CRC · California Residential Code
What CRC rules set accessible receptacle, switch and control heights?
Homeowners: For most outlets, light switches and HVAC controls in your home, the California Residential Code (§ R328.1.2) requires the outlet box top be no higher than 48 inches above the finished floor and the outlet box bottom no lower than 15 inches above the finished floor; dedicated, floor, appliance- or ceiling-mounted controls and locations under low built-ins are exempt.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The California Residential Code requires that electrical receptacle outlets, switches and controls intended for use by occupants be mounted so the control or receptacle is no higher than 48 inches measured from the top of the outlet box and no lower than 15 inches measured from the bottom of the outlet box above the finished floor. This requirement is stated in § R328.1.2.
Receptacles and controls for occupants must be mounted between 15 inches (minimum) and 48 inches (maximum) above the finished floor — measured to the outlet box edges. This is the single controlling rule in § R328.1.2.
Requirements in detail
Scope and which devices are covered
- Applies to electrical receptacle outlets, switches, and controls intended to be used by occupants, including controls for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. § R328.1.2 (CRC) is the controlling provision.
- The measurements are taken to the outlet box: upper limit to the top of the outlet box; lower limit to the bottom of the outlet box. § R328.1.2.
Key dimensions at a glance
| Element / threshold | Measurement | How measured | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum mounting height | 48 inches (1219.2 mm) | Measured from the top of the outlet box to finish floor | § R328.1.2 |
| Minimum mounting height | 15 inches (381 mm) | Measured from the bottom of the outlet box to finish floor | § R328.1.2 |
| Types of controls included | Switches & controls (lighting, receptacles, appliances, HVAC) | If intended for occupant use | § R328.1.2 |
Measurement notes
- The code explicitly ties the limits to the outlet box edges (top/bottom), not to device faceplate centerlines or strike lines. Use the physical outlet box edges when verifying compliance. § R328.1.2.
- The text in § R328.1.2 applies to fixture and control locations within dwelling units under the CRC; other more detailed reach-range guidance (e.g., for public buildings) may appear in the Building Code, not here. See “Related provisions” below for cross-references.
Exceptions & special cases
The CRC lists two (2) explicit exceptions to § R328.1.2:
- Dedicated or special outlets and certain control locations are exempt — specifically: dedicated receptacle outlets; floor receptacle outlets; controls mounted on ceiling fans and ceiling lights; and controls located on appliances. (These are excluded from the 15"–48" requirement.) § R328.1.2.
- Where built-in features reduce wall height above finish floor — receptacle outlets required by the California Electrical Code on a wall space where the distance between the finish floor and a built-in feature above the finish floor (for example, a window) is less than 15 inches are exempt from the minimum height. § R328.1.2.
Note: The CRC text does not include additional reach-range language (for example, the 25‑inch obstruction limit or cabinetry allowances) in § R328.1.2. Those details exist in the California Building Code (CBC) accessibility sections, not in this CRC section, and therefore are not authoritative for CRC-only work unless the project invokes CBC guidance.
Common mistakes
- Measuring to the device center instead of the top/bottom of the outlet box — the CRC measures to the outlet box edge (top for max, bottom for min). Verify the outlet box location. § R328.1.2.
- Relying on CBC reach-range language (e.g., obstruction depth limits) and applying it to CRC-required receptacles without confirming applicability — the CBC contains more detailed reach/obstruction rules; § R328.1.2 itself does not.
- Forgetting exemptions: installers sometimes try to force appliance-mounted or ceiling-mounted controls into the 15"–48" band — those are explicitly exempt. § R328.1.2.
Worked example — kitchen countertop / receptacle scenario
Scenario: You are locating a countertop receptacle above a kitchen counter. The finished floor is the reference.
The outlet box is installed so its bottom sits 18 inches above the finished floor and its top is therefore at 20.5 inches (for a standard 2.5" tall outlet box). Both the bottom (18") and top (20.5") are between 15" and 48", so the installation complies with § R328.1.2.
