ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Something Different

I've done a couple of daycare centers, and we have used shuttered receptacles for the kid's rooms. Also we applied for, and received, code variances to allow us to install them at +54", which would normally be in conflict with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). I think they're a great idea for defeating the curious tikes' attempts at self-electrocution

I seem to recall seeing something about standard heights in residences being 48" for wall switches and 18" for receptacles (except worktops, of course).

Am I about right here, or am I imagining things again?

Yes those are about "standard", but they're only guidelines...

I place Switch boxes at 48-1/2" to top of the box (on 8 ft ceilings) and Recepts Boxes sit on top of the hammer which puts them at about 18" to top of the box.

Counter top recepts are 45" to top of box.

Sparky66,

48-1/2"? Don't the sheetrockers complain? At 48-1/2", wouldn't they have to cut both sheets? The rockers that I have worked with have always prefered that I measure down from the ceiling 48" to the top of the box, that way they are guaranteed to only need to cut the bottom sheet. Of course building methods vary so much from location to location, just curious.

Matt

If you measure 48-1/2" from the top plate or the sub floor, you will get precisely the same location as 48" from the finished ceiling if they use 1/2 drywall...

48-1/2" from the subfloor makes it so the drywallers cut only three sides of one piece.

So, we're talking about the same thing.



[This message has been edited by sparky66wv (edited 08-30-2001).]

I like the protected plug arangement, I wish similar devices could be implemented here for sub-1800W loads (and subsequent lightweight cords) on 15 and 20 Amp circuits...

It would save lives...

gestapo-like depts

We have those too!

...see i have this theory about the DA cuttin' a deal @ Nuremburg......

That's probably the biggest advantage of the 13A fused plug, although the best protection relies on Joe Average knowing the right size fuse to fit. I see clocks, bedside lamps, etc. with 13A fuses in their plugs all the time.

At least people bridging the fuse clips with wire/kitchen foil is rare. Just as well considering that in most cases the fuse at the panel is 30A. 7.2kW could make the cord on a bedside lamp light up real pretty!