Wall utilities: outlets, switches, safes
Wall utilities — switches, outlets, safes — small wall fixtures with conventional symbols and mounting heights.
Switches, outlets, and wall safes are small wall-mounted fixtures with conventions for placement and symbols.
In this guide
- 1
Light switches
Mounting height: 48 inches to center above floor (standard); 44 inches for accessibility. Placement: next to the latch side of room doors, on the room-interior side. Types: single-pole, 3-way (two switches one fixture), dimmer, smart switch. In Room Sketch 3D: Build Panel → Light Switch tile.
- 2
Electric outlets
Mounting height (general): 12-18 inches above floor for standard; 42-48 for kitchen counter outlets; 24-28 for bathroom. Placement (residential code): no point on any usable wall more than 6 feet from an outlet — outlet at least every 12 feet of wall. Kitchen counters: every 4 feet. Types: standard duplex, GFCI (bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor), USB-integrated, smart outlet. In Room Sketch 3D: Build Panel → Outlet tile.
- 3
Wall safes
Mounting height: 36-60 inches to bottom of safe. Behind a hanging picture is common. Standard sizes: 12-36 inches wide × 12-24 inches tall × 6-16 inches deep. Wall depth required: safe depth + 4 inches for installation. Standard 4-inch interior walls cannot accommodate most wall safes; need 6-inch walls minimum. In Room Sketch 3D: Build Panel → Wall Safe tile.
Tips
Switch goes next to the door's latch side
As you walk through the open door, your hand naturally falls onto the switch.
Frequently asked questions
How high should light switches be?
48 inches to center is standard residential. 44 inches for accessibility.
How far apart should outlets be?
Maximum 12 feet between outlets along any usable wall.
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