Unfinished Basments

• The height of an outlet box in a basement depends on whether the basement is finished or unfinished. Unfinished basements are required to install the electrical outlet box 24 inches above the floor. Some outlet boxes are mounted 48 inches above the floor in exceptionally damp areas, such as a laundry room.
  
  

Finished Basements

• A standard electrician hammer can be used to measure the height of an outlet.hammer image by JJAVA from Fotolia.com
  
  Finished basements require an outlet box to be mounted 12 inches above the floor. An easy way to remember the height of an outlet box for a finished basement is to use a standard electrician hammer. A hammer handle length is a convenient height for an outlet box.
  
  

Considerations

• Whether the basement is finished or unfinished, be aware of the direction doors swing. The outlet box should not be hidden behind a door.