We’d like to have our electrical outlets installed in the baseboard rather than 18″ from the floor. We’re in Philly PA, can anyone tell me if that’s to code.
They, to us, look unsightly in the wall.
Any other solutions? Don’t really want them in the floor.
Thx,
Gadge
A new code-compliant, spill-safe outlet from Legrand offers a sleek solution for a kitchen island plug.
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Replies
According to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Property Maintenance Code:
"SECTION PM-407.0 ELECTRICAL FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
PM-407.1 Electrical service: Every occupied dwelling shall be provided with an electrical system in compliance with the requirements of this Section. The size and usage of appliances and equipment shall serve as a basis for determining the need for additional facilities in accordance with the electrical code. Every dwelling shall be served by a main service that is not less than 60 amperes, three wires, 120/240 or 120/208 volts, single phase.
PM-407.2 Safe installation: All electrical equipment, wiring and appliances shall be properly installed and maintained in a safe and approved manner by a qualified Licensed electrical contractor in accordance with Subcode "E". Where it is found that the electrical system in a structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants or the structure by reason of inadequate service, improper fusing, insufficient outlets, improper wiring or installation, deterioration or damage, or for similar reasons, the code official shall require the defects to be corrected to eliminate the hazard.
PM-407.3 Receptacles: Every habitable space in a dwelling shall contain at least two separate and remote receptacle outlets spaced a maximum of 12 feet (3658 mm) apart measured along the perimeter of the room or a minimum of one such receptacle plus a ceiling light fixture. Every laundry area shall contain at least one grounded type receptacle.
https://nchh.org/resource-library/HH_Codes_PA_10-1-08.pdf
NEC does not stipulate a typical minimum height. No mention of a typical minimum height in Philly either.
Frankie
maybe 2 ft or 18 in is to keep toddlers away?
I think the 18" height was minimum for wheelchair access, and TR receptacles are for the kiddos.
Just remember that those outlets will have the potential to have whatever cords are plugged in to be hit by feet, vacuum cleaners, kids, whatever is at ground level. Plus, as you age, it’s more of a pain, literal and figuratively, to reach them. I place my outlets at 36” or above whenever there will be a surface nearby, such as a table, because it’s just easier on the body. If you’re concerned about aesthetics, maybe nicer outlets such as the LeGrande Adorne line?
https://www.legrand.us/wiring-devices/adorne-collection/outlets/c/lgnd030106
The 18 in. height serves two purposes - One, you don't have to bend down so far to use the outlets. Two, it's the height above the bottom wall plate of the electrician's hammer handle, used to consistently install the 50 or so wall outlet boxes in a house. Install those outlets in the base if it makes you happy. We do it all the time. There's even an oscillating multi-tool blade made to cut out the base for a standard old-work box.
In older houses (NYC) with elaborate 3-piece baseboard it is common to find outlets in baseboard. No code problem, just a slight PITA when remodeling.
I have never understood customers who thought electrical outlets were ugly. Maybe they were born too early for their Jetsons future.
Some customers don't want to see them above kitchen counters, so they insist on plugmold under the upper cabinets.
Thx for all the replies.
My thought is with outlets 18" inches plus in the air, by the time something is plugged in, looks ugly. We would prefer the cords to be in the baseboard, unfortunately not to code. Who knows why? We don't mind bending down.
If the wall plates were flush at those heights, it would be better, there are some, but really expensive.
https://22system.com/collections/kits/products/single-outlet-kit
Think of the possible accidental kicking or cleaning damage possible and look for some low profile outlet trims. Thank pricing on what you linked…….
Even the Kardashians don’t use those.
Some say I’m wrong when I think that even to current codes, those damn outlets are still behind something.
LOL I know, crazy price.
For our own homes we've been putting outlets in our baseboards for more than 15 years. Never had a problem with kicking cords etc. We like very stark / minimal design, so outlets that aren't behind something stand out.
I thought the legrand electrical outlets were expensive... Those things are wild.
In the City of Los Angeles, the city inspectors allow receptacles in baseboard.
When we built our house we selected the best height for the outlet for each location. The ones that are very visible are installed in the baseboards. Behind sofas and beds they are raised for easy access. We have some outlets mounted in the same box as the lighting switch. These look good and are very handy for plugging in the vacuum cleaner.