If instead the outlet box bottom were at 12 inches above the finished floor (bottom < 15"), the receptacle would not meet § R328.1.2 unless an exception applies (for example, the outlet is a floor outlet, a dedicated outlet, or the wall space is under a built-in feature less than 15" above the floor — see the exceptions). § R328.1.2.
Related provisions (CRC sections)
- § R328.1.3 — Interior doors (entry-level minimum clear opening requirement).
- § R328.1.4 — Doorbell buttons (maximum 48 inches above exterior floor or landing).
- § R328.1.1.1 — Documentation for grab bar reinforcement (related accessibility provisions in the same R328 group).
(For more detailed reach-range and obstruction limits used for public buildings and common areas, see the California Building Code accessibility sections such as § 1136A.2 / 1142A.2 — those include additional reach/obstruction language that is not present in CRC § R328.1.2. The CBC text is separate from CRC and should be consulted when its provisions are applicable to your project.)
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Residential Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CRC § 1138A.4.4. High relevance — show source text
1.4. The seat must have a back support that is at least 12 inches (305 mm) tall; and 1.5. The seat must have an occupant restraint for use by the occupant of the seat and the restraint must meet the stan- dards for operable controls in compliance with Section 1138A.4.4. 2. Be capable of unassisted operation from both the deck and water levels. 3. Be stable and not permit unintended movement when a person is getting into or out of the seat. 4. Be designed to have a live-load capacity of not less than 300 pounds. 5. Be positioned so that, if the pool has water of different depths, it will place the operator into water that is at least 3 feet (914 mm) deep. 6. Be capable of lowering the operator at least 18 inches (457 mm) below the surface of the water.
SECTION 1142A —ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLE, SWITCH AND CONTROL HEIGHTS
1142A.1 Receptacle heights. Electrical receptacle outlets on branch circuits of 30 amperes or less and communication system recep- tacles 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.
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.
1142A.2 Switch and control heights. 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 switch or control.
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.
SECTION 1143A —SIGNAGE
1143A.1 General. When signs and/or identification devices are provided they shall comply with this section.
CRC § 1136A.1 High relevance — show source text
1136A.1 Receptacle heights. 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.
1136A.2 Switch and control heights. 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.
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DIVISION V – FEATURES COMMON TO EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF BUILDINGS
DIVISION V Table of Contents
CRC § 1142A.2 High relevance — show source text
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.
1142A.2 Switch and control heights. 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 switch or control.
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.
SECTION 1143A —SIGNAGE
1143A.1 General. When signs and/or identification devices are provided they shall comply with this section.
When both visual and tactile characters are required, either one sign with both visual and tactile characters, or two separate signs— one with visual and one with tactile characters— shall be provided.
Exception: Signs need not be provided within dwelling units.
Note: See Section 1127A.7 for additional signage requirements applicable to sanitary facilities, and Section 1124A for additional signage requirements applicable to elevators.
1143A.2 Identification signs. When signs identify permanent rooms and spaces of a building or site, they shall comply with Sections 1143A.1, 1143A.5, 1143A.6 and 1143A.7.
Exception: Exterior signs that are not located at the door to the space they serve shall not be required to comply with Section 1143A.6.
1143A.3 Directional and informational signs. When signs direct to or give information about permanent rooms and spaces of a build- ing or site, they shall comply with Sections 1143A.5.
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1143A.4 Accessibility signs. When signs identify, direct or give information about accessible elements and features of a building or site, they shall include the appropriate symbol of accessibility and shall comply with Section 1143A.5 .
1143A.5 Visual characters. Signs with visual characters shall comply with this section.
1. Finish and contrast. Characters and their background shall have a non-glare finish. Characters shall contrast with their back- ground, either light on a dark background or dark on a light background.
CRC § 647.7 High relevance — show source text
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.
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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
SECTION 1137A —OTHER FEATURES AND FACILITIES
1137A.1 General. This division shall apply to features and facilities of common use areas on accessible floors or sites.
