Thread: Minimum height of outlet from floor

Is there any minimum height for an outlet to be placed above a finished floor inside a dwelling? I have an outlet behind a free standing range and it is located horizontally about 1 inch above the finished floor. For some reason, 15" sticks in me head.

Please provide the code reference if it exists.

Thank you,

Darin

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You might be thinking of garage outlets needing to be 18" off the floor due to the sparks igniting vapors. I know if no requirement for interior outlets. I believe outlets installed flush with the floor are even still allowed as long as they're not in a wet area.

Originally Posted by Darin Redding

Is there any minimum height for an outlet to be placed above a finished floor inside a dwelling? I have an outlet behind a free standing range and it is located horizontally about 1 inch above the finished floor. For some reason, 15" sticks in me head.

Please provide the code reference if it exists.

Thank you,

Darin

Darin,

Two things:

One - that receptacle outlet is not considered an accessible receptacle outlet and would thus not need to be any specified minimum height.

Two - if it were, and if that area had to comply with ADA, then yes, there would be a minimum height, but not in an area that does not have to meet ADA requirements (which would not apply to a receptacle outlet behind a range).

Matt & Jerry,

Thanks for the quick reply.

Darrin, you did not give the age of the home. In pre-50's homes, it is common to see receptacles set sideways into the wood baseboard trim. Nothing wrong with that, where I live.
OK we are talking appliance outlets. Was the wiring added in later? Again, on an older home, we see new wiring fished up into the kitchen, sometimes the box is just screwed flush to the wall. Then it would need to be clear of the appliance when someone shoves it back, but the codes of today need not apply, IMO.

darrin,
receptacles may be placed in the floor witin 18" of a wall and be considered as meeting the requirement for wall outlets. anywhere else in the floor they are considered convenience outlets.

Originally Posted by John Kogel

Darrin, you did not give the age of the home. In pre-50's homes, it is common to see receptacles set sideways into the wood baseboard trim. Nothing wrong with that, where I live.
OK we are talking appliance outlets. Was the wiring added in later?

John - The home was built in 1983 and the kitchen wiring is brand new with a recently completed remodel.

So the consensus is no problem with a baseboard mounted outlet. Sure seems like a code oversight IMO. With a minor flood in the kitchen water could easily enter this receptacle, which is within 3' of the sink plumbing.

Thanks all for the feedback.

Darin

Don't forget about the receptacles mounted in the floors of large gathering room or lofts. You know...the ones with the brass covers and screw in caps.

Originally Posted by brian schmitt

darrin,
receptacles may be placed in the floor witin 18" of a wall and be considered as meeting the requirement for wall outlets. anywhere else in the floor they are considered convenience outlets.

Brian,

Actually, *all* receptacle outlets are considered "convenience outlets". Required or not, they are there for "convenience".

From the 2008 NEC Index:
- Convenience outlets, ...... see Receptacles
- Receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs (caps), . Art. 406

Originally Posted by Matt Fellman

You might be thinking of garage outlets needing to be 18" off the floor due to the sparks igniting vapors.

This is not a Electrical Code requirement for a residential dwelling,as a residential garage is not considered a hazardous location

time for some popcorn and a beverage

Yes I know there are other codes out there that come into play.
I only stated that it is not an Electrical Code issue- Only.

As far as having to relocate a range outlet that is not in your 10" window- That is not an automatic given. The code section your referring to is for the disconnecting means of a cord and plug connected range.

Being able to access the range outlet through the removable drawer is only 1 option.
If the range is in site of the panel and no more then 50' away you don't need to access the outlet through the drawer
If there is a switch or circuit breaker that is capable of being locked in the open (off) position then you don't need to access the outlet through the drawer.
(I would add the locking mechanism to the breaker before moving the outlet,myself)

Yes I have seen both the panel within 50' (and in site) and permanent provision for a lock on the circuit breaker.

Common sense says to just install a surface mounted range outlet on the floor or a recessed range outlet in the wall at the floor,But we all know not everyone uses common sense.