Originally Posted By: jlybolt
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Can anyone tell me where to find min. and max. height requirements for receptacles, outlets, and thermostats? Can anyone tell me where to find min. and max. height requirements for receptacles, outlets, and thermostats?Originally Posted By: mboyett
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Also, almost all electrical questions are answered in the NEC as published by the NFPA and summarized in the Code Check series of books. You do have those I hope, they are indispensable. Finally, here is some interesting information, but just for us Austinites: ( Download File: austin_elec_code.pdf )
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Mike Boyett
Capital City Inspections
Austin, Tx
www.capcityinspections.com
Originally Posted By: jlybolt
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I did see that comment in the code check and NEC 2002. It just doesn’t seem right and I was hoping to find some kind of rule of thumb.
Especially with the thermostat height because I had to knee down to set the temp.
Regardless, I appreciate the attachment.
Thankyou
Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell
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There is nothing in the NEC about height of receptacles and switches. It is a design decision.
The ADA rules only apply to places required to be “accesssible”. Residential is largely exempt.
It is really based on “reach” range from a wheelchair.
Originally Posted By: jtedesco
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See 210.52 (5) Receptacle Outlet Location.
Lots of rules here for receptacle locations, dealing with heights, etc. See 2005 NEC, or 2002 NEC available here.
PS: Never leave any job without pointing out that the switch for a lighting outlet is behind a door!
Not safe, I don't need no stinking rules here, use common sense instead .... now wait for the #@$% to hit the fan!!
 
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Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant
www.nachi.org/tedescobook.htm
Originally Posted By: Thomas Ogryski
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Switch heights generally cannot exceed 6’ 7" above the floor.
Receptacles mounted higher than 5' 6" will not meet the general spacing requirements for receptacles as required by 210.52(A)(2)
Those are the only two height requirements that I can think of offhand, plus the one Joe pointed out for counter spaces.
Originally Posted By: jtedesco
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Wrong thread!
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Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant
www.nachi.org/tedescobook.htm
Originally Posted By: James D Mosier
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Thomas,
I do not see a height requirement in 210.52(A)
Am I missing something?
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Jim Mosier
Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell
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Joe, where is the code section that prohibits a switch behind a door, or even that it has to be close to the door for that matter, in a “habitable room” ?
The HI can point out poor design maybe but certainly not illegal.
It is very common in older Florida houses to see light switches in strange locations. In my condo (circa 1968) the over head kitchen light was controlled by a switch in the living room.
The rule is a little tougher in stairways and storage areas.
210.70 Lighting Outlets Required.
Lighting outlets shall be installed where specified in 210.70(A), (B), and (C).
(A) Dwelling Units. In dwelling units, lighting outlets shall be installed in accordance with 210.70(A)(1), (2), and (3).
(1) Habitable Rooms. At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room and bathroom.
Exception No. 1: In other than kitchens and bathrooms, one or more receptacles controlled by a wall switch shall be permitted in lieu of lighting outlets.
handbook commentary
A receptacle is not permitted to be switched as a lighting outlet on a small-appliance branch circuit. A receptacle can be switched as a lighting outlet (in the dining room, for example) supplied by a branch circuit other than a small-appliance branch circuit. See Exhibit 210.26, which shows a dining room switched receptacle on a 15-ampere general-purpose branch circuit.
Exception No. 2: Lighting outlets shall be permitted to be controlled by occupancy sensors that are (1) in addition to wall switches or (2) located at a customary wall switch location and equipped with a manual override that will allow the sensor to function as a wall switch.
2) Additional Locations. Additional lighting outlets shall be installed in accordance with (a), (b), and (c).
(a) At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in hallways, stairways, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power.
(b) For dwelling units, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power, at least one wall switch?controlled lighting outlet shall be installed to provide illumination on the exterior side of outdoor entrances or exits with grade level access. A vehicle door in a garage shall not be considered as an outdoor entrance or exit.
(c) Where one or more lighting outlet(s) are installed for interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at each floor level, and landing level that includes an entry way, to control the lighting outlet(s) where the stairway between floor levels has six risers or more.
Exception to (a), (b), and (c): In hallways, stairways, and at outdoor entrances, remote, central, or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted.
handbook commentary
Section 210.70 points out that adequate lighting and proper control and location of switching are as essential to the safety of occupants of dwelling units, hotels, motels, and so on, as are proper wiring requirements. Proper illumination ensures safe movement for persons of all ages, thus preventing many accidents.
Although the requirement in 210.7(A)(2)(b) calls for a switched lighting outlet at outdoor entrances and exits, it does not prohibit a single lighting outlet, if suitably located, from serving more than one door.
A wall switch-controlled lighting outlet is required in the kitchen and bathroom. A receptacle outlet controlled by a wall switch is not permitted to serve as a lighting outlet in these rooms. Occupancy sensors are permitted to be used for switching these lighting outlets, provided they are equipped with a manual override or are used in addition to regular switches.
(3) Storage or Equipment Spaces. For attics, underfloor spaces, utility rooms, and basements, at least one lighting outlet containing a switch or controlled by a wall switch shall be installed where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring servicing. At least one point of control shall be at the usual point of entry to these spaces. The lighting outlet shall be provided at or near the equipment requiring servicing.
Installation of lighting outlets in attics, underfloor spaces or crawl areas, utility rooms, and basements is required when these spaces are used for storage (e.g., holiday decorations or luggage).
If such spaces contain equipment that requires servicing (e.g., air-handling units, cooling and heating equipment, water pumps, and sump pumps), 210.70(C) requires that a lighting outlet be installed in these spaces.
Originally Posted By: Thomas Ogryski
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Jim,
210.52(A) deals with the maximum spacing between receptacles & I should have made it plain that the citation was for the spacing.
The maximum height referred to is in 210.52
Tom