Note: The provisions in this division are not applicable to dwelling units, unless otherwise specified.
SECTION 1138A —SPACE ALLOWANCES AND REACH RANGES
1138A.1 Space allowances.
1138A.1.1 Single wheelchair passage width. The minimum clear width for single wheelchair passage shall be 36 inches (914 mm) continuously. (See Figure 11A-1E.)
See Section 1113A for minimum clear width of sidewalks, and Section 1120A for minimum clear width of interior accessible routes.
Exception: 32 inches (813 mm) in width is acceptable at a point not to exceed 24 inches (610 mm) in length. The segments with reduced width shall be separated by segments that are 48 inches (1219 mm) long minimum and 36 inches (914 mm) wide minimum.
1138A.1.2 Width for two wheelchairs passing. The minimum width for two wheelchairs to pass is 60 inches (1524 mm) (See Figure 11A-1E).
An accessible route (exterior and interior) with a clear width less than 60 inches (1524 mm) shall provide passing spaces at intervals of 200 feet (60 960 mm) maximum. Passing spaces shall be either: a space 60 inches (1524 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1524 mm) minimum; or, an intersection of two walking surfaces providing a T-shaped space complying with Section 1138A.1.3.1, where the base and arms of the T-shaped space extend 48 inches (1219 mm) minimum beyond the intersection. (See Figure 11A-1L.)
CRC § 812.8 High relevance — show source text
[1_ [1] / 2 inch by 7 [1] / 4 inch (38 mm by 184 mm) actual dimension] or other construction material providing equal height and load capacity. Reinforcement shall be located between 32 inches (812.8 mm) and 39 [1] / 4 inches (997 mm) above the finished floor flush with the wall framing. 3. Water closet reinforcement shall be installed on both side walls of the fixture, or one side wall and the back wall.
4. Shower reinforcement shall be continuous where wall framing is provided. 5. Bathtub and combination bathtub/shower reinforcement shall be continuous on each end of the bathtub and the back wall. Additionally, back wall reinforcement for a lower grab bar shall be provided with the bottom edge located no more than 6 inches (152.4 mm) above the bathtub rim.
Exceptions: 1. Where the water closet is not placed adjacent to a side wall capable of accommodating a grab bar, the bathroom shall have provisions for installation of floor-mounted, foldaway or similar alternate grab bar reinforcements approved by the enforcing agency. 2. Reinforcement shall not be required in wall framing for pre-fabricated shower enclosures and bathtub wall panels with integral factory-installed grab bars or when factory-installed reinforcement for grab bars is provided. 3. Shower enclosures that do not permit installation of reinforcement and/or grab bars shall be permitted, provided rein- forcement for installation of floor-mounted grab bars or an alternate method is approved by the enforcing agency. 4. Bathtubs with no surrounding walls, or where wall panels do not permit the installation of reinforcement shall be permit- ted, provided reinforcement for installation of floor-mounted grab bars adjacent to the bathtub or an alternate method is approved by the enforcing agency. 5. Reinforcement of floors shall not be required for bathtubs and water closets installed on concrete slab floors.
R328.1.1.1 Documentation for grab bar reinforcement. Information and/or drawings identifying the location of grab bar rein- forcement shall be placed in the operation and maintenance manual in accordance with the California Green Building Standards Code, Chapter 4, Division 4.4.
R328.1.2 Electrical receptacle outlet, switch and control heights. Electrical receptacle outlets, switches and controls (including controls for heating, ventilation and air conditioning) intended to be used by occupants shall be located no more than 48 inches (1219.2 mm) measured from the top of the outlet box and not less than 15 inches (381 mm) measured from the bottom of the outlet box above the finish floor.
Exceptions: 1. Dedicated receptacle outlets; floor receptacle outlets; controls mounted on ceiling fans and ceiling lights; and controls located on appliances. 2. Receptacle outlets required by the California Electrical Code on a wall space where the distance between the finished floor and a built-in feature above the finish floor, such as a window, is less than 15 inches (381 mm).
