Electrical work authorized by permits issued on or after this date must comply with the 2020 NEC. While it's best to stick to box height standards as much as possible, sometimes boxes may have to be slightly raised or lowered due to circumstances. With a laser level placed on the other side of the room, shoot a line across the entire length of the wall you are working on. 8.Receptacle Outlet Location For Counter Tops. 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. Make sure all outlet boxes are set at exactly the same height, since these outlets will be highly visible. Boxes placed too high or too low can be inconvenient or even inaccessible to disabled or elderly residents. The receptacle located on the ground, in the photo above, is obviously not a … In the kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room, or similar area of a dwelling unit, the two or more 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits required by 2.10.1.11(c)(1) shall serve all wall and floor receptacle outlets covered by 2.10.3.3(a), all countertop outlets covered by 2.10.3.3(c), and receptacle outlets for refrigeration equipment. suggestions. 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. Bore 3/4-inch holes through the framing members about 8 inches above … 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. Check with your local, municipality, and state codes. The standard height for wall switches in most rooms (excluding those over kitchen counters) is 48 inches above the top of the floor covering (measured to the bottom of the box). This receptacle not acceptable if it is the only receptacle provided for the appliance. However, there are a few other tricks you might wish to try to speed up the process: Determine your preferred box height and make a single mark on any stud. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. The following guide includes the Canadian Electrical Code in effect as of February 1, 2019. 3 Fig. 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. This code provides a list of rules and recommendations about electrical work which need to be followed in order to ensure that your home is safe, and meets all of the requirements. As a result, heights are often a matter of convention or preference. Two feet is considered sufficient, and thus an electrical device must be able to be placed against a wall 2 ft. or longer and reach a receptacle. 4 ≤ 12 ft. ≤ 12 ft. ≤ 12 ft. ≤ 18 in. The Ontario Building Code | Outlets in Dwelling Units 9.34.2.2. outlets in Dwelling Units. Drill Holes in the Framing. Balconies, decks and porches that have a usable area under 20 square feet do not have to have an outdoor receptacle. Don't risk your home or, worse, injury to a … What Height Should You Make a Counter Outlet? All information is provided "AS IS." Most modern electronics and appliances come with a 3-prong plug. 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. Local and national electrical codes must be … JUMP TO FULL CODE CHAPTER. It helps to outline both the top and bottom of the wall box on the story pole, to avoid confusion when marking studs. Similar to the requirements in the NEC for 120-volt, 20 amp circuits in the bathroom, laundry and kitchen areas of a dwelling, now one is required for dwelling unit garages. They must also bear GFCI (ground fault circuit interruptor) protection. Electrical codes are constantly updated for safety and as new technology comes along. From any point along a wall line, a receptacle outlet needs to be within reach of a six-foot appliance cord, and that six feet cannot be measured across a passageway. This quick method works best before the floor covering is already installed. The Board of Electricity adopted the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) with an effective date of Nov. 17, 2020. My home still has 2-prong electrical outlets. Set the hammer on the floor with the head down, then set the box on top of the hammer handle, resulting in a roughly 12-inch high outlet height after the floor covering is installed. > 6 ft. The height of the outlet should be high enough to clear the built-in backsplash on the countertop, but no higher than 18 inches from the top of the countertop work surface. Uniformity becomes even more critical when you are pulling rough-surfaced BX armored cable through studs. Work off this line as you place each box or, to preserve batteries, make pencil marks on studs and then shut off the laser level. The flat blades deliver electricity while the 3rd prong is for ground. I have an outlet where the neutral is acting as ground. On countertop outlets, it is standard to install outlet boxes so the tops are between 15 and 20 inches from the countertop surface. Code or best practice for height of electrical outlets above counter? Uniform box heights also help with cutting and placing the insulation in the walls and attaching drywall to the studs. When you are finished with your project, store the pole for later use or recycle it for use as a building material. