical code a model code that provides guidelines on which local communities can model their own residential codes. Remodeling and upgrading home electrical wiring when upgrading home electrical wiring or remodeling the actual height can be adjusted so the elevations of the switches and outlets will match other existing outlets and switches. Electrical receptacle outlets on branch circuits of 30 amperes or less and communication system receptacles shall be located no more than 48 inches 1219 mm measured from the top of the receptacle outlet box nor less than 15 inches 381 mm measured from the bottom of the receptacle outlet box to the level of the finished floor or working platform. Although the national electrical code nec has many very precise regulations for most aspects of residential wiring it does not specify one height for standard wall outlets receptacles or for light switches.

The national electrical code defines a wet location as an area that is subject to saturation with water or other liquids and unprotected locations exposed to the weather. A common height for a wall outlet is between 12 to 18 inches aff above finish floor. If you haven t installed the flooring yet be sure to add the thickness to the height measurement. The national electrical code does not have any specific height requirement although it may recommend particular heights depending upon whether you are fitting a commercial or residential outlet.

For convenience outlets such as those fitted in the kitchen you will find that these are around 42 inches in height or over the surface of your work tops. Some states such as california require this minimum height. Electrical code and box heights. In rare instances outlets are still installed in baseboards and in the floor with proper box covers.

The distance is measured from the middle of the electrical box to the floor so if you re using a standard 4 inch box its top can be 17 or 50 inches above the finished floor. The national electric code has another definition for damp locations that is more subjective but if you think the receptacle is going to get wet use an in use cover. Electrical code citation for electrical outlet height in garages jan 6 2015 kevin o hornett said. In the garage electrical outlets should be 18 or more above floor level.

As a result heights are often a matter of convention or preference. The average height for outlets is 12 inches from the floor to the center of the outlet box.