Is there a minimum height for exterior porch lights? I’ve always felt mine were too low and now that I have the option to adjust, I’d like to know what the height should be.
tia
I’ve upped my standards…now up yours
Is there a minimum height for exterior porch lights? I’ve always felt mine were too low and now that I have the option to adjust, I’d like to know what the height should be.
tia
I’ve upped my standards…now up yours
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Replies
No criterion for height in any Code.
For a wall-mounted fixture (think sconce, or coach light), I usually set the center of the box at 81" above grade.
Why?
It's what I learned as an apprentice. There's some basis for it--it's high enough that you're not staring into the lamp in the fixture, but not so high the lamp is exposed when you approach it (if the fixture in open at the bottom).
Sometimes I vary the height if there's a reason to. Coach lamp fixtures flanking an overhead garage door might go a little lower, depending on the aesthetics--whether there are any horizontal lines in the nearby trim.
It's just a matter of whatever looks good for the location.
Cliff
I'll check and see how 81" looks, thanks. Mine are currently at 68" I've upped my standards...now up yours
Just out of reach for easily changing the bulb.
Beats bumping your head when you exit I've upped my standards...now up yours
I used to go about 6'6" but then a lighting "ex-spurt" told me 7'2 was right. He was mostly in commercial lighting though.
Then an old guy who runs a specialty lighting shop showed me a chart where he makes the height higher for larger lights and a bit lower for smaller fixtures.
I think the size of the wall should have some play in it also, and the style of the fixture...
So lots of variables to throw up in the air and shake around to see what falls into your lap
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When I installed ours I just put them where SWMBO wanted them.
If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
Front porch with a 9 or 10'? ceiling. Haven't decided on the type of light fixture yet but I wanted to reset the box height so I wouldn't bump into it anymore. Your 78" is close to what Cap said at 81 so I'll see how those look.
At least now I have a # to set a baseline...thanks I've upped my standards...now up yours