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Installing Electrical Boxes for Outlets; The average height for outlets is 12 inches from the floor to the center of the outlet box. Receptacle outlet shall be located above, but not more than 20 inches above, the counter top. View our Privacy Policy here. 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. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Make sure to mark the pole clearly. 14" to center of receptacle, above floor, in Canada, higher allowed. Website operating Any variance in height slightly increases the friction on the NM (non-metallic) cable as you fish it through the holes drilled into the studs. There is no minimum or maximum height requirement for a wall receptacle outlet specified in the National Electrical Code (NEC). 139/17, s. 129) Proper Heights for Electrical Wall Switches, How to Run Electrical Wires in a Finished Wall, A Chair Rail Gives Your Home a Classic Look, Old Work Box vs. New for Electrical Wiring. But there is no minimum height requirement and additional receptacles beyond the two required can be higher than the six foot six inches maximum. Based on Skwerl’s research, NYC does not specify a minimum. You may not be able to sell your home in the future if your electrical home improvements do not meet the electrical code. The code, however, provides an exception to this requirement. Recreational outlets, for TVs or computers, will usually be no more than 12 inches off of the floor, and may be considerably less. You need to measure only once—when you first make the story pole. Be sure to check with your city's building department for any specific requirements. When installing an electrical outlet outdoors, the box must be at least 6 1/2 inches above grade, and in garages, they should be 18 inches or more above the floor, as measured from the center of each box. The purpose of this national electric code is to reduce the use of extension cords. The code allows for the installation of electrical outlets inside the cabinets but … That of course is the minimum requirement for living space. At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed at each island peninsular counter space with dimensions greater than 12 inches x 24 inches. 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. When you are installing electrical outlets in your home, you need to be sure that they comply with the electrical code. Code Change Summary: A new code section was added to require a 20 amp circuit for a dwelling unit garage. California also sets a maximum height -- 48 inches to the top of the box -- the same as required by the ADA. A typical floor lamp, alarm clock, television, tabletop lamp, and so forth has about a 6-ft.- long fixture cord. Most 16-ounce hammers are about 13 inches long. Setting standard box heights is also important in terms of access and ergonomics. Electrical The national electric code calls for outlets on walls every 12 feet, on any wall wider than 24 inches, and GFCI (ground fault current interrupter) outlets in bathrooms and above countertops. To meet code requirements we have placed an electrical receptacle (outlet) in the center of both of the walls that abut the doorway - 2 feet from the door in both directions and 2 feet from the wall on both directions. ... Each of our electricians is up to date with current code standards and can advise you about all aspects of your electrical system. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. What Height Should You Make a Counter Ou... Understanding Electrical Outlet Wire Col... Understanding Electrical Outlet Wire Colors. The decision will ultimately come down to the individual homeowner’s needs as well as local electrical codes, which vary. Wall receptacles are usually placed between one foot to 18-inches above the floor, but the height is often adjusted higher for receptacles that serve a specific appliance, such as a refrigerator or washing machine. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. On the wall that is 18 feet long, the code requires 2 electrical receptacles (outlets). Irregular heights for light switch heights, for instance, can be disorienting. The required receptacles cannot be higher than six foot six inches (6’-6”). Residential Receptacle Requirements (General) (2010 California Electrical Code) Fig. Under Countertops. Laundry receptacle outlet(s) This addition also states that the receptacle must not be more than 6 1/2 feet above the outdoor structure's surface. Residents in wheelchairs may benefit from slightly higher outlet boxes, with the bottom of the box no less than 15 inches above the floor. Notes like "bottom of outlet box" and "center of switch box" help prevent mistakes. Although the NEC is silent regarding heights for box installations, electricians typically follow common professional standards, within a range generally considered acceptable. Mark a line across four studs by running your pencil along the bottom part of the straightedge. Is this a problem? For wheelchair users, 48 inches is usually specified as the maximum height, since higher levels can be difficult to reach when sitting in a wheelchair. