Electrical Switch Height From Floor

If a front approach by wheelchair is possible the light switch may be located no higher than 48 inches above the floor.

Electrical switch height from floor.

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. If a wheelchair can access a light switch location from the side the light switch may be located at a maximum of 54 inches above the floor. 40 maximum height above finished floor to switch for hud section 8 housing 42 floor to bottom of light switch box some installers use 48 to the top of the box 44 to top of box for bath vanity receptacles 44 to 46 most electrical switches above floor to bottom of box. 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.

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. This allows the switch to clear a standard countertop. This is also true for counter top outlets in the kitchen and bathroom where switches and outlets are at the same height. Builders generally use this standard since this height can be reached as comfortably from the standing position as from the sitting.

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. The minimum allowable height according to the fair housing act is 15 inches from the floor. 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. 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.

Generally speaking wall switches should be about 4 inches above the countertop.