National Electrical Code

Code Q&A

July 8, 2005

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 ...

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)].

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About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.