Homemaking is an art that keeps you busy from the moment you enter your new home. One of the things that you need to keep in mind while installing electric wiring is the height of light switches.
In this guide, you will learn about the proper height of light switches for your home. Let us assure you: there is no right or wrong height. There is simply the right height for your needs.
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Is there a Government Regulation about it?
First of all, you need to check if there is a regulation set by the government about the light switch height in your country. In the US, the National Electric Code does not mention a specific height for light switches.
If you are living in a different country, check the local electric code for your city. This usually is available on the city’s website. Typically, there is no such regulation, but it is always better to confirm first.
What is the Average Light Switch Height?
In an ordinary house, the light switches are kept a standard height above the ground. This is done to ensure that everyone can reach the switch easily, without having to bend or stand on their toes.
Normally, the light switch height from the floor is from 50 to 52 inches. In regular constructions, you would notice that this is the standard height because it suits average people.
When installing a new light switch in your house, you can measure this height from the floor to the top of your light switch box or till the center. Just make sure that the height for each switch in your home is the same. In remodeling projects, keep the light switch height consistent with other rooms of the house. You may also want to consider stomping the ceiling when remodeling your house.
Benefits of Standard light Switch Height
You might be wondering why the standard height is kept between this range. This is because there are certain advantages to this.
Idealness
First of all, this is the ideal height for most people. At this height, most normally-heightened people can turn on the light standing up.
Ease of Installation
Secondly, this height makes installation much more accessible. In most houses, the wallboard size is 4-feet, and sheets of wallboard are placed horizontally. A 48 to 50 inch light switch is easy to measure so that it can fit in the wallboard.
Reasons for Altering Standard Light Switch Height
In some exceptional circumstances, you might have to alter the height of light switches in your home. If you are in one of these situations, you need to determine the height accordingly.
Physical Limitations
If you or anyone in your family is physically limited, you will have to alter the standard height. For example, if one of your family members is in a wheelchair, you need to keep the light switches a little lower.
This makes it easier for those individuals to turn on the light switches. Similarly, if anyone in your family is short-heightened, you can keep the light switch height up to 36 inches.
Adjust for Children
If you have children in the house, you will have to lower the height of light switches for them. Alternatively, you can only keep the light switches lower in the kids’ bedrooms on the playroom.
- A switch of up to 30 inches is suitable for kids 4 to 5 years of age.
- A switch of up to 40 inches is suitable for kids 6 to 8 years of age.
- A switch of up to 45 inches is suitable for kids 9 to 11 years of age.
You can make adjustments to this height based on the stature of your kids so that they can reach the switches comfortably. Besides installing light switches, you can also install flooring in your kid’s room on your own.
Countertop Switches
Some switches are over the countertop, and they obviously will be higher. In this case, the height is measured from the countertop rather than the floor.
Measure up to 4 inches from the countertop and install the light switch here. Usually, kitchen countertops are 36 to 38 inches from the floor, so an additional 4 inches make the total height about 40 inches.
This is suitable for most people to reach. Since your kids are not going to be entering the kitchen much, this light switch height is the best.
Installing the Light Switch
Once you have determined the right switch height, based on your personal needs, you can go ahead and install the light fixture.
If you are not much of a DIY enthusiast, you can get an electrician to do the job for you. He will make a mark on your wall, measuring about 48 inches from the floor. Then, he will cut the opening for the wall outlet.
Conclusion
It is crucial to get the height of light switches right. Otherwise, you could face nuisance while doing essential functions like turning lights on or off.
The ideal height for light switches is 48 to 52 inches, but you can alter it to suit your needs. Hopefully, this guide would have given you an idea of how to determine the right height for the switches in your home.