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What is the proper height to mount a switch or receptacle?
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Answers for USA, Canada and countries using similar 60Hz mains supplies

The NEC specifies the NECA-1 standard for general practices. NECA-1 lists typical mounting heights of different devices. This specification is not currently enforceable, but if you want standard heights, here you go:

Wall Switches: 48" / Receptacle Outlets (general): 18"

Receptacle Outlets (kitchen, utility room, etc) 42" or 6" above countertop

Telephone Outlets: 18" / Wall Intercom Stations: 48" / Wall Lighting Outlets: 84"

Thermostats: 48" / Bed Lights: 72"

There are more, but mostly used in commercial work.

All heights are from the top of the finish floor to center of box.

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Your city building inspector can answer that one and you also need to know where the electrical outlets need to go. Almost all cities and towns adopt a uniform building code so I'd do an on line search for it. If you find the requirements for New York City they are probably the same as in Small Town USA.

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In USA 12" to the center of the outlet is typical for most applications. Basement, laundry and utility rooms 3-6". 4'-0" in bathrooms and garages.

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There is no height rule for receptacles in USA

Receptacle height is a matter of personal taste and practice.

General area receptacles in residences are commonly 12", 16" and 18" center, vertical installation. Older homes with existing devices in baseboard can be matched. Floor receptacles are allowed.

IF YOU NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

If you do this work yourself, always turn off the power at the breaker box/fuse panel BEFORE you attempt to do any work AND always use a meter or voltage indicator to insure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.


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First answer by anonymous. Last edit by UnionMaster3206. Contributor trust: 57 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 43 [recommend question]

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