CRC § 1.1.1 High relevance — show source text
_ 3. Shower enclosures that do not permit installation of reinforcement and/or grab bars shall be permitted, provided rein- forcement for installation of floor-mounted grab bars or an alternate method is approved by the enforcing agency. 4. Bathtubs with no surrounding walls, or where wall panels do not permit the installation of reinforcement shall be permit- ted, provided reinforcement for installation of floor-mounted grab bars adjacent to the bathtub or an alternate method is approved by the enforcing agency. 5. Reinforcement of floors shall not be required for bathtubs and water closets installed on concrete slab floors.
R328.1.1.1 Documentation for grab bar reinforcement. Information and/or drawings identifying the location of grab bar rein- forcement shall be placed in the operation and maintenance manual in accordance with the California Green Building Standards Code, Chapter 4, Division 4.4.
R328.1.2 Electrical receptacle outlet, switch and control heights. Electrical receptacle outlets, switches and controls (including controls for heating, ventilation and air conditioning) intended to be used by occupants shall be located no more than 48 inches (1219.2 mm) measured from the top of the outlet box and not less than 15 inches (381 mm) measured from the bottom of the outlet box above the finish floor.
Exceptions: 1. Dedicated receptacle outlets; floor receptacle outlets; controls mounted on ceiling fans and ceiling lights; and controls located on appliances. 2. Receptacle outlets required by the California Electrical Code on a wall space where the distance between the finished floor and a built-in feature above the finish floor, such as a window, is less than 15 inches (381 mm).
R328.1.3 Interior doors. Effective July 1, 2024, at least one bathroom and one bedroom on the entry level shall provide a doorway with a net clear opening of not less than 32 inches (812.8 mm), measured with the door positioned at an angle of 90 degrees from the closed position; or, in the case of a two- or three-story single family dwelling, on the second or third floor of the dwelling if a bathroom or bedroom is not located on the entry level.
R328.1.4 Doorbell buttons. Doorbell buttons or controls, when installed, shall not exceed 48 inches (1219.2 mm) above exterior floor or landing, measured from the top of the doorbell button assembly. Where doorbell buttons integrated with other features are required to be installed above 48 inches (1219.2 mm) measured from the exterior floor or landing, a standard doorbell button or control shall also be provided at a height not exceeding 48 inches (1219.2 mm) above exterior floor or landing, measured from the top of the doorbell button or control.
SECTION R329—SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
R329.1 General. Solar energy systems shall comply with the provisions of this section.
R329.2 Solar thermal systems. Solar thermal systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with the California Plumbing Code and the California Fire Code.
R329.3 Photovoltaic systems. Photovoltaic ( PV ) systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections R329.3.1 through R329.8.1 and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The electrical portion of solar PV systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
CRC § 10-28 High relevance — show source text
re
Instrument
Transformer
Compartment
Alterna
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Termin
Pull Se
Barrier (See NCol2 Col3 Col4 Barrier
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.
re11” Min. Instrument
Transform
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ent
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Front Face
.
re15” Max 15” Max 15” Max Barrier
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.
re15” Max Barrier Barrier (See Notes 7 & 8)
Figure 10-28 Low-Profile Switchboard Service Section, with CT Compartment, for Underground Service
Notes in reference to Figure 10-28.
Locate the terminating pull section beside or behind the metering and current transformer (CT) compartment. The metering and CT compartment must not be recessed back into the switchboard.
Use filler panels where the switchboard width exceeds the maximum-allowable meter panel width. It is allowed to hinge meter panels to hinged filler panels only if the filler panel is bolted to the switchboard in both corners of the filler panel opposite the hinges.
Make the grounding connection in the main switch or breaker compartment.
Equip meter panels and filler panels with stops to prevent the panels from swinging inward beyond the front surface of the switchboard.
Ensure that all panels and covers are sealable.
Ensure that the meter panels can open 90° with the meter and test facilities in place. Ensure there is at least 4 inches of minimum clearance on the side where the meter panel door opens outward.
