CEC and residential receptacle height

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titan1021

titan1021

Senior Member
Location
Northern California
Can anyone confirm or deny if the minimum residential receptacle height in Ca is now 15" to the bottom of the box. I haven't been able to verify whether this is just the typical ADA requirement or whether it is in fact required for single family new construction in CA.

Thanks
 
I had an inspector tell me that a while back. I looked in various CA codes and only found it required for multi-family dwellings. I haven't had any inspector bring it up or seen any plan check notes on projects. Not sure if the inspector that told me that was incorrect or if its hidden someplace random.
 
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That one will exceed height requirements!:LOL:

In my own house I put the receptacles about 20" to center screw, as I don't like to bend over so far to plug things in. ;) After all, they are for MY convenience!(y)

Is that 15" from rough floor or finished floor?
 
titan1021 said:
Can anyone confirm or deny if the minimum residential receptacle height in Ca is now 15" to the bottom of the box. I haven't been able to verify whether this is just the typical ADA requirement or whether it is in fact required for single family new construction in CA.

Thanks
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There is NO minimum height requirement for single family homes, you could install all floor outlets and meet the code. You can argue that when inspecting a single family dwelling you use the "Residential Code Book" the IRC. you do not use the "International Building code" the IBC. this is written in the beginning of the IRC. Also the NEC doesn't dictate minimum heights for receptacles.
 
kkyyllee said:
The 2022 Californina Residential Code section R327.1.2 requires 15" minimum to the bottom of the box and 48" max to top of box for new construction single family homes with some exceptions
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Well that sucks :)
 
kkyyllee said:
The 2022 Californina Residential Code section R327.1.2 requires 15" minimum to the bottom of the box and 48" max to top of box for new construction single family homes with some exceptions
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retirede said:
Is that specified as the rough-in dimensions, or AFF?
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Yes, new in the 2022 CA Res Code as part of Section R327 "Aging-in-Place Design and Fall Prevention":

R327.1.2 Electrical Receptacle Outlet, Switch and Control Heights
Electrical receptacle outlets, switches and controls (including controls for heating, ventilation and air conditioning) intended to be used by occupants shall be located no more than 48 inches (1219.2 mm) measured from the top of the outlet box and not less than 15 inches (381 mm) measured from the bottom of the outlet box above the finish floor.
Exceptions:
1. Dedicated receptacle outlets; floor receptacle outlets; controls mounted on ceiling fans and ceiling lights; and controls located on appliances.
2. Receptacle outlets required by the California Electrical Code on a wall space where the distance between the finished floor and a built-in feature above the finish floor, such as a window, is less than 15 inches (381 mm).
 
All of the houses I've wired recently would be in violation. I've been putting the light switches at 48" to center. I always ask the customer before the rough-in if they want 44" or 48", and they always choose 48.
 
acrwc10 said:
Well that sucks :)
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Not if you're getting older! Bending down to plug in the vacuum cleaner is not a problem. Getting back up from down low is!
And if you're planning to age-in-place, 15" or more helps you maneuver wires from your wheelchair. Ditto lower switches!
 
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