What is the proper height to mount a switch or receptacle?

Answer 1

for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz power supply service.The NEC specifies the NECA-1 standard for general practices. NECA-1 lists typical mounting heights of different devices. This specification is not currently enforceable, but if you want standard heights, here you go:

Wall Switches: 48" / Receptacle Outlets (general): 18"

Receptacle Outlets (kitchen, utility room, etc) 42" or 6" above countertop

Telephone Outlets: 18" / Wall Intercom Stations: 48" / Wall Lighting Outlets: 84"

Thermostats: 48" / Bed Lights: 72"

There are more, but mostly used in commercial work.

All heights are from the top of the finish floor to center of box.

Other answers

A typical height is 18" off the floor. However you can generally put them at any height you think would be most convienient. Keep in mind, however, if they are significantly different then normal it may cause your house to be harder to sell in the future.

I don't know of any building codes that specify a height but you should check by calling your town building department, just in case.

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Your city building inspector can answer that one and you also need to know where the electrical outlets need to go. Almost all cities and towns adopt a uniform building code so I'd do an on line search for it. If you find the requirements for New York City they are probably the same as in Small Town USA.

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In USA 12" to the center of the outlet is typical for most applications. Basement, laundry and utility rooms 3-6". 4'-0" in bathrooms and garages.

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There is no height rule for receptacles in USA

Receptacle height is a matter of personal taste and practice.

General area receptacles in residences are commonly 12", 16" and 18" center, vertical installation. Older homes with existing devices in baseboard can be matched. Floor receptacles are allowed.

Answer for countries in Europe and other world areas running a 50 Hz power supply service.In the UK, in a new house it is a requirement to install light switches no higher than 1200 mm from floor level. For an extension they should be no higher than in the existing house.

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As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.

Before you do any work yourself,

on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,

always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

Answer 2

In the Canadian Electrical Code there is no provision for a set height of switches or receptacles. It is left to the installer and the customer to agree on a specific height. The rule of thumb is 300 mm (12") from the floor to the center of the box for wall receptacles and 1200 mm (48") from the floor to the center of the wall switch.

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Answer for UK

According to the On-Site Guide supplement to BS 7671:2008 IEE Wiring Regulations, the Building Regulations now require switches and socket-outlets to be installed so that all persons, including those whose reach is limited, can easily use them. To satisfy this requirement, all switches, socket-outlets, and other controls throughout a dwelling should be installed in accessible positions at a height between 450 mm and 1200 mm from the finished floor level.

Answer 3

In the USA there are no specific height requirements for switches based on electrical codes 48" above the floor is common. Switches used for unusual items (not lighting) are often mounted higher than the lighting switches, such as the boiler shutoff. If ADA applies to that occupancy there may be a lower height requirement because of potential wheelchair use.

Answer 4

NEC dictates that the switch not be more than 6'7" from the finished floor. Normal is 48" from finished floor to the bottom of the box, but it's better to keep it consistent throughout the house.

Answer 5

12 inches to the top of the box from the floor.