Standard Receptacle Height From Floor

When installing switches in a workshop some woodworkers put them 52 inches from the floor so they can.

Standard receptacle height from floor. 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. The nec has no official requirement concerning the height of a receptacle above any finished floor including the kitchen floor. The minimum height is 15 inches from the bottom of the receptacle box to the floor and the maximum height is 48 inches. The minimum allowable height according to the fair housing act is 15 inches from the floor.

While commercial building requirements vary by city code most cities have similar requirements many of which are designed to meet americans with disabilities act ada accessibility standards. 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 outlet box. Avoiding blowing up vehicle gasoline fumes presumably collected at floor level.

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. 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. A gfci outlet to remain accessible should sit within about 15 to 48 inches from the floor. Imo the origin of the 18 minimum electrical receptacle height above the floor in residential garages is the same reason we elevate heating appliances.

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.