Is there a minimum height above grade that an exterior outlet needs to be placed? This will be above concrete if that makes any difference.
Thanks in advance.
Key proposals for the next edition of the International Residential Code tackle room sizes, stair specs, emergency egress, and deck guards, among other requirements.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial NowDig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.
Start Your Free TrialGet complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.
Already a member? Log in
We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.
Replies
Interesting question.
I have seen outlets in the ground on city sidewalks.
I do know that all outside outlets must be GFCI.
“It so happens that everything that is stupid is not unconstitutional.” —Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia
They can't be underground.
AFAIK that is the only limitation in the NEC. Local code might call out something different.
But depending on how how much rain splash that you have, snow, etc that will determine where you put it. Also the application and landscaping that might be in the way.
Typically they are put just above the top of the foundation as that is where access is (for basements).
I put pool lamps and posts in this summer. Put outlets on the bottom of the post.
I WISH I had put them about 12" off the ground instead of only 4". The watertite covers are a pain to lift when that low. Also hoping for not much snow this winter!!!!!!!!
OK! so not on "the bottom" of the posts....... there's dirt down there! Near the bottom next to the ground is more precise
I appreciate the replies. This will be an outlet not often used , so access is not as big an issue as " low and out of sight". Very little landscaping, so this also is not a concern. It will defenitely be a GFCI outlet with the housing over top of it. I'm just making sure I am not creating a code violation.
Thanks again for your answers.
I usually try to out them near the door but not in the way, and a couple of feet off of the ground. This way, assuming Detroit ever sees snow again the outlet wont be buried.
If you are looking for "out of site" you might want to look at these.Recessed boxeshttp://www.aifittings.com/whnew74.htmI am not sure, but I think that it works with a regular box, but the cover colapses so that it does not stick out when not in use.http://www.aifittings.com/whnew89a.htm
I've certainly seen outlets on posts only 4" or so above the soil.
People never lie so much as before an election, during a war, or after a hunt. --Otto von Bismarck
Ya but,,,,,, I think code here in NE is outside must be +12" above ground.
If code in the NE is 12 inches, then my office building in New York City is way off. The boxes next to the sidewalk trees are on the ground.
I pity those "city dogs" ------- !!!
You're not kidding. Here in boston, they are zapped all the time. There are faults all over and "hot" manhole covers but the dogs are always the ones that find them with their bare paws. There was the one time when I was getting home from work and an underground transformer blew and blasted a manhole cover through a nearby building.
Edited 12/5/2006 5:30 pm ET by xosder11