Having installed dozens of light switches over the years, I am aware of certain standards (and best practices) regarding the height at which they should be mounted. Having already covered the placement of outlet receptacles in another article, I’ll address just light switches in this article. Surprisingly, the NEC doesn’t actually specify the exact height of light switches. Typical placement puts them at 48″ on-center. Exceptions exist for homes where wheelchair accessibility is a major concern. In this case, you can place them around 40 inches high off the floor.
That’s right—we just answered the question in the first paragraph. You can stop reading or continue for additional information, details, and reasoning on why you might adjust the height.
Standard Light Switch Heights
- Normal: 48 inches on center (of the switch)
- ADA: 40 inches on center
Start with the NEC Code
According to NEC 210.70, at least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet (including ceiling fans) must be installed in every habitable room and bathroom of a dwelling unit. In rooms other than kitchens and bathrooms, a receptacle controlled by a wall switch can be used instead of a lighting outlet. To cater to the high-end crowd, lighting outlets can be controlled by occupancy sensors equipped with a manual override feature. This also lets the sensor function as a wall switch.
Editor’s Note: We encountered a client who wanted all of his switches mounted 30″ off the floor. At first, we thought this was some kind of accommodation for a handicapped member of the family. After inquiring further, we found out more. It simply allowed him to flip on the lights in every room without having to lift up his arm! While there was nothing wrong with this, we don’t recommend screwing up the potential resale value of your home over a trendy decision based on laziness or trying to be different! Follow the implied standards.
Where to Locate Wall Switches
The NEC code contains the approximate location requirements for wall switch-controlled lighting outlets. It continues to be vague on specifying exactly how high to mount light switches.
It also doesn’t specify the actual location for the switch (nor should it, in our opinion). Look at the plans or consult with the architect or owner in order to deal with any particularly challenging entryways. For the most part, switch placement should follow the rules of common sense. For example:
- Don’t place a switch behind a door!
- Be sure to note the length of any short walls. This keeps you from not having enough space between studs to mount the box.
- If working on existing construction, match the existing switch height.
- Think carefully before departing from known standards of height.
Follow the Minimums
The code also specifies the installation of at least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet in hallways, stairways, attached garages, and any detached garages with electric power. Additionally, at least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet must provide illumination on the exterior side of outdoor entrances or exits with grade-level access.
Hopefully, this gave you some ideas on how high to mount a light switch. Building plans may have measurements that fall on-center, the top, or even the bottom of the switch. Just double-check your work to make sure it all makes sense and that you have sufficient ergonomics to activate all switches efficiently.
