A kitchen is a place where water, moisture, and heat are always available. So, the electrical circuits and outlets should be placed in a safe area.
Moreover, the kitchen counter outlets are sensitive. That’s why the kitchen counter outlets should be at a standard height.
But you might be confused about what the standard height for kitchen counter outlets is. You must know about the standard height of the kitchen counter outlets to keep the outlets safe.
Moreover, knowing about the placing process of kitchen counter outlets is also essential. Let’s see details about it.
What is the standard height for kitchen counter outlets?
Generally, the standard height for kitchen counter outlets is 48 to 54 inches from the floor. But the height for outlets from the countertop is 18 to 20 inches. However, you can modify the height if you see an obstacle in the setting of the outlets. You should follow the code for the kitchen outlet.
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However, when you install any electrical connection in your house, you must follow the state codes. Because you have to ensure safety first. For example, while installing counter outlets in your kitchen, you have to follow the codes and standard height.
For kitchen countertop outlets, the standard height is around 18 inches. This standard height will keep the outlets safe.
But for this height, you have to decrease the width between outlets. While measuring the height, you have to measure the height from the immediate surface.
That means the height of the outlets is measured from the countertop surface. But if you want to measure the total height of the kitchen counter outlets, you can measure from the floor. For this, the height should be 44 to 48 inches from the floor.
You might know that the height of the outlets is kept to save the outlet from water and moisture sources. On the other hand, the outlets should be within your reach. Otherwise, you can’t use the outlets and plugs from the countertop surface.
For example, you might want to use the blender or food processor from the surface of the countertop. Then the plug should be at a distance that you can reach. So, from a distance of 18 to 20 inches, you can reach the outlet.
However, this standard height is for able persons. But for disabled persons, you have to think differently. Then you have to follow the codes for the disabled person. For example, you can measure the height of the floor.
The outlet height should be 12 to 15 inches high from the floor for disabled persons. Otherwise, they can’t reach the distance.
However, now you know that the height of the outlet is not only for safety. The standard outlet height should be at a distance that you can reach without difficulty. That’s why the standard height of a kitchen counter outlet should be 18 to 20 inches.
What is code for outlets in kitchens over counters?
The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides the code for outlets in kitchens over counters. These codes are for both able and disabled persons. Generally, according to the code, the height of the kitchen counter outlet should be 18 inches.
Generally, the NEC gives priority to the matter of whether the outlet is above or below the countertop. So, height is not the only concern for them.
However, according to the codes, the place of outlet should be in a place where every point on the counter is within 2 feet of the outlet. The distance should not be more than this.
However, if the outlet is inside a cabinet in the kitchen, it should be 12 inches below. But if the outlets are above the countertop, you should not place them above 18 inches.
According to the codes, the height should be 12 inches. But it has a light switch instead of a socket; you have to place it above 4 inches of the countertop.
The objective is to ensure that a kitchen appliance’s power cord can reach the receptacle whenever needed. If you want to place the outlet inside a cabinet, it must be less than 12 inches below.
However, the height from the floor of the outlets should not exceed 48 inches. Though this height is not the code, it is standard to install an outlet.
However, while following the codes, you must think about the ‘Americans with Disabilities Act.’ According to this act, the outlet should be within reach of this person. If you place the outlet above the counter, the disabled person might not react to it.
So, you have to keep the outlet above the floor. Moreover, the outlet height should be above 15 inches from the ground. However, you can modify the outlet height according to your preference.
But you must keep in mind the NEC codes and the disabled person’s law. Otherwise, the outlet can be according to your choice and in a safe place.
Three factors that affect the kitchen counter outlets’ height
While installing a kitchen counter outlet, you have to consider different factors. These factors are essential to follow when you measure the height of the outlets. So, let’s see some factors that affect the kitchen counter outlets.
Accessibility and safety:
You might know that while installing an outlet in the kitchen, we think about our safety. Similarly, we have to think about the accessibility of the outlet. For example, you might place the outlet at a high place for safety, but you can’t reach the outlet or the switches.
That’s why the height should be at your reach. If the outlet is above the countertop, then it should be 18 to 20 inches above the counter surface.
NEC codes:
Another important factor is the NEC codes. These codes are for electrical connections in buildings.
According to these codes, the outlets in the kitchen should be at a safe distance. Moreover, the height of the outlet also has a connection between the width of the outlets and the gap between the outlets.
Disabled people reach:
One of the most important factors is the height of the outlet for the disabled person’s reach. According to the ‘Americans with Disabilities Act,’ the height of the outlet should be a height that a disabled person can access. So, you have to keep this in mind too.
What is the maximum distance between 2 kitchen countertop receptacles?
If you have two kitchen countertop receptacles, they should be 48 inches away from each other.
However, you can modify the maximum distance of the receptacles by a couple of inches. But this distance is based on the average size of the electrical cord in most kitchen appliances.
But in larger size kitchen appliances, the cord length is also larger. So, the distance between two kitchen countertop receptacles will also change. So, you have to ensure the average cord length of the appliances you use in the kitchen. But the standard distance is 48 inches.
By this distance, no point of the counter will be no more than 24 inches from the receptacles.
How to set a standard outlet over kitchen counters?
Now that you know different factors about the kitchen outlet and its standard height, you might want to know the setting process. So, let’s see how you can set a standard outlet over kitchen counters.
Measure the height:
First, you have to measure the height of the outlets and the points from the outlet. For measuring the height, you have to consider the NEC codes and American law for disabled persons.
After considering the factors, you will get a standard height from where you can install the outlet for the kitchen countertop.
Installing the outlet:
You have to lay down the wiring for the outlet. You have to lay down the wiring in such a way that the wires are not visible. After the wiring, it should be connected to the outlet. The wall socket will work as a receptacle and provide power to the outlet.
After the wiring is secured, the screws should be fastened, and the installation should be done.
But as per the NEC code, a ground fault circuit is to be interrupted with the outlet. This will protect the kitchen outlets from any ground fault or short-circuiting. Finally, the outlet should be checked whether it is working properly or not.
Final Thoughts
Generally, the kitchen counter outlet should be 18 to 20 inches high from the countertop surface. If you measure from the floor, the height of the outlet should be 44 to 48 inches. But if you have a disabled person in your house, you must consider the height that the person can reach.