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What is the maximum allowed height of a circuit breaker (OCPD) above the floor?

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

The center of the breaker handle in its highest position cannot be more than 6-foot 7-inches above the floor, per the Residential Edition of the Florida Building Code [FBC E3705.7(6)], International Residential Code (IRC), and the National Electrical Code [NEC 240.24(A)]. An exception is allowed for supplementary breakers that are part of an appliance (utilization equipment) or adjacent to an appliance. Circuit breakers are also referred to as OverCurrent Protection Devices (OCPDs) in the codes.

    Also, see our blog posts What is the code minimum height for an electrical panel? and What is the maximum number of circuit breakers allowed in an electric panel? and Can an electric panel be located in a bathroom? and Can a washer or dryer be located in front of an electric panel? and Can an electric panel be located in a closet? and Can an electric panel be mounted sideways-horizontally? and Can an electric panel be mounted over stairs?

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 

Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about ELECTRIC PANELS:

What causes copper wires to turn green or black in an electric panel?  

When should a corroded or damaged electric panel cabinet or disconnect box be replaced? 

What is a tandem circuit breaker? 

When did arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers first become required?

Can you add circuit breakers by different manufacturers to an electric panel if they fit?

My circuit breaker won't reset. What's wrong?  

What is a split bus electric panel?

• What is a "backfeed" main breaker at an electric panel? 

How do I identify a combination AFCI (CAFCI) circuit breaker? 

What does a circuit breaker with a yellow or white test button indicate? 

What is the maximum gap allowed between the front of a recessed electric panel box and the wall surface surrounding it? 

What are the requirements for NM-cables entering an electric panel box?

Why is a fuse box/panel an insurance problem for homebuyers? 

Why is bundled wiring in an electric panel a defect?

What is the difference between GFCI and AFCI circuit breakers? 

Why are old electrical components not always "grandfathered" as acceptable by home inspectors?

What happens when you press the "TEST" button on a circuit breaker in an electric panel?

What is a Dual Function Circuit Interrupter (DFCI)? 

What is the difference between a Combination Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (CAFCI) and an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) circuit breaker?  

What is the difference between "grounded" and "grounding" electrical conductors? 

What does it mean when a wire is "overstripped" at a circuit breaker?

Why is an old fuse panel dangerous?  

Who is the manufacturer of those "bad" electric panels?

Why is the circuit breaker stuck in the middle? 

What is a double tap at a circuit breaker?

What is the right electric wire size for a circuit breaker in an electric panel?

What is the life expectancy of a circuit breaker? 

My circuit breaker won't reset. What's wrong? 

Why do some breakers in my electric panel have a "TEST" button on them?

What is the right size electric panel for a house? 

• What do I need to know about buying a whole house surge protector? 

What is a "missing knockout" or "open knockout" in an electric panel box? Why is it a problem?

   Visit our ELECTRICAL page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. 

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