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Subject - Electrical Outlets
dmason74403 My understanding has been that wall plugs should be 12 inches above the floor. Lately I have seen some new homes being built with the wall receptacles horizontally placed in the baseboards about 5 inches above the concrete floor. Is this allowed per tne electrical code.
Scott Vickrey If this is a new home the American Disabilities association requires the receptacles and switches need to be between 15 and 42 inches. The national electrical code does not define receptacle heights requiring receptacles to be simply accessible. A receptacle can be placed in the floor. Also, in the case of special purposes(i.e.garage door opener) a receptacle can be mounted in the ceiling.
cal_sparky FYI, the ADA does not apply to single family residences.

Of course, it's a good idea to build a house so that someone with special needs can live in it more comfortably.

Cliff
JimmyDee Been doing a hammer hight from the bottom plate to the bottom of the box. Easy to install that way and get about 16" to the bottom of the box in the finished wall. Had nothing but positive comments about it and will not put them any other place unless requested. I think 5" above finished floor is too low. JMOHO. (just my own humble opinion)
Jim
Electricman I agree with Jim, I place all of mine at 15 inches off the floor. If I am doing a house with a wheelchair bound person (hope that sounds right) I will put them higher. Likewise with switches lowered for handicapped. I think there is a requirement for garages in the NEC, 18 inches comes to mind but I really think thats for commercial not residential. That being said I keep my garage recpts about 48" good hieght for workbenches.
wireman Did apprenticeship in 2001. so long ago right. We installed nothing under 18" and in handycap res.nothing over 42" including switches.
wireman Sorry that is 42" to the bottom. 44" OC for switches.
JimmyDee Wireman, what you have proved here is what I discovered through the years, everyone has their own idea as to what is proper. None of these ideas are incorrect or better than another. Just different. I know of nowhere in the code that dictates 8", 12", 15", 16" or 18". Using common sence and ease of instlation should prevail. 18" is great for us old guys that have a hard time bending over for the install. Too much in way.
Jim
Ryan_J Scott: Both the ADAAG and the ANSI A117.1 specify 15" to 48" AFF for reach clearances for a parrallel approach.
Trouble Shooter Like JimmyDee I'v been using the hammer higth for years basisly 16"
to the botom of the box for recpt. and 48" for switchs unless it's
for special use like refridgerator, counters, ext. never do I install
outlets in baseboard. Keep it clean.
Electricmanscott In general this is a design issue not a code issue. Baseboard receptacles are perfectly acceptable.
craig I work and live in New England and have always installed receptacles in baseboards when wide pine wainscoting is used.
cs409 is 20inch above counter tops the max height for an outlet for kitchen cabinets?
Ryan_J [quote]Originally posted by cs409

is 20inch above counter tops the max height for an outlet for kitchen cabinets?

Yes
cs409 an i did that without a net LOL....
cs409 i guess i should have made it clear as to the 20inch height for the required outlets on kitchen cabinet! nothing in the code about having one at 7ft...after all u may want to plug a clock in!