Height of Receptacles?

sandyman720

How high off of the ground should receptacles be?

HouseHelper

As high as you need them to be.

There is no set standard. I usually set general purpose receptacles at about 15in off the floor because that is my hammer height. Kitchen and bath are set at 46in, switch boxes are set at 48in and garage receptacles are set at 54in. That's my personal preference, not a standard.

sandyman720

Can you have a 15" receptacle in a bathroom? (for a vacum for example)

HouseHelper

As long as you have a receptacle within 36in of the outside of each sink and all the receptacles in the bathroom are GFCI protected, then yes.

sandyman720

Does it matter if you have a receptacle in the same wall as a water line?

HouseHelper

There is no restriction against placing the receptacle in the same wall as a water line.

The receptacle can not be inside the tub/shower area, it must be located within 36in of the edge of each basin, and it must be located on a wall or partition that is adjacent to the basin or basin countertop. It also must be a 20A dedicated circuit that supplies either just that bathroom (receptacle only, or with lights, vents) or only the receptacles in that and other bathrooms. The receptacles must be GFCI protected.

sandyman720

I have a new addition with a powder room. I was told I need an exhaust fan.

I was thinking about mounting one on the wall since I have no room to run a vent since I have 2x4 ceiling joists and the ceiling buts up to a room above.

Is there any restriction on where the exhaust fan can be mounted?

HouseHelper

As long as it vents to the outside, no.

One caveat: if it in the tub or shower area, it should be GFCI protected, but this is a powder room, so that doesn't apply.

superjay5

Like someone else said, somewhere around 15inchs, use a hammer bout that size, works fast.

2x4 Floor joists??????? now that is scary!!!!

HouseHelper

I'm sure he means 2x4 ceiling joists butted up to the floor joists of the floor above.

KUIPORNG

I didn't use the standard when I renovating my basement... make them a somewhat higher as I was thinking I want not to bend down as much.... now it is done... cosmetic-wise speaking it is not as good... so I think the hammer height has its purpose: looks better!!!

Speedy Petey

In an existing place I make them the same as all the others.
In a new build I use 16"ttt (to the top) of the box.
No offense, but I think "hammer height" is an outdated way of doing this. Plus, it is a dumb method unless every guy on the job uses the exact same hammer. Unless of course you only work alone.

__________________
Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

Andy in ATL

Everybody on Andy's crew swings a twenty oz. Estwing Even if I got to buy it for them its cheaper when I factor in time saved.
Ya reach down and set box on butt of hammer, remove hammer from underneath box, swing swiftly and you are DONE!

Speedy Petey

Everyone is different.
I mark all the studs, then box everything out, then wire.
It is a VERY efficient system for me.

__________________
Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

HouseHelper

Yep, that's me. And I have been called outdated before...usually by my teenage daughters.