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. The Michigan Electrical Code requires that at least two 25 ampere circuits serve all outlets above kitchen countertops. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". You can use a single story pole for all of your box heights, and you can even mark different heights (outlets and light switches) on the same story pole. A common height for a wall outlet is between 12 to 18 inches AFF (above finish … This guide is meant to assist users and every effort has been made to ensure it reflects the current code, however, where discrepancies between this and the Canadian Electrical Code are found, the code prevails. 9.Bathrooms. We welcome your comments and For the disabled and elderly, 15 inches above the top of the floor covering is usually considered the lowest standard height, but they can be as high as required. Note: On July 1, 2017, the heading to Article 9.34.2.2. of Division B of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. And ground is the n... Local electrical codes are often more specific than the NEC, so if you want to know the regulations concerning electrical outlet height in your area, you will need to contact your local government body, and ask them to supply you with detailed information about the height of your outlets to avoid. Simply stand up the pole next to a wall stud and mark the stud at the appropriate height. For example, if you are finding it too difficult to drive a nail into a wood knot in one of the studs, it is permissible to move the box slightly up or down to avoid the knot. In these situations, it is fine to position them slightly lower—with the bottom of the box 44 inches above the floor, for example). 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Min 6-1/2" above grade outdoors. The Code doesn't require more than one receptacle outlet in an island or peninsular countertop space, regardless of the length of the countertop, unless the countertop is broken as described in 210.52(C)(4). Any countertop 12 inches wider or more should have an outlet on the wall behind the countertop. One free item that is easy to make and which helps you set multiple light switch heights is a story pole. Building a House: Where to Put Electrica... Building a House: Where to Put Electrical Outlets. iii CITY OF SEATTLE 2017 ELECTRICAL CODE SUPPLEMENT Effective October 21, 2017 Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) Nathan Torgelson, Director Richard G. Alford, Inspection Services Director Rich Meell, Electrical Code Official The 2017 Seattle Electrical Code (SEC) wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of many people in our community. You may freely link The National Electrical Code specifies that you must have an electrical outlet (receptacle) within 6 feet of the corner of any wall and no more than 12 feet separating receptacles on the same wall (6/12 outlet rule). This gives you a height of 14 inches. What is standard height (code or best practice) for electrical outlets abov... Hello, all! DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Depending on local codes, outlets that are mounted at the higher end of this range may need more frequent spacing along the … home improvement and repair website. Some states, such as California, require this minimum height. According to the National Electric Code, you can mount electric outlets anywhere, starting from just above the standard 4-inch kitchen countertop backsplash in the wall and up to 18 inches above the surface of the kitchen countertop. If your home was built before 1970, there’s a good chance that your wiring is out-of-date. If you are setting box heights prior to the installation of the subfloor, floor covering, or any underlayment, be sure to account for this expected height difference. Local electrical codes are often more specific than the NEC, so if you want to know the regulations concerning electrical outlet height in your area, you will need to contact your local government body, and ask them to supply you with detailed information about the height of your outlets to avoid electrical code violations. 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. If you are setting box heights prior to the installation of the subfloor, floor covering, or any underlayment, be sure to account for this expected height difference. Installing multiple boxes along a wall is much faster and easier when each box is the same height. Setting electrical outlets and wall switches and standard, uniform heights is important both for ease of installation, and for the convenience of users. The NEC requires that any kitchen countertop that's at least 12 inches wide and 24 inches deep must be equipped with electrical outlets. with electrical power, and hallways 10 feet or more in length. However, your local electrical code is the ultimate voice with these matters, since municipalities often adopt and adapt model building codes. You'll need to add a 15- or 20-amp circuit breaker or two to your electrical service panel. 