Hey all. I need to install an outdoor outlet on my garage for a pond
pump. Anyone know what the National Electrical Code says about how
high off the ground an outlet has to be? I'm plainning on installing a
weatherproof cover that covers the plugs at all times.

I'm not aware of a height spec in the code. I'd just put it in a location
that won't flood



"clevelandhts07" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hey all. I need to install an outdoor outlet on my garage for a pond
pump. Anyone know what the National Electrical Code says about how
high off the ground an outlet has to be? I'm plainning on installing a
weatherproof cover that covers the plugs at all times.

clevelandhts07 wrote:

Hey all. I need to install an outdoor outlet on my garage for a pond
pump. Anyone know what the National Electrical Code says about how
high off the ground an outlet has to be? I'm plainning on installing a
weatherproof cover that covers the plugs at all times.


I don't believe there is a specific height requirement,
except that it must be higher than where water might accumulate.

Since this will be a relatively permanent plug-in, the cover would
have to be closed against water entry (such as a driving rain)
by using a special cover.

Of course, GFCI protecion is needed.

Better ask Clv Hts to be sure :-)

Jim

On Mar 25, 1:18 pm, "clevelandhts07" wrote:
Hey all. I need to install an outdoor outlet on my garage for a pond
pump. Anyone know what the National Electrical Code says about how
high off the ground an outlet has to be? I'm plainning on installing a
weatherproof cover that covers the plugs at all times.

I'm thinking it's like 12", but can't say for certain. A local library
should have a recent copy of the NEC book if you want to be certain.
In addition to a weatherproof cover, be sure to use a weatherproof
box.

-Felder

"Felder" wrote in message
ups.com...
On Mar 25, 1:18 pm, "clevelandhts07" wrote:
Hey all. I need to install an outdoor outlet on my garage for a pond
pump. Anyone know what the National Electrical Code says about how
high off the ground an outlet has to be? I'm plainning on installing a
weatherproof cover that covers the plugs at all times.

I'm thinking it's like 12", but can't say for certain. A local library
should have a recent copy of the NEC book if you want to be certain.
In addition to a weatherproof cover, be sure to use a weatherproof
box.

I'm getting old, and it snows here. If I ever get around to adding more
(badly needed) outside outlets, they are gonna be 36-42" off the ground, and
have a double-ended cleat next to them to belay off the extension cords on.

Seriously- 12" is way too low- you want them out of the splash zone, and not
where they will get buried by plants, snow, leaf drifts, etc. You also don't
want to have to kneel in mud to use them, since plugging stuff in is usually
a 2-handed affair, even with the cord-friendly covers. If I ever hit the
lotto and build my dream house, the interior outlets are gonna be at least
24" off the floor.

aem sends....

On Mar 25, 5:36 pm, "aemeijers" wrote:
"Felder" wrote in message

ups.com... On Mar 25, 1:18 pm, "clevelandhts07" wrote:
Hey all. I need to install an outdoor outlet on my garage for a pond
pump. Anyone know what the National Electrical Code says about how
high off the ground an outlet has to be? I'm plainning on installing a
weatherproof cover that covers the plugs at all times.

I'm thinking it's like 12", but can't say for certain. A local library
should have a recent copy of the NEC book if you want to be certain.
In addition to a weatherproof cover, be sure to use a weatherproof
box.

I'm getting old, and it snows here. If I ever get around to adding more
(badly needed) outside outlets, they are gonna be 36-42" off the ground, and
have a double-ended cleat next to them to belay off the extension cords on.

Seriously- 12" is way too low- you want them out of the splash zone, and not
where they will get buried by plants, snow, leaf drifts, etc. You also don't
want to have to kneel in mud to use them, since plugging stuff in is usually
a 2-handed affair, even with the cord-friendly covers. If I ever hit the
lotto and build my dream house, the interior outlets are gonna be at least
24" off the floor.

aem sends....

Indeed. I meant to say 12" minimum.
Sorry for the confusion.

-Felder

On Mar 25, 2:18 pm, "clevelandhts07" wrote:
Hey all. I need to install an outdoor outlet on my garage for a pond
pump. Anyone know what the National Electrical Code says about how
high off the ground an outlet has to be? I'm plainning on installing a
weatherproof cover that covers the plugs at all times.

Thanks for the advice. I'd like to keep the outlet as low as possible
given it's use near a pond, for cosmetic reasons. I think 12 inches
above the ground sounds reasonable. I'll call my building dept too.
Thanks everyone.

On 25 Mar 2007 15:52:33 -0700, "Felder"
wrote:

On Mar 25, 5:36 pm, "aemeijers" wrote:
"Felder" wrote in message

ups.com... On Mar 25, 1:18 pm, "clevelandhts07" wrote:
Hey all. I need to install an outdoor outlet on my garage for a pond
pump. Anyone know what the National Electrical Code says about how
high off the ground an outlet has to be? I'm plainning on installing a
weatherproof cover that covers the plugs at all times.

I'm thinking it's like 12", but can't say for certain. A local library
should have a recent copy of the NEC book if you want to be certain.
In addition to a weatherproof cover, be sure to use a weatherproof
box.

I'm getting old, and it snows here. If I ever get around to adding more
(badly needed) outside outlets, they are gonna be 36-42" off the ground, and
have a double-ended cleat next to them to belay off the extension cords on.

Seriously- 12" is way too low- you want them out of the splash zone, and not
where they will get buried by plants, snow, leaf drifts, etc. You also don't
want to have to kneel in mud to use them, since plugging stuff in is usually
a 2-handed affair, even with the cord-friendly covers. If I ever hit the
lotto and build my dream house, the interior outlets are gonna be at least
24" off the floor.

aem sends....

Indeed. I meant to say 12" minimum.
Sorry for the confusion.



Hah. The best place for convenience outlets is right under the
chair-rail. Note that you should put them closer together,
(about every 10') so you can still reach them with a 6'
cord from anywhere along the wall.

On 25 Mar 2007 11:18:29 -0700, "clevelandhts07"
wrote:

Hey all. I need to install an outdoor outlet on my garage for a pond
pump. Anyone know what the National Electrical Code says about how
high off the ground an outlet has to be? I'm plainning on installing a
weatherproof cover that covers the plugs at all times.
imho:

I don't think it's a code issue for a minimum, but a common sense
issuge. You don't want your outlets burried under snow. So start
there and think about it.

tom @ www.Japanese-Beetles.com