Go to US Store
What's the best location for the Appliance Garage Safety Outlet switch?
For a seamless appearance and straightforward setup, we recommend installing the door-activated switch in one of the lower corners of the appliance garage—either the bottom left or bottom right corner. This placement keeps the installation subtle, reduces visual clutter, and provides a reliable reference point for designers, installers, and homeowners. While it’s our preferred location, it’s not the only option.
In reality, the switch location is quite adaptable. You can position it near the top, bottom, or center of the door opening, depending on your cabinetry layout, hardware placement, and user preferences. Choose a spot that maintains accessibility while keeping the components neatly tucked away.
The key requirement is proper alignment: the switch and magnet must line up within ½ inch for dependable operation (or up to 1 inch when using extensions or larger magnets). As long as the alignment is achieved when the door is closed, your setup meets the specifications, giving you plenty of freedom to balance functionality with a clean aesthetic.
Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) Compliance
All components, including the switch and outlet, are electrically listed and approved for use in Canada. The key factor is proper installation: there are multiple compliant ways to achieve the same outcome.
Because inspectors (Authorities Having Jurisdiction, or "AHJs") often interpret the electrical code differently, it’s essential to understand when they expect power to be turned on or off. Some inspectors require that the power be turned off when the door is closed, while others require that it be turned on only when the door is fully open. Many interpretations fall somewhere in between. Our Spec Book illustrates several magnet-placement options, allowing you to fine-tune the engagement range and configure the system to meet your AHJ’s specific interpretation of the CEC.
To accommodate this variation, we’ve designed our system to be highly flexible. Depending on your AHJ’s interpretation, you can configure your installation using one of two switch types: Normally Closed (NC) switches turn power off when the door closes, and Normally Open (NO) switches turn power on only when the door is fully open. The key is to confirm your inspector’s expectations before installation. Once you understand how they interpret the CEC, simply select the switch type that matches their requirements.
If the wrong switch type is selected, the only corrective action is to replace the switch—it cannot be modified on-site to reverse its function. For that reason, if your switch will be wired or concealed deep within cabinetry, always test the system first to ensure it operates as intended before embedding it in a permanent location.