Electrical Outlets How High Off The Floor

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.

Electrical outlets how high off the floor. Local and national electrical codes must be applied as required for the project. 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. Add 2x4 blocks to position boxes away from wide window and door trim. 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.

Use letters and symbols to identify boxes. 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. However your local electrical code is the ultimate voice with these matters. As a result heights are often a matter of convention or preference.

In the garage electrical outlets should be 18 or more above floor level is this a personal recommendation based on your own knowledge regarding the potential for arcing sparking at receptacle outlets under certain conditions or do you have a specific nec or other authoritative regulatory document. For outlets or line them up with existing boxes to determine electrical outlet height. Mark the height from the floor to the center of the boxes usually 48 in. The national electric code nec now requires a minimum of two exterior receptacles for a home located at the front and back and usually on the wall of the house and they must be gfci protected for shock prevention and have an in use or weatherproof cover.

For switches and 12 in. If you haven t installed the flooring yet be sure to add the thickness to the height measurement.