For a one-family dwelling, how high must a receptacle outlet be installed above grade?

The appropriate height for a receptacle outlet in a one-family dwelling is 6.5 feet above grade. This measurement is based on guidelines set by the National Electrical Code (NEC) and is designed to ensure accessibility for general usage while minimizing the risk of damage or hazards, particularly in areas where a dwelling might have a basement or where furniture may obstruct lower outlets.

By setting the height at 6.5 feet, it accommodates standard electrical needs while being practical for homeowners to reach without excessive bending or stretching. For example, in areas like living rooms or bedrooms, this height allows for easy access to electrical devices that might be plugged into outlets for lamps, televisions, or chargers without requiring complicated arrangements.

In contrast, heights such as 4.0 feet may be too low and can lead to safety issues or accessibility problems, particularly in households with children or pets. Heights of 8.0 feet or 10.0 feet would be impractical, as they would be out of reach for typical household utilization, necessitating the use of ladders or similar equipment for connection, thereby increasing potential safety hazards. Therefore, a height of 6.5 feet strikes a suitable balance between accessibility and safety in residential settings.