Switch height - NEC code

[rodster_67]

Not in my garage but I wish.

Obviously the builder wasn't concerned with aesthetics and took the easiest way out when wiring the rheostat for the fireplace blower, but now that I'm in a major remodeling phase, I want to tear out the existing tile, add a mantel and fireplace surround and relocate the rheostat somewhere less obvious.

At the same time, I will be adding 2 recessed lights so I will add a new 2gang box and locate under the new mantel for the rheostat and switch. (as shown by the red arrow.) Will also add an outlet in the center of the new mantel.

From my older NEC code book I don't see any issues. My question is to anyone familiar with the current code is, any concerns or suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Norcal]

Only codes for switch height would be building codes or ADA requirements, to my knowledge. ADA requirements are not applied to single family dwellings as much as others types.

 

[Speedy Petey]

Why is it such a knee-jerk reaction to call out the contractor as "taking the easy way out"???
This is garage? Where would you suggest he put the rheostat? That looks like an acceptable place to me, and I don't see any better place to hide it. Maybe the owner wanted it there. It's not always the lazy money grubbing contractor that is the cause of things like this.

A switch being used as a switch must be readily accessible and no more than 6'7" off the floor. Agree with Norcal too, the ADA is the only other thing holding you back here, which likely does not apply.

I have to ask, are you doing this electrical work? For a client? If so then I would hope you have a current code book and are up on all the applicable codes to the job you are getting paid for.

 

[rodster_67]

Why is it such a knee-jerk reaction to call out the contractor as "taking the easy way out"???
This is garage? Where would you suggest he put the rheostat? That looks like an acceptable place to me, and I don't see any better place to hide it. Maybe the owner wanted it there. It's not always the lazy money grubbing contractor that is the cause of things like this.

A switch being used as a switch must be readily accessible and no more than 6'7" off the floor. Agree with Norcal too, the ADA is the only other thing holding you back here, which likely does not apply.

I have to ask, are you doing this electrical work? For a client? If so then I would hope you have a current code book and are up on all the applicable codes to the job you are getting paid for.

It's not a knee jerk reaction. I've become familiar with the builder and the 'very budget sensitive' gentlemen he build the house for on speculation. Upon purchasing the house (new) I had some questions for the builder regarding the non-vented range hood I was replacing with a vented unit and he asked why am I bothering. I told him to vent out smells such as fish. He told me just to go out to eat if I want fish....Only one example of 'taking the easy way out' .

I've since torn into the wall and the rheostat could have easily been moved closer to the fireplace. House was spec build so no owner requested it there.

I know some great builders and don't judge them all the same as lazy money grubbing contractors

I'm doing it myself for myself. On other large projects I've done myself (garage, prior house re-model, etc) I always purchased the latest code book and followed all codes. This is basically a repaint and new flooring so just going on the old code book and asking if anyone is aware of any updates.

Generally I've found code updates to address new technology, not the old standards that have been around forever.

Thanks to you both on the switch height question.

 

[Mustang51js]

You may find that there are studs in the way. You don't want it to close to fire place because the heat will mess up the readings. You would also need a separator in the box if you put low voltage and high voltage together in same box

 

[rodster_67]

Thanks for the info. Pulled off drywall and there are no studs in the way. It's a Heatilator i̶n̶s̶e̶r̶t̶ zero clearance fireplace so no heat issues on sides or back of unit. Rehostat is 120v so no low voltage sharing in the box. Got those bases covered.

 

[Mustang51js]

I was talking more about the heat being put out, same reason that you don't put a t-stat over the baseboard heat,but seems you got everything covered so have at it. And don't forget the hdmi wires while wall is open

 

[hh76]

As far as height you'd be fine there, but I'd look into specs on the switch and insert for location requirements.

Why would the original location be " the easy way out" for the builder? Unless the framing is odd, anywhere on that wall would be an easy spot to locate the switch. One thing I've learned over the yrs as an electrician is that one person's ideal switch location can be another's worst spot. Can't please everyone, just hope that not everyone is so judge mental.

 

[rodster_67]

I was talking more about the heat being put out, same reason that you don't put a t-stat over the baseboard heat,but seems you got everything covered so have at it. And don't forget the hdmi wires while wall is open

Good point on the HDMI wires, hmmm cable too?

As far as height you'd be fine there, but I'd look into specs on the switch and insert for location requirements.

Why would the original location be " the easy way out" for the builder? Unless the framing is odd, anywhere on that wall would be an easy spot to locate the switch. One thing I've learned over the yrs as an electrician is that one person's ideal switch location can be another's worst spot. Can't please everyone, just hope that not everyone is so judge mental.

I checked the specs and didn't see anything specific to location to insert. I will double check though.

I'm not 'judge mental'. Seems common sense would tell you to place the switch closer to the unit it's controlling, not somewhere in the middle of the wall. There was nothing stopping the electrician from placing it closer but like you said, maybe in his eyes that was a perfect spot or that's what was called out in the plans.

As I said previously, there are other examples of the 'easy way out' on this house but all in all I've been happy with it and correcting things as I go.

 

[Mustang51js]

Most times lately the cable goes off to the side where you put the cable box,depends on your service,but couldn't hurt to run one just in case. Usually run the cable off to a corner and then hdmi cables from there to tv

 

[rodster_67]

Aaaaaah, that's better. In my opinion.

 

[Ironhorse74]

It's a Heatilator insert so no heat issues on sides of back of unit.

Just an FYI that is a zero clearance fireplace. An insert is put in a Class A fireplace.

Brad

 

[woodzy]

Sometimes those switches for the automatic fireplace are placed up higher so small children can't just hit the switch and turn on the fireplace. I actually placed my on the corner of the wall behind a curtain for that reason. Mine does not have a thermostat just an on / off switch.



If you look to the right of the window you can just barely see the switch box.

 

[rodster_67]

Just an FYI that is a zero clearance fireplace. An insert is put in a Class A fireplace.

Brad

Brad, yes you are correct. I misspoke and should have said 'Heatilator zero clearance fireplace unit' Thanks for correcting that.

Sometimes those switches for the automatic fireplace are placed up higher so small children can't just hit the switch and turn on the fireplace. I actually placed my on the corner of the wall behind a curtain for that reason. Mine does not have a thermostat just an on / off switch.

If you look to the right of the window you can just barely see the switch box.

Looks like a nice project!

Yes I see the switch and since it turns on the fireplace I agree having higher away from little fingers is a good idea. In my case the switches just control the blower motor and the recessed lights so no concern there.

What type of (speckled) wallboard is that?

 

[csp]

Pretty sure that's just basic drywall with texture sprayed onto it.

 

[woodzy]

Yep - just standard drywall with sprayed texture and then knocked down.

Finished shot at day of move in...

 

[rodster_67]

Very nice!

 

[86turbodsl]

Building codes are the MINIMUM acceptable. Building to code means you did the minimum.

 

[rodster_67]

Understand. I always try to build with a buffer in everything I do but you have to know the minimums as a starting point.