Proper Height Off The Floor For Outlets

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.

Proper height off the floor for outlets.

For example in canada the center of the receptacle box must be at least 14 inches above the floor and in california the bottom of the box must be at least 15 inches above the floor. Height of wire passage hole through studs above where electrical receptacles will be installed. 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. There is no danger to installing 15 amp outlet receptacles on a 20 amp circuit in fact this is the standard practice but under no circumstances should a 20 amp receptacle be installed on a 15 amp circuit.

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. 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. 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. Installing electrical boxes for outlets.

Depending on local codes outlets that are mounted at the higher end of this range may need more frequent spacing along the length of the countertop. A common height for a wall outlet is between 12 to 18 inches aff above finish floor. The average height for light switches is 46 inches from the floor to the center of the switch box. 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.

Not everyone follows the same guidelines. California also sets a maximum height 48 inches to the top of the box the same as required by the ada. The average height for outlets is 12 inches from the floor to the center of the. This is also true for counter top outlets in the kitchen and bathroom where switches and outlets are at the same height.

On 2019 07 07 by mod thanks for the interesting question. In rare instances outlets are still installed in baseboards and in the floor with proper box covers. If the floor is unfinished add the thickness of the floor.