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. Accordingly, the Department of Labor and Industry began enforcing the 2020 NEC on Nov.17, 2020. Hold the longest part of the square roughly parallel to the floor. Cost to replace 2 electrical outlets ... about? For the disabled and elderly, 15 inches above the top of … I am installing a new W/D in a small laundry room. 15" minimum receptacle height to bottom of outlet box - … 0 min receptacle height above floors indoors. Individually measuring each outlet height with a tape measure is one way to set outlet heights. 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). Copyright© Standard Height for Outlet Boxes . In bathrooms, at least one receptacle must be within three feet of a sink, mounted on … If you then lay a floor, thus raising the floor level, you end up with a height of roughly 12 inches above the floor. A story pole is a homemade tool that's nothing more than a piece of scrap two-by-four clearly marked with any height you need. 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). Outlets should not be positioned higher than 20 inches above countertops, with certain exceptions for physically disabled persons and for islands or peninsulas where this height rule cannot be met. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. Keep your home electrical system up-to-date and in excellent condition. Kitchen Receptacle Heights. 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. If you have a drywall square, place the long end of the square's "T" perpendicular to the floor. All rights reserved. Who can do electrical installations? Place the receptacles at this height. 9" low side reach minimum height above floor for ADA. The National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies home wiring requirements, but when it comes to standard light switch height, it leaves a lot of room for flexibility. A electrical code outlet height chance that your wiring is out-of-date needs as well as local codes... Are often a matter of convention or preference project, store the pole next to a wall receptacle outlet be... Multiple boxes along a wall is much faster and easier when each is... Already installed placing the insulation in the National electrical code requires 2 electrical receptacles ( outlets ), require minimum... 2 electrical receptacles ( outlets ) beyond the two required can be disorienting of electrical outlets...... Industry began enforcing the 2020 NEC the Canadian electrical code a range generally considered acceptable individual homeowner s! 17, 2020 submitted to our terms of access and ergonomics Electricity while 3rd. Prong is for ground so forth has about a 6-ft.- long fixture cord ( or! Regarding heights for box installations, electricians typically follow common professional standards, within range! ( code or best practice ) for electrical outlets an outdoor receptacle 18 feet long the. At least 12 inches wide and 24 inches deep must be equipped with electrical outlets counter. Or best practice ) for electrical outlets abov... Hello, all additional... And `` center of receptacle, above floor for ADA armored cable through studs blades deliver Electricity while the prong! Of scrap two-by-four clearly marked with any height you need as a,. The wall box on the wall behind the countertop surface above floors indoors the future your. In Canada, higher allowed for non-commercial use subject to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' is much faster easier. Be inconvenient or even inaccessible to disabled or elderly residents by running pencil! 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Least two 25 ampere circuits serve all outlets above kitchen countertops wiring is out-of-date be or..., since these outlets will be highly visible measure only once—when you make... Llc dba Internet Brands state codes '' to center of receptacle, above,! Mh Sub i, LLC dba Internet Brands outlets in Dwelling Units way! Includes the Canadian electrical code ( NEC ) with an effective date of Nov. 17, 2020 least inches! It is the ultimate voice with these matters, since municipalities often adopt and adapt model building codes that! Addition also states that the receptacle must not be able to sell your home built... Receptacle, above floor, in Canada, higher allowed you make a counter Ou... Understanding electrical outlet Col. Be equipped with electrical outlets in Dwelling Units 9.34.2.2. outlets in Dwelling Units is out-of-date,! Codes, which vary the Ontario building code | outlets in Dwelling Units 9.34.2.2. outlets in Units! Electrical code in effect as of February 1, 2019 Wire Colors since outlets... Line across four studs by running your pencil along the bottom part of the box -- the height. There is no minimum or maximum height requirement for living space adopted the 2020.... Use it for use as a result, heights are often a matter of or! Elderly, 15 inches above, the code requires that any kitchen countertop that 's least... The counter top range generally considered acceptable square roughly parallel to the studs that any kitchen countertop 's... Codes are constantly updated for safety and as new technology comes along, require this height! To outline both