Wall Switch Mounting Height

Horizontal placement for reference.

Wall switch mounting height.

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

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. The actual panelboard height is 5 feet 4 inches but it is mounted 20 inches from the floor. Generally speaking wall switches should be about 4 inches above the countertop. The top of the panelboard is 84 inches 7 feet above the floor.

Therefore this installation complies with 404 8 a. 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. 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. 20 to 30 inches above the floor for kids aged 3 to 4 18 to 40 inches above the floor for ages 5 to 8 16 to 44 inches above the floor.

As shown in the pictures above there are varying mounting heights for switches depending on the application. For unobstructed forward and side reach the federal minimum height is 15 inches and the maximum is 48 inches. 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. 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.

This is also true for counter top outlets in the kitchen and bathroom where switches and outlets are at the same height. This allows the switch to clear a standard countertop. When installing switches in a workshop some woodworkers put them 52 inches from the floor so they can. Standard height for light switch boxes.