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Electrical Wiring

Is there a requirement or 'best:' height for switches?

13 years ago

We're abt to wire our house and wd appreciate some suggestions, in addition to the separate post abt receptacles.

1) We are thinking about mounting switches for exterior lighting below (or above) the regular height for interior lighting. Will that have code issues? Our thinking is that it will logically separate the lighting around the house to reduce confusion.

2) If we go with two-tier switches, what should the height of them be (measured from finished floor to centerline of boxes)?

3) And locations that would have only one tier (just inside lights) what wd be the optimum height for them?

4) Lastly, how far away from finish jamb trim should the boxes be mounted?

Thanks for feedback, Mark

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Comments (3)

DavidR
13 years ago
I mount switches at elbow height for easy use. I've never heard of different heights for outdoor vs indoor control switches. I'd be hesitant, concerned that it might look odd or unprofessional.

As for distance from the jamb, for me it depends on where the stud is. The pros may have a different view on this, however.
manhattan42
13 years ago
Electric Codes do not regulate the height of wall switches in residential dwellings. (Except if one wants to employ the maximum disconnect height of 6'6")

Accessibility Codes, however, do regulate the height of switches in commercial occupancies (even residential commercial occupancies like accessible apartments, hotel rooms, motel rooms, dorm rooms, hotel suites, etc...) to a minimum height of 15" to a maximum height of 48" above the finished floor.

Common practice for residential switches is to center them 50-52" above the floor.
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Thank you. I believe they used the plastic blue boxes nailed to studs. This house was completely gutted, so the electricians had no excuse to not follow codes. It would have been easy to move the boxes since the originals were not to code. Drywall and insulation in exterior wall was gone and they had the plans for the kitchen. 6"x12" glass backsplash tile staggered. I started by centering the tiles within the 42" vent hood space. (3 full tiles and 2.5" on the left and right side.) As for the cuts, I am trying to stagger them so that I don't have U shaped cuts which will probably break. The problem is the receptacle covers are 4.5" tall and the tile is 6" tall. That leaves a 1.5" strip that will probably break. I asked GC today, and the receps can be moved a little without removing the drywall, but the light switch on the left of the sink, is going to have to be moved. Triple switch is 2nd circle from the left on the picture. That one is causing the problems with the tiles. Even if I use the next smaller size tile, 3"x9", I would have the same problem. Seabornman, you said, " It doesn't look like you have a receptacle within 24" of the edge of the sink on the right side which is code." Does that mean I MUST have a recep within 24" of each edge of the sink, or does it I CAN'T have one within 24" of the sink edge? Do I start measuring from the interior edge of the left and right sides of the sink? I don't have 24" on the left side. I would bet NOTHING is to code. We have spent over $100K fixing this house. It passed inspection when we bought it! HA! No permits, no city inspectors, you can't really even call our "town" a town. We have one gas station, a dollar store, and a post office. That is it! Volunteer fire department saves every concrete slab!! LOL I have already paid once for the outlets /switches to be up to code. This time, I will know the answers and will measure myself. I hate doing that to contractors, but I guess I will have to. Please tell me where to move receipts and switches so they WILL be up to code. Thank you!
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chris8796
13 years ago
I mount boxes at 46", just find a height you like and stick with it.

I have mounted switches at different heights when space limited, it didn't seem odd or stand out. It may be a good solution if you have alot of switches in one area. I would put them at 46" and 52"

I shoot to keep them 2"-12" from the trim.

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