Whether an entire new home is being built, or an addition/remodel is being done in an existing structure, the project will require electrical wiring. During the installation of the boxes destined to hold electrical outlets (also referred to as electrical receptacles) the homeowner or electrical contractor must balance a number of critical factors: safety, convenience and electrical code compliance.
Kitchens
Devote a major part of your planning to kitchen wiring. The eventual location of counters, sinks and large appliances like the refrigerator will dictate the height and location of electrical-outlet installations. Here are some examples.
On an open wall, receptacles should be installed 12 to 16 inches above the floor. On a wall where countertops will be installed, electrical outlets should be installed 12 to 16 inches above the countertop. In this instance, a homeowner might wish to install one or more double-outlet boxes to provide adequate plugs for small kitchen applicances like toasters, blenders or coffee makers.
On the wall where the refrigerator will be installed, the outlet box should be mounted four feet above the floor. Here's why. In many kitchens, the refrigerator is flanked on both sides by countertops. If the outlet is installed low to the floor, it may be nearly impossible to reach around behind the refrigerator to plug it in or unplug it before moving it.
If the kitchen will have a diswasher installed, the wall outlet should be installed 12 to 16 inches above the floor beneath the adjacent sink. Be careful to locate the outlet where the dishwasher's drain line will not block your ability to plug it in.
Bedrooms and Hallways
If installing outlet boxes in bedrooms or hallways, they should be 12 to 16 inches above the floor. In a bedroom, install wall outlets at intervals of 6 to 7 feet. That will help eliminate the need for extension cords. If you intend to set a box fan in one of the windows, install an additional outlet nearby. By following these suggestions you will probably install seven or eight outlet boxes. Don't worry if the number seems excessive. If you decide to sell your house, few prospective buyers will complain about having too many wall plugs.
In a central hallway, install wall outlets 12 to 16 inches above the floor. Install enough so that plugging in such devices as the vacuum cleaner or carpet shampoo unit can be accomplished conveniently.
Bathrooms
Like other rooms, bathrooms may have wall outlets mounted 12 to 16 inches above floor level. Because of the moisture found in bathrooms, the receptacles themselves must be the three-prong, ground-fault-interrupter (GFI) type. They are designed to prevent fatal electrocution. However, as a general rule, no outlets should be installed within 3 feet of a tub or shower enclosure.
Outlets installed near a sink or vanity should be mounted 12 to 16 inches above them and must also have GFI plugs.
Family Room
Most family rooms will have normal wall-mounted receptacles installed in them. The one exception might occur if the room has a fireplace. Then, a pair of outlets might be installed a few inches above both ends of a mantel, allowing small decorative lamps to be plugged in.
Laundry Rooms
Like bathrooms, laundry rooms have high moisture levels and should have GFI-type receptacles installed in them. An outlet for the washer should be installed three to four feet up, making it easy to plug or unplug it. The same would apply to a gas dryer. However, for an electric dryer, a 220-volt outlet plug must be provided, although it may be mounted at the same height. The 220-volt receptacles are externally mounted to the wall, not attached to rough framing.
Outdoor Outlets
For new construction or home additions, adding one or more outdoor outlets might be valuable. They're great for plugging in holiday lighting or even a TV set. Outdoor outlets should be installed 12 to 16 inches above the top of the foundation. Outdoor boxes are generally made of plastic and once the receptacle is installed, some type of weatherproof cover should be installed over them. The covers are plastic and have a spring mounted cover that folds down over the receptacles when they are not in use.
Final Consideratons
Unless your framing will be done within an existing structure, a building permit and code-compliance inspections of the electrical work may be required by your local building department. When you obtain your permit, check to see if your municipality has any unique electrical-code requirements.
If you are inexperienced with electrical wiring, hire a professional electrician to perform most of the work. You may have the skills needed to install the plastic or metal outlet boxes, but if you make any serious mistakes while wiring up the circuitry, the result might be an electrical fire or worse.
If you will be wiring an entire structure, a copy of the National Electrical Code Handbook might be a valuable reference.
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