Light Switch Size Standards

If a light switch above a counter is to be considered accessible the countertop may not be deeper than 24 inches.

Light switch size standards.

A dimmer switch is wired the same way as a single pole switch. In this illustration you can see the red hot lead wires of the dimmer are connected to the inbound black wire from the electrical source the electrical panel and the black wire that goes to the light fixture s black wire which in this case is a white wire that has been taped with black electrical tape. For example a light switch may be located above a cabinet countertop provided that it is located within a maximum reach range. Both types of switch are designed to fit within the same wire box size if you compare the back box of a standard switch to the back box of a rocker switch you would be unlikely to see any difference.

The ideal light switch height is 48 inches from the floor. Light switches may be located behind obstructions in certain instances. When the switch is over a counter that has a knee space and the counter depth exceeds 20 inches the maximum height of a switch is reduced to 44 inches. For light switches and garbage disposal switches that ll be located above a kitchen counter it s standard practice to install them approximately 4 inches above the countertop.

Switchplates from switchplate gallery charming decorative light switch plates for coastal farmhouse shabby chic floral and lots more. Both switches control electricity the same way. The wiring requirements are identical for both types of switch. Many builders position switch boxes so the bottom of the box is 48 inches above the floor.

Since the standard height for most countertops is 36 inches that places the bottom of the switch plate 40 inches from the floor. A standard single gang plate is 2 3 4 wide and houses 1 device. Light switchplates size terms gang the term gang refers to the width of the plate. To satisfy the accessibility requirements of the fair housing act however the switch itself should be no.

A 2 gang plate is 4 1 2 wide and houses 2 devices. Builders generally use this standard since this height can be reached as comfortably from the standing position as from the sitting.