Home Access Answers
Power Planning
Electrical
considerations for new home construction
by Jane Hampton
Dear Jane,
I am an electrician
and am working on a new construction project for a family where
the mother uses a wheelchair. What should I be aware of as I am installing
electrical outlets and switches in their home?
Hank, Stillwater,
Minnesota
Dear Hank,
The beauty of new
construction is “customization.” Prior
to rough-in you need to walk through each room of the house with
this family to identify all code required electrical features as
well as additional electrical requests specific to this family. Be
sure to keep asking if there will be any special equipment or unique
activity within each room which may dictate electrical features above
and beyond the “norm.”
I would recommend identifying the range of highest reach and lowest
reach for this woman. Those measurements will provide you with the
boundaries within which you can install switches and outlets. You
should also identify whether it is easier for her to use her right
hand or left hand; this information helps you decide the horizontal
position for switches and outlets, which is especially important
in the bathroom and kitchen.
When roughing in electrical components, all final mounting heights
should be measured above the “finished” floor, not
the subfloor. Therefore you will need to take into consideration
the height of the floor material when roughing in the electrical
components. All wall outlets should be installed higher than standard,
approximately 24” to 30” above the finished floor.
All light switches should be mounted between 36” and 42” above
the floor. Rocker-style switches are easier to operate, if any
of the family members have limited dexterity. In some rooms, ask
if motion-activated switching would be helpful.
Many individuals with
reach limitations have difficulty reaching electrical outlets and
switches over kitchen counters. As a result, we often position
important outlets and switches on the front face of base cabinets,
just below the counter top. If that is not an option, we position
the outlets above the counter backsplash, no higher than 42” above
the finished floor with the longest dimension mounted horizontally.
If the family is considering installing appliance lifts in base
cabinets to make it easier to retrieve a mixer or food processor,
consider installing outlets inside the cabinet for each appliance
or ensure an easy-to-reach outlet is located adjacent to the appliance
lift.
For venting hoods over a range or cooktop, be sure to wire the
switches that operate the light and fan to a wall switch or a switch
located on the front trim of an adjacent base cabinet.
In the bathroom, position
an electrical outlet for a hair dryer on the side of the sink that
is easier for this woman to reach. Position the outlet within an
arm’s length on a side wall or on the
front face of the vanity.
Vapor-proof lighting should be provided over bathtubs and in showers.
Many individuals with disabilities appreciate having a heat lamp
installed near bathing areas, as it takes them longer to undress,
bathe and re-dress, and they often have a tendency to be chilled.
In the bedrooms, especially
the daughter’s bedroom, provide
at least one four-plex outlet at the head of the bed, if not two
four-plex outlets. For safety, additional outlets are often needed
to accommodate multiple items such as a clock, radio, lamp, cordless
phone, fan, intercom and electric bed-frame.
Task lighting is important in all areas of the home: under wall
cabinets, over work areas, in closets, at mirrors, in stairways.
In the laundry room,
identify a location for ironing and ensure the position of the
electrical outlet dedicated for the iron is located so the iron’s
cord is not in the way.
Ensure that the main
electrical panel is in a location that is reachable by this woman…on
an accessible floor level and mounted within her accessible reach
range. Coordinate with the mechanical contractor to ensure all
environmental controls, such as the thermostat, are at a height
that is easily reachable.
If this woman uses an
electric wheelchair, the battery will need to be recharged every
night. It is helpful if there is a dedicated outlet mounted approximately
36” above the finished floor in
a location where the wheelchair is parked out of any pathway.
Review needs for power
door openers, elevator, lifting equipment, automated windows or
window coverings. You may need to consult with a manufacturer’s representative or installer directly for any
specific instructions regarding location and voltage. And don’t
forget garage and exterior issues for electrical and additional lighting.
Finally ask the family if they would ever consider installation
of a ceiling track lifting device for transfers within the bedroom
or bathroom. If this is even a remote possibility, ensure that no
ceiling mounted fixtures, lights, fans or smoke detectors are positioned
where a future ceiling track would be installed. This planning will
eliminate costly electrical expenses down the road if a ceiling track
is installed.
With careful attention to
detail and thorough planning with this family prior to rough-in,
you should be able to meet and exceed their expectations. ![]()
Questions for Jane? We’ll
cover them in future issues of Home Access Answers. Please contact
us at 952-925-0301, www.accessibilitydesign.com or
info@accessibilitydesign.com. Jane Hampton, CID, Access Specialist
and president of Accessibility Design, founded the company in 1992
to enhance lives through design and project management. They provide
design, consultation, project management, and product recommendation
services specializing in home access for individuals with disabilities
at all stages of life.
