How high up are the light switches?

The height of light switches is an essential aspect of designing safe and functional electrical installations. Although often overlooked, its correct placement determines accessibility, user comfort, and compliance with all technical regulations. In the professional sphere, especially for manufacturers and designers, knowing the recommended heights, where to place a switch, and the applicable regulations is key to ensuring efficient installations that are always adapted to each environment.

Regulatory recommendations: height of light switches

Before determining the ideal height for light switches, it’s important to understand the technical and regulatory criteria governing their installation. The Low Voltage Electrotechnical Regulations (REBT), along with accessibility regulations for buildings, establish the general parameters that guide the mounting of control mechanisms.

Generally speaking, Spanish regulations recommend placing light switches at a height between 90 and 110 centimeters from the finished floor. This measurement aims to facilitate operation for people of average height and those with reduced mobility. In adapted housing or public buildings, the UNE 41510 standard also provides guidelines for maintaining universal accessibility, ensuring that the mechanisms are easily usable without requiring effort or awkward postures.

Uniformity is another important aspect: maintaining the same height throughout a home or industrial facility significantly improves ergonomics and prevents potential confusion during use. Likewise, designers must consider all manufacturer specifications and the type of switch used, as some models include indicator lights or advanced features that may require some minor adjustments during installation.

Practical heights according to room: how and where to place light switches

The correct placement of light switches greatly improves user comfort, but not only that, it also optimizes the safety and functionality of the electrical installation itself. Beyond regulatory requirements, each type of room requires an installation adapted to its use and furnishings:

Hallways and passageways. It is recommended to install switches approximately 105 cm from the floor. This allows for quick operation even when the user is carrying objects or has their hands full.
Bedrooms. The height can be adjusted between 80 and 100 cm, depending on the furniture arrangement or the bed’s location. This makes turning lights on and off much easier without having to move around the room.
Bathrooms and wet areas. All safety distances established by the REBT (Spanish Low Voltage Electrotechnical Regulations) must be respected, avoiding placing switches near showers or sinks and using switches with an appropriate IP rating for moisture protection.
Offices, workshops, and industrial environments. The height of electrical switches may vary depending on nearby machinery or technical panels, always prioritizing accessibility, ergonomics, and operator safety.

The correct installation and height of light switches is fundamental to ensuring accessibility, safety, and efficiency in any electrical project. At M2B Technologies, we work with manufacturers in the electrical and electronics sector, offering customized technical solutions for switches and electromechanical components. To learn more about our products or services, please visit our website.