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I would like to install a GFCI outlet in my bathroom. I attempted to install it beside our vanity mirror on first the left then the right side, but was unable to due to the construction of the wall, where the studs where placed too closely together. So, I decided to place the outlet on the wall opposite of the sink. My question is, how high from the floor should I place this outlet?

Thanks

isherwood
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JasonQ
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  • Are you trying to install a new receptacle in a wall, or are you converting an existing receptacle to GFCI? – Harper - Reinstate Monica Oct 30 '17 at 14:51
  • I am installing a new receptacle. This bathroom did not have any receptacles when we purchased the home. – JasonQ Oct 30 '17 at 14:57
  • Reason I ask is 99% of GFCI questions relate to the difference, so GFCI in the title tends to draw people good at solving those problems. In your case it's entirely a construction question... – Harper - Reinstate Monica Oct 30 '17 at 15:02
  • So it doesn't matter how high off the floor? I was worried that the typical 16 inches was not high enough for a bathroom. – JasonQ Oct 30 '17 at 15:07
  • To be clearer, your title is confusing as to whether you are upgrading to GFCI. I would suggest simply removing "GFCI" from the title. I don't know the answer to your question, but the edit I suggest will help draw construction folks instead of electrical folks like me. – Harper - Reinstate Monica Oct 30 '17 at 15:14
  • Related, but I guess since it's possible in a "wet" location, not a direct duplicate: https://diy.stackexchange.com/q/17001/43874 – JPhi1618 Oct 30 '17 at 15:51
  • Thanks, Harper. It seems like this is a preference. I might go higher than usual on this one. Thanks. – JasonQ Oct 30 '17 at 18:34
  • Is the problem that you can't fit a box where you wanted, or that you can't get the wires to the location? Studs being in the way shouldn't stop you from installing the outlet where you want it. – isherwood Oct 30 '17 at 18:42
  • If you have a built in medicine cabinet there may be several studs right at that location but another 1-1/2" over there is probably space. – Ed Beal Oct 30 '17 at 18:54
  • somewhere between standing wrist and elbow height, to allow easy hand appliances plugging. – dandavis Oct 30 '17 at 22:11
  • The studs on the vanity side of the bathroom are just about 3 inches apart all the way across the wall and not a single one of them have nails/screws in them. I couldn't locate them using my magnet and the thud on the wall sounded hollow until I poked a few holes only to find these have studs behind them too close to place the receptacle box. I could notch out a spot, but I decided to use the adjacent wall. :) – JasonQ Oct 31 '17 at 20:18

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On a wall there is not a minimum or maximum height. The question would be how high would you like it? If close to the basin they are usually placed several inches above the counter space but again no code height restriction on the walls. The one thing is it can not be placed in a wet location like above a tub unless outside the tub zone.

Ed Beal
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