Wall Switch Mounting Height

Physical barriers or obstructions shall not extend more than 25 inches 635 mm from the wall beneath a control.

Wall switch mounting height.

The maximum height for receptacles and or switches is between 48 and 54 inches depending on the conditions see section 4 2 5 and 4 2 6 of the ada. Standard height for light switch boxes. Generally speaking wall switches should be about 4 inches above the countertop. 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.

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. 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 unobstructed forward and side reach the federal minimum height is 15 inches and the maximum is 48 inches.

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. The minimum allowable height according to the fair housing act is 15 inches from the floor. The actual panelboard height is 5 feet 4 inches but it is mounted 20 inches from the floor. This is also true for counter top outlets in the kitchen and bathroom where switches and outlets are at the same height.

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. 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. The top of the panelboard is 84 inches 7 feet above 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.

In this installation no circuit breaker in its highest position is more than 6 feet 7 inches above the floor. When installing switches in a workshop some woodworkers put them 52 inches from the floor so they can. Therefore this installation complies with 404 8 a. 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.