Only for low-profile switchboards. Place the PG&E meter socket on the top panel.
Preferably low-profile switchboards should only be installed indoors.
Low-profile switchboards installed in outdoor applications require an outer enclosure that is a minimum of 75 inches tall. This is the required minimum working space height.
10-41 2022 – 2023
Section 10, Electric Switchboards: 0 Volts Through 600 Volts
10.6. (continued)
10” Min. Clearance to Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 Col7 le Area
4-3/4”
Min.
Obstructionle Area
4-3/4”
Min.
Obstructionle Area
4-3/4”
Min.CRC § 22.2 High relevance — show source text
6. Plumbing protection. Water supply and drain pipes under lavatories shall be insulated or otherwise covered to protect against contact. There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under lavatories.
7. Lavatory faucet controls. Faucet controls and operation mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 pounds (22.2 N). Lever operated, push-type and electroni- cally controlled mechanisms are examples of acceptable designs. Self-closing valves are allowed if the faucet remains open for at least 10 seconds.
8. Mirrors and towel fixtures. Where mirrors or towel fixtures are provided they shall be mounted with the bottom edge no higher than 40 inches (1016 mm) from the floor.
SECTION 1135A —LAUNDRY ROOMS
1135A.1 General. If clothes washing machines and clothes dryers are provided in covered multifamily dwelling units, one of each type of appliance shall be provided. Where front-loading clothes washers are not provided, management shall provide assistive devices, on request of the occupant, to permit the use of top-loading clothes washers.
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SECTION 1136A —ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLE, SWITCH AND CONTROL HEIGHTS
1136A.1 Receptacle heights. 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.
CRC § 1140A.7.2 High relevance — show source text
1140A.7.2 Height. When in use, the touch surface of TTY keypads shall be 34 inches (864 mm) minimum above the finish floor.
1140A.8 Controls. Telephones shall have push-button controls where service for such equipment is available. Controls and operating mechanisms shall comply with Section 1138A.4.
1140A.9 Cord length. The cord from the telephone to the handset shall be at least 29 inches (737 mm) long.
1140A.10 Telephone books. If telephone books are provided, they shall be located in a position that complies with the reach ranges in Section 1138A.3.
1140A.11 Shelf. Public pay telephones required to accommodate a portable TTY shall be equipped with a shelf and an electrical outlet within or adjacent to the telephone enclosure. The telephone handset shall be capable of being placed flush on the surface of the shelf. The shelf shall be capable of accommodating a TTY and shall have 6 inches (152 mm) minimum vertical clearance above the area where the TTY is to be placed.
SECTION 1141A —ACCESSIBLE SWIMMING POOLS
1141A.1 General. Swimming pools in common use areas shall comply with the provisions of this section and Chapter 31B.
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1141A.2 Swimming pool deck areas. Swimming pool deck areas must be accessible, and a mechanism to assist persons with disabili- ties gain entry into the pool and exit from the pool shall be provided. Such a mechanism may consist of a swimming pool lift device as long as the device meets all of the following criteria: 1. Has a seat that meets all of the following: 1.1. The seat must be rigid; 1.2. The seat must be not less than 17 inches (432 mm) and not more than 19 inches (483 mm), inclusive of any cushioned surface that might be provided, above the pool deck; 1.3. The seat must have two armrests. The armrest on the side of the seat by which access is gained shall be either remov- able or fold clear of the seat;
1.4. The seat must have a back support that is at least 12 inches (305 mm) tall; and 1.5. The seat must have an occupant restraint for use by the occupant of the seat and the restraint must meet the stan- dards for operable controls in compliance with Section 1138A.4.4. 2. Be capable of unassisted operation from both the deck and water levels. 3. Be stable and not permit unintended movement when a person is getting into or out of the seat. 4. Be designed to have a live-load capacity of not less than 300 pounds. 5. Be positioned so that, if the pool has water of different depths, it will place the operator into water that is at least 3 feet (914 mm) deep. 6. Be capable of lowering the operator at least 18 inches (457 mm) below the surface of the water.
