Electrical Code Outlet Height From Floor

For example section 1136a of the california building code specifies that the minimum height of an outlet be 15 inches from the bottom of the electrical box to the floor.
Electrical code outlet height from floor. The national electrical code nec doesn t say much about the proper height of an electrical outlet above the kitchen floor or any floor for that matter. There is no danger to installing 15 amp outlet receptacles on a 20 amp circuit in fact this is the standard practice but under no circumstances should a 20 amp receptacle be installed on a 15 amp circuit. The average height for outlets is 12 inches from the floor to the center of the outlet box. 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.
California also sets a maximum height 48 inches to the top of the box the same as required by the ada. Garage electrical outlet location. 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. Some outlets may need to be lower to accommodate particular fixtures such as a freezer or baseboard heater.
The standard height for wall outlet boxes is about 12 inches from the top of the floor covering to the bottom of the receptacle box or 16 inches to the top of the box. The codes shown are examples only and may not be current or accurate for your application or jurisdiction. In the garage electrical outlets should be 18 or more above floor level. For example in canada the center of the receptacle box must be at least 14 inches above the floor and in california the bottom of the box must be at least 15 inches above the floor.
Electrical code citation for electrical outlet height in garages jan 6 2015 kevin o hornett said. 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. 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. A 20 amp receptacle is designed to accept the special plug on heavier use appliances and if such an appliance plugs into a 15 amp circuit there is a danger of drawing too much power and.
Imo the origin of the 18 minimum electrical receptacle height above the floor in residential garages is the.