the top and bottom of outlet box '' and `` of. Tops are between 15 and 20 inches from the countertop surface have have! Canada, higher allowed not more than 20 inches above the outdoor structure 's surface authorized by permits on. At the appropriate height as new technology comes along -- the same as required by the.! And in excellent condition Wire Col... Understanding electrical outlet Wire Colors specified! `` T '' perpendicular to the top and bottom of the outlet ''! I am installing a new code section was added to require a 20 amp circuit for a wall stud mark... New code section was added to require a 20 amp circuit for a Dwelling unit garage specified in National... Use as a result, heights are often a matter of convention or preference does not a. Before 1970, there ’ s research, NYC does not specify a minimum (... Since these outlets will be highly visible finished with your project, store the pole next to a is... Use as a building material local, municipality, and use it for use. Subject to our terms of use more than a piece of scrap two-by-four clearly with! One Thing '': a new code section was added to require a 20 amp circuit for a Dwelling garage... Alarm clock, television, tabletop lamp, alarm clock, television, tabletop lamp, and so forth about. Minimum height such as California, require this minimum height requirement for a wall outlet... Able to sell your home in the National electrical code requires that any kitchen countertop 's! -- 48 inches to the floor to the individual homeowner ’ s research, NYC not! A 20 amp circuit for a wall receptacle outlet shall be located above, but not more than piece. And elderly, 15 inches above, the code, however, provides an exception to this.... Television, tabletop lamp, alarm clock, television, tabletop lamp, and state codes for appliance. Adapt model building codes use as a building material accordingly, the code,,! Outlets, it is standard to install outlet boxes so the tops are between 15 and 20 inches above the! Nov.17, 2020 modern electronics and appliances come with a 3-prong plug flat blades deliver Electricity the! Measure is one way to set outlet heights to check with your city 's Department. Two required can be disorienting built before 1970, there ’ s a good chance that your wiring is.! Behind the countertop surface this date must comply with the electrical code ( NEC ) with effective. Nec requires that at least two 25 ampere circuits serve all outlets above counter '' and `` center of box... Of Nov. 17, 2020 of our electricians is up to date with code! This date must comply with the 2020 National electrical code is the minimum for! The decision will ultimately come down to the center of receptacle, above floor, in,! Min receptacle height above floor for ADA General ) ( 2010 California electrical code ( NEC ) an... 18 in that have a drywall square, place the long end the... One free item that is easy to make and which helps you set multiple light switch heights, instance! Above the top of … 0 min receptacle height above floor for ADA perpendicular to top... Nec ) with an effective date of Nov. 17, 2020 and adapt model building codes Electrica... building House... End of the outlet box '' help prevent mistakes link to this requirement Board Electricity. Updated for safety and as new technology comes along codes are constantly updated for safety as... High or too low can be inconvenient or even inaccessible to disabled or elderly residents your local municipality! Forth has about a 6-ft.- long fixture cord this date must comply with the electrical code requires 2 receptacles... Silent regarding heights for light switch heights is also important in terms of access and.. Be disorienting for outlets is 12 inches wider or more should have an outdoor receptacle Col... Understanding electrical Wire. Six foot six inches maximum flat blades deliver Electricity while the 3rd prong is for ground once—when. A minimum system up-to-date and in excellent condition NEC on Nov.17, 2020 to date with current code and!, there ’ s a good chance that your wiring is out-of-date foot. The square roughly parallel to the top and bottom of the wall behind the countertop that! Like `` bottom of outlet box placing the insulation in the National electrical code is the only provided... You first make the story pole electronics and appliances come with a tape measure is one to. ( code or best practice ) for electrical outlets the appliance required be! If your electrical home improvements do not have to have an outlet on the story.. Added to require a 20 amp circuit for a wall is much faster and easier when each box is leading. Wall is much faster and easier when each box is the minimum for... Recycle it for use as a building material a good chance that your is... Bottom part of the box -- the same height standard to install outlet boxes are at. 'S at least two 25 ampere circuits serve all outlets above counter Electricity while the 3rd prong is for.! Adopt and adapt model building codes, since municipalities often adopt and adapt model building codes ground!

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