SECTION 1142A —ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLE, SWITCH AND CONTROL HEIGHTS
California Residential Code Medium relevance — show source text
2
3|120
123
126|444
498
540|216
247
281|142
145
147|582
652
705|277
321
366|165
168
171|739
825
893|348
407
463| |15|1
2
3|125
128
131|511
558
597|229
260
292|153
156
159|658
718
760|297
339
382|184
187
190|824
900
960|375
432
486| |20|1
2
3|123
126
129|584
625
661|239
270
301|150
153
156|752
805
851|312
354
396|180
184
187|943
1011
1067|397
452
505| |30|1
2
3|119
122
125|680
715
746|255
287
317|145
149
152|883
928
968|337
378
418|175
179
182|1115
1171
1220|432
484
535| |50|1
2
3|115
118
121|798
827
854|294
326
357|140
143
147|1049
1085
1118|392
433
474|168
172
176|1334
1379
1421|506
558
611| |100|1
2
3|109
113
116|907
933
956|334
368
399|134
138
141|1222
1253
1282|454
497
540|161
165
169|1589
1626
1661|596
651
705|Col1 COMMON VENT CAPACITY Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 Col7 Col8 Col9 Col10 MINIMUM INTERNAL AREA OF MASONRY CHIMNEY FLUE (square inches) MINIMUM INTERNAL AREA OF MASONRY CHIMNEY FLUE (square inches) MINIMUM INTERNAL AREA OF MASONRY CHIMNEY FLUE (square inches) MINIMUM INTERNAL AREA OF MASONRY CHIMNEY FLUE (square inches) MINIMUM INTERNAL AREA OF MASONRY CHIMNEY FLUE (square inches) MINIMUM INTERNAL AREA OF MASONRY CHIMNEY FLUE (square inches) MINIMUM INTERNAL AREA OF MASONRY CHIMNEY FLUE (square inches) MINIMUM INTERNAL AREA OF MASONRY CHIMNEY FLUE (square inches) MINIMUM INTERNAL AREA OF MASONRY CHIMNEY FLUE (square inches) 63 63 63 78 78 78 113 113 113 **COMBINED APPLIANCE INPUT RATING CRC § 11A-41 Medium relevance — show source text
1140A Accessible Telephones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-41
1141A Accessible Swimming Pools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-41
1142A Electrical Receptacle, Switch and Control Heights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-42
1143A Signage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-42
1144A Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-44
1145A Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-44
1146A Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-44
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE xxiii
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CONTENTS
1147A Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-45
1148A Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-45
1149A Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-45
DIVISION VI – SITE IMPRACTICALITY TESTS . . . . . . . . . . . .11A-46
1150A Site Impracticality Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-46
DIVISION VII – FIGURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11A-48
CHAPTER 11B ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11B-1
DIVISION 1 – APPLICATION AND ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . .11B-3
Frequently asked questions
Are the 15" and 48" measurements to the device face or to the outlet box?
They are measured to the outlet box: 48 inches from the top of the outlet box and 15 inches from the bottom of the outlet box, per § R328.1.2.
Do these heights apply to appliance controls (range, dishwasher, microwave)?
No — controls located on appliances are listed as an explicit exception to § R328.1.2.
What if my countertop blocks direct reach — does § R328.1.2 address reach over obstructions?
No. § R328.1.2 sets vertical box-location limits but does not include detailed reach-over or horizontal obstruction limits; those are found in the Building Code accessibility sections, not this CRC section.
If a window sill is less than 15" above the floor, can required receptacles be lower than 15"?
Yes — the CRC exempts receptacles required by the California Electrical Code where the wall space between finish floor and a built‑in feature above the floor is less than 15 inches. § R328.1.2.
Is a floor receptacle required to meet the 15" minimum?
No — floor receptacle outlets are an explicit exception to the minimum height in § R328.1.2.
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