Electrical Outlets Floor Height

The average height for outlets is 12 inches from the floor to the center of the outlet box.

Electrical outlets floor height. California also sets a maximum height 48 inches to the top of the box the same as required by the ada. Add 2x4 blocks to position boxes away from wide window and door trim. Requirements of bs 7671. Use letters and symbols to identify boxes.

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. Bs 7671 requires that a socket outlet on a wall or similar structure is mounted at a sufficient height above the floor or any working surface to minimize the risk of mechanical damage to the socket outlet or to an associated plug and flexible cord during insertion use or withdrawal of the plug regulation 553 1 6 refers. The national electric code doesn t establish a minimum standard outlet height in the basement or in any other part of the house but the rule of thumb followed by most electricians is to place the outlets 16 to 18 inches above the floor. Actually i see electricians putting the receptacles at 36 48 for reasons of easy access also a practice not a.

Imo the origin of the 18 minimum electrical receptacle height above the floor in residential garages is the same reason we elevate heating appliances. 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. 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. Mark the height from the floor to the center of the boxes usually 48 in.

For switches and 12 in. If the floor is unfinished add the thickness of the floor. For outlets or line them up with existing boxes to determine electrical outlet height. 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.

Measure 48 inches from the floor with a tape measure and make a mark on the wall or the stud for the center of the box using a pencil. Some states such as california require this minimum height. Avoiding blowing up vehicle gasoline fumes presumably collected at floor level.