Countertop heights are normally 4'-0" above the floor line. Notes like "bottom of outlet box" and "center of switch box" help prevent mistakes. Depending on local codes, outlets that are mounted at the higher end of this range may need more frequent spacing along the … Help me help you by pointing to the US NEC code section that prohibits floor or baseboard receptacles - I haven't found that, though special materials are needed for floor receptacles. Thanks for the interesting question: height of wire passage hole through studs above where electrical receptacles will be installed. California also sets a maximum height -- 48 inches to the top of the box -- the same as required by the ADA. 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. I can stand a sheet of plywood against the wall without blocking access to my outlets. An electrical outlet must be properly located on the wall, according to local electrical codes and the National Electrical Code. There really isn't much in the Code about receptacle heights. Of course GFCIs are required in the garage. 18 inches is the common found height to be relatively safe. Actually I see electricians putting the receptacles at 36-48" for reasons of easy access - also a practice not a code spec. Reader question: How many receptacles can be wired To one 20 amp circuit No. Critique and content suggestions are invited. Figure 2 - Electrical outlet spacing in a room. "How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850. One free item that is easy to make and which helps you set multiple light switch heights is a story pole. Electric baseboard clearance: Keep electrical receptacles off to one side, not right over electric heating baseboards to avoid overheating and possibly melting electrical cords draped over the heater (a fire risk) - see photo at below right, courtesy of Timothy Hemm. An outlet should sit at each basin, or sometimes the code may specify one outlet can serve two basins if it's located between the two basins. Outlet Boxes 14.Set outlet boxes flush with the finished wall or ceiling and secure them to studs or joists. And - to avoid a messy cord situation, I want to locate the outlet "up" (about 5 feet) off the floor - with a 60 min. It says that for kitchen counters, the receptacle can't be more than 18" above the counter top, but that's about it. This website provides information about a variety of electrical hazards in buildings, with articles focused on the inspection, detection, and reporting of electrical hazards and on proper electrical repair methods for unsafe electrical conditions. 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. Make sure to mark the pole clearly. 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. you are correct to be careful about moving outlets or any other device when the existing wires are too short. Where can u locate fuse panel? (I read through - but couldn't find the answer to this.) Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. Most 16-ounce hammers are about 13 inches long. (A) General. The average height for outlets is 12 inches from the floor to the center of the outlet box. 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.