What height do outlets need to be from the floor?

In New Brunswick, standard electrical outlets must be installed at least 150mm (6 inches) above the finished floor, according to the Canadian Electrical Code as adopted by TSANB. However, most electricians install them at 300-450mm (12-18 inches) for practical reasons.

The minimum 150mm requirement exists primarily for safety - keeping outlets away from potential water on floors and making them less accessible to small children. This height applies to standard 15A and 20A receptacles in most residential locations.

Practical installation heights vary by room and purpose. In living areas, bedrooms, and hallways, outlets are typically installed at 300-400mm (12-16 inches) above the floor - high enough to be convenient but low enough that furniture won't block them. Kitchen counter outlets must be installed above the countertop surface, usually 100-150mm (4-6 inches) above the counter. Bathroom outlets near vanities follow similar counter-height rules.

Special height requirements apply in certain situations. Outlets serving kitchen islands or peninsulas can be installed in the side of the island base, provided they're at least 300mm above the floor. Garage outlets are often installed higher - around 1.2m (4 feet) - to clear vehicle hoods and provide better accessibility. Workshop areas may have outlets at multiple heights for different tools and equipment.

TSANB permits are required when adding new outlet circuits, even if you're just moving an existing outlet to a different height. The work must be done by a licensed electrician who will ensure proper wire sizing, circuit protection, and GFCI requirements where needed.

For outlet installation or moving existing outlets to code-compliant heights, New Brunswick Electrical can match you with local licensed electricians who understand TSANB requirements and will pull the necessary permits for your project.