Code Q&A

Jul 8, 2005 8:42 AM, By Mike Holt

Q. What’s the minimum and maximum height for electrical equipment that contains circuit breakers or switches?

A. There is no minimum height for switches and circuit breakers. However, 550.32(F) requires the service disconnecting means enclosure for mobile and manufactured homes to be mounted a minimum of 2 feet above the finished grade.

All switches and circuit breakers must be installed so the center of the grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker, when in its highest position, isn’t more than 6 feet 7 inches above the floor or working platform. But switches and circuit breakers can be mounted above that height if they’re next to the equipment they supply and are accessible by portable means [240.24(A) and 404.8(A)].

Got a question for Mike? E-mail him at mike@mikeholt.com.