Outlet Height From Floor Code

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.

Outlet height from floor code.

For the disabled and elderly 15 inches above the top of the floor covering is usually considered the lowest standard height. Height above the floor the nec has no official requirement concerning the height of a receptacle above any finished floor including the kitchen floor. 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. Recreational outlets for tvs or computers will usually be no more than 12 inches off of the floor and may be considerably less.

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. 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. The average height for outlets is 12 inches from the floor to the center of the outlet box. 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 americans with disabilities act on the. Some states such as california require this minimum height.