Appliance Flood Rim, Outlet Location

I'm planning to install a countertop above my new front load washer and dryer. The countertop height would be about 40 inches.

I'd like to add an outlet below the countertop to keep the washer and dryer electrical cords out of view. However, I read on "Yahoo Answers" that "The IPC, IRC, and most state plumbing codes require the outlet box to be 6 inches above the flood rim of the appliance." Is this true? And is the flood rim of a washing machine the top surface of the machine?

Do I have any other options for hiding the appliance electrical cords or am I doomed to cutting a hole in the counter top and continuing to use the current outlet which is at a height of about 48 inches?

Thanks!

I can't find anything against installing lower than 48", I flipped through the NEC and googled NEC requirements.

My understanding was 6†above a fixed flood rim. As long as the washer has a plug the NEC dose not consider it as a fixed appliance. There might be a local code but you can always call your inspector and ask.

And with the emphasis on a front load washer, it's hard for one of those to get a plug wet above 12". Not even enough water for a respectable splash.

jessy said:

My understanding was 6†above a fixed flood rim.

Click to expand...

Erm... not exactly.

I can't say exactly where in the washing machine is the flood level rim is but if you took the top of the machine as the FLR you'd be safe for sure.

flood

The flood rim of most washers is either the top of the machine, OR the top of the drain hose, since that is where the overflow would go if the water level rose too high. For a top load which fills with water the hose has to be higher than the water level, but a front load has a much lower water level so the hose can also be lower.