Socket height regulation in old home

Emma Pais · Jun 22, 2018

Hello
I am hoping to find a definitive answer to this as heard.
Socket height regulation of 450mm is for new builds only not for old houses. What about renovating old houses for example a basement renovation but in an Edwardian home? What would pass building regs?
Many thanks

Strima · Jun 22, 2018

The rule is for new builds only, renovations do not apply. However the sockets need to be placed at a height that doesn't cause damage to the flex on the plug top, such as older installations where the socket outlets were mounted on skirting boards.

Basically stick them where you want but apply a bit of common sense.

buzzlightyear · Jun 22, 2018

Strima said:
older installations where the socket outlets were mounted on skirting boards.

and depends how high the skirting boards are .

Strima · Jun 22, 2018

buzzlightyear said:
and depends how high the skirting boards are .

Very true mate. In Yorkshire we had no money so only had 3 inch boards, in Bath with loads of cash 8 inch boards were common...

Leesparkykent · Jun 22, 2018

Approved document M says for work on an existing building that did not comply with the applicable requirements of the building regulations the building must not be no more unsatisfactory in relation to the requirements than before the work was carried out.

Emma Pais · Jun 23, 2018

Thanks all! Common sense not applied in our basement (all socksts ridicously high ) and was told it was regulation. Wanted to be sure when passing on advise to clients as I am an.interior designer. Thanks again!

[ElectriciansForums.net] Socket height regulation in old home

telectrix · Jun 23, 2018

Emma Pais said:
Thanks all! Common sense not applied in our basement (all socksts ridicously high ) and was told it was regulation. Wanted to be sure when passing on advise to clients as I am an.interior designer. Thanks again!

View attachment 42920

you might think they are ridiculously high now, but when you get old and decrepit, like me, with a bad back, you'll appreciate not having to bend double to insert a plug.

.

littlespark · Jun 23, 2018

New homes are a pain.

Sockets are higher, light switches are lower and around a dozen smoke detectors in every room!
And who's bright idea was thermal insulation? That stuff just throws my cable calculations out the window.... and it itches!

You can get round the sockets on skirting boards causing stress to the flex by mounting them upside down.

Disclaimer;- Saturday morning irony

Wilko · Jun 23, 2018

Very nice room, that outlet can be relocated with a bit of work. Usually see ones that are a bit too low. Pic is for illustration purposes, not my work

.

Strima · Jun 23, 2018

Wilko said:
Very nice room, that outlet can be relocated with a bit of work. Usually see ones that are a bit too low. Pic is for illustration purposes, not my work .

View attachment 42921

Way too tidy. If that was me there'd be cracks halfway up the wall where the plaster had popped and only the paint is holding it in place.

telectrix · Jun 23, 2018

being able to cut a box in without it looking like a builder/plumber had done it, is an artform on it's own.

johnduffell · Jun 23, 2018

Stubble distinction and didn'td affect the op but technically it's not just new builds that part m it applies to, but new dwellings of any kind. So that would include any kind of conversion from barn, shop, warehouse, pub, etc.
Al new accessories in an extension can be matched with existing heights.
We have one light switch in our 4 bed house that's at 1200, all the rest are arm pit height. I believe the door hinge was reversed at some point.

suffolkspark · Jun 23, 2018

Id be more annoyed at the fact the socket is wonkey never mind the height!

Tony Reidy · May 23, 2019

Emma Pais said:
Hello
I am hoping to find a definitive answer to this as heard.
Socket height regulation of 450mm is for new builds only not for old houses. What about renovating old houses for example a basement renovation but in an Edwardian home? What would pass building regs?
Many thanks

It's still not a new build but it's not a bad idea to bring it up to latest regs

telectrix · May 23, 2019

fitting sockets @ 450mm is a good idea. light switches @ 1200mm is bad as children can reach them. then again, children pre-teens should be kept in a cage. once 13, then sheds are useful.

Socket height regulation in old home

Emma Pais

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Strima

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buzzlightyear

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Strima

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Leesparkykent

Emma Pais

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telectrix

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littlespark

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Wilko

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Strima

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telectrix

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johnduffell

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suffolkspark

Tony Reidy

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telectrix

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