Wall Switch Mounting Height

As shown in the pictures above there are varying mounting heights for switches depending on the application.

Wall switch mounting height.

This is also true for counter top outlets in the kitchen and bathroom where switches and outlets are at the same height. Physical barriers or obstructions shall not extend more than 25 inches 635 mm from the wall beneath a control. In this installation no circuit breaker in its highest position is more than 6 feet 7 inches above the floor. Therefore this installation complies with 404 8 a.

For unobstructed forward and side reach the federal minimum height is 15 inches and the maximum is 48 inches. Standard height for light switch boxes. The minimum allowable height according to the fair housing act is 15 inches from the floor. For light switch installations in rooms used primarily by kids like a new playroom the ada recommends different ranges for minimum outlet and light switch heights.

This allows the switch to clear a standard countertop. 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. Since the standard height of most base cabinets with countertop is about 36 inches this means that the bottom of the switch box should fall at least 40 inches above the floor. Generally speaking wall switches should be about 4 inches above the countertop.

In rare instances outlets are still installed in baseboards and in the floor with proper box covers. The height from the floor to the middle of the switch plate should not exceed 48 inches and the minimum height should not be less than 15 inches. The standard height for wall switches in most rooms excluding those over kitchen counters is 48 inches above the top of the floor covering measured to the bottom of the box. When the switch is over a counter that has a knee space and the counter depth exceeds 20 inches the maximum height of a switch is reduced to 44 inches.

A common height for a wall outlet is between 12 to 18 inches aff above finish floor. 20 to 30 inches above the floor for kids aged 3 to 4 18 to 40 inches above the floor for ages 5 to 8 16 to 44 inches above the floor. Switches and controls that do not satisfy these specifications are acceptable provided that comparable controls or outlets that perform the same functions are provided within the same area and are accessible. For wheelchair users 48 inches is usually specified as the maximum height since higher levels can be difficult to reach when sitting in a wheelchair.