The Height for Installing Outlets and Switches
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How to Install Light Switches and Outlets: How High Should Outlets and Switches Be From the Floor, Remodeling and Upgrading Home Electrical Wiring. |
Guide for Installing Boxes for Outlets and Switches
Electrical Question: How High Should Outlets and Switches Be From the Floor?
- I am installing electrical wiring in my home for the living room and bedroom.
- How far are Light switches off of the floor?
- The same for wall plugs, how far up should they be?
This electrical wiring question came from: Debbie, a Homeowner from Coffman Cove, Alaska.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Debbie.
How to Install Light Switches and Outlets
Application: Installing Home Electrical Wiring.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by an Electrician.
Tools Required: Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools for Rough-In Wiring, Electric Drill and Auger Bits, Extension Cords, and a Ladder as needed.
Safety: All personal safety measures must be taken when performing electrical wiring projects. Estimated Time: Depends on the extent of the project, the extent of the project and available access to the project area.
Precaution: Any existing wiring in the immediate area that may interfere with the installation should be identified and turned OFF and Tagged.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring or upgrading existing electrical circuits and wiring should always be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Installing Electrical Boxes for Light Switches and Wall Outlets
- Installing Electrical Boxes for Light Switches
- The average height for light switches is 46 inches from the floor to the center of the switch box.
- This is also true for counter-top outlets in the kitchen and bathroom, where switches and outlets are at the same height.
- Installing Electrical Boxes for Outlets
- The average height for outlets is 12 inches from the floor to the center of the outlet box.
- 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.
- Local and national electrical codes must be applied as required for the project.
- ADA, American Disability Act: Disability Codes and Standards
- Ensuring access to light switches and outlets:
- Where ADA and Disability codes will apply to a project, specific locations and elevations will be described on the set of plans or the set of blueprints.
More about Installing Light Switches and Outlets
Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
How to Wire a Switch
Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1
Wiring Diagrams
Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.
Lighting For The Home Lighting Electrical Codes Home Electrical Wiring Codes
Electrical Code Articles for Home Wiring
Electrical Code Directory covering installing electrical boxes and electrical wiring.
The following may also be helpful for you:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
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Rewiring a Fire Damaged Home
I am rewiring a home after a fire and there are no blueprints. The fire permit says to build to likeness. I am bringing a 1957 duplex up to code. What is the easiest way to make a wiring diagram for my self. I have a plan in mind and I will get the job done. I have someone who will check all the work. I just want to be able to have a diagram to work from.
Hi Allen,
The local building department in your jurisdiction adopts electrical codes based upon the National Electrical Code. The electrical codes are always the guide for wiring a home. If a set of plans are not required by the building department then we refer to the local codes which will apply to the wiring project. The wiring is then installed as it is required by the local code for specific circuits and devices. Please refer to the wiring diagrams and electrical code information found on this website which will assist you for this project. Be sure to consult with your local building department inspector who will help you understand the areas of the home which will require upgrading to the current adopted codes. The extent of the rewiring project will be based on the area affected by the fire damage, however typical code upgrades may be required such as installing smoke detectors throughout the home.
Thank you for sharing your electrical question with us,
Dave