1136A Electrical Receptacle, Switch and Control Heights — 2025 California Building Code

Electrical receptacle outlets on branch circuits of 30 amperes or less and communication system recepta- cles shall be located no more than 48 inches (1219 mm) measured from the top of the receptacle outlet box nor less than 15 inches (381 mm) measured from the bottom of the receptacle outlet box to the level of the finished floor or working platform. If the reach is over a physical barrier or an obstruction (for example, a kitchen base cabinet), receptacles shall be located within the reach ranges specified in Section 1138A.3. Physical barriers and obstructions shall not extend more than 25 inches (635 mm) from the wall beneath the receptacle.

Cabinets shall be allowed to extend 24 inches from the wall beneath a control or switch with an additional countertop extension of 1 1/2 inches for a maximum dimension of 25 1/2 i nches (647.7 mm) in depth.

Receptacle outlets that do not satisfy these specifications are acceptable provided that comparable receptacle outlets, that perform the same functions, are provided within the same area and are accessible.

Exceptions: 1. Receptacle outlets installed as part of permanently installed baseboard heaters are exempt. 2. Required receptacle outlets shall be permitted in floors when adjacent to sliding panels or walls. 3. Baseboard electrical outlets used in relocatable partitions, window walls or other electrical convenience floor outlets are not subject to the minimum height requirements. 4. This section shall not apply to existing buildings when the enforcing agency determines that compliance with these stan- dards would create an unreasonable hardship.

Controls or switches intended to be used by the occupant of the room or area to control lighting and receptacle outlets, appliances, alarms or cooling, heating and ventilating equipment shall be located no more than 48 inches (1219 mm) measured from the top of the outlet box nor less than 15 inches (381 mm) measured from the bottom of the outlet box to the level of the finished floor or working platform. If the reach is over a physical barrier or an obstruction (for example, a kitchen base cabinet) switches and controls shall be located within the reach ranges specified in Section 1138A.3. Physical barriers or obstructions shall not extend more than 25 inches (635 mm) from the wall beneath a control or switch.

Cabinets shall be allowed to extend 24 inches from the wall beneath a control or switch with an additional countertop extension of 1 1/2 inches for a maximum dimension of 25 1/2 inches (647.7 mm) in depth.

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.

Exception: Appliances (e.g., kitchen stoves, dishwashers, range hoods, microwave ovens and similar appliances) which have controls located on the appliance.

HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY

DIVISION V – FEATURES COMMON TO EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF BUILDINGS

DIVISION V Table of Contents

Section 1137A Other Features and Facilities

Section 1138A Space Allowances and Reach Ranges

Section 1139A Accessible Drinking Fountains

Section 1140A Accessible Telephones

Section 1141A Accessible Swimming Pools

Section 1142A Electrical Receptacle, Switch and Control Heights

Section 1143A Signage

Section 1144A through 1149A Reserved