Electrical Outlet Distance From the Floor

Height

• A typical height for an electrical outlet is 15 inches from the floor to the center of the outlet. However, this height varies depending on local building codes. You should not mount electrical outlets along the floor because they’ll be difficult to reach from above. The National Electric Code requires a receptacle at least every 6 feet along the wall in new construction, but does not regulate the mounting height in residential buildings, leaving the choice to the homeowner in accordance to his requirements and local codes.

Explanation

• An outlet at a height between 12 and 18 inches above the floor is accessible yet unobtrusive, so it easily hides behind a sofa, chair or other piece of furniture. Outlets are unattractive, especially when they have electrical cords plugged into them, and can be eyesores when mounted too high on the wall. Keeping the distance between the lower edge of the outlet and floor to a minimum also keeps the wiring inside the wall low, reducing chances of putting a screw through the wiring when mounting wall art.

Drawbacks

• Perhaps the biggest drawback of mounting an electric outlet at a height of 15 inches above the floor is its accessibility to toddlers and small children. Although parents often install plastic safety covers over exposed outlets, the danger of electrocution is serious. Outlets that are too low also are harder to reach, especially when bulky furniture sits flush against the wall. Outlets behind heavy furniture also can accumulate dust.

Mounting Exceptions

• Locations with furniture and counters are exempt from the 15-inch mounting standard. In kitchens and bathrooms, install outlets 8 inches above the counters so they are easily accessible yet high enough to avoid interfering with the backsplash. There are not national standards or requirements for outlets installed in American basements, but the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. requires outlets spaced 4 to 12 inches from the basement floor in Canada.