Height of consumer units

Charlie_ · May 27, 2019

I always install my consumer units between 450 and 1200, sometimes at 1400..
Am I right in thinking that CUs come under part M?

Extensions and rewires not covered by part M?

Anybody still installing them up at ceiling height?

Octopus · May 27, 2019

Charlie_ said:
I always install my consumer units between 450 and 1200, sometimes at 1400..
Am I right in thinking that CUs come under part M?

Extensions and rewires not covered by part M?

Anybody still installing them up at ceiling height?

On refurbs I normally get the customer to decide ......... but certainly not at Part M heights ............ they are simply daft

telectrix · May 27, 2019

new installation, you and the client have choices. on a replacement CU, you need to fit it wherever you can considering the existing supply and final circuits.

magnoliafan89 · May 27, 2019

When it comes to new builds the height R which part m has it as is that the breakers need to be between 1350 and 1450...quite low really but anything is better than cieling height...especially when you come to do an eicr and some turd has made it a right birds nest and you have a crooked neck whilst fiddling about in there

Ian1981 · May 27, 2019

Is it even in part M because I can’t see it?
It’s mentioned in part P as a guidance for the height of a CU but I don’t believe it’s actually a building regulation unless someone can show me different?
We are required tho on new builds to mount the CU with the mcbs at between 1350-1450 FFL.

Leesparkykent · May 27, 2019

[ElectriciansForums.net] Height of consumer units

Ian1981 said:
Is it even in part M because I can’t see it?
It’s mentioned in part P as a guidance for the height of a CU but I don’t believe it’s actually a building regulation unless someone can show me different?
We are required tho on new builds to mount the CU with the mcbs at between 1350-1450 FFL.

Marcus Vaughan · May 27, 2019

I believe the idea with not installing lower than 1350mm is to prevent small inquisitive children from getting access to it and playing with the switches. I’ve read that somewhere.

I think the 1350 is a good height if it can be achieved easily enough.

Very high consumer units are not ideal. Earlier this year I had a concerned daughter call me because her rather petite and elderly mother was climbing stepladders to keep resetting a breaker for a faulty water heater. Not good.

Leesparkykent · May 27, 2019

I’ve spoke to my LABC officer regarding this on refurbs/rewires and his stance is that when rewiring you should not install accessories at a height that is worse than compliance, than it was before you started. For example say the existing sockets are mounted at 300 then you install them at a height off between 300 and 1200. So you wouldn’t then go and install them at 250 as then they would be installed at a height that is worse than compliance, than before you started.

Charlie_ · May 27, 2019

Thanks for the responses.,
Had a few occasions lately where the builder grumbled at the height of 1400.
Another new build cu went up high at ceiling height, fortunately building inspector didn’t pick up on it, I thought it was best not to ask him about it.
I think the 45o height would be handy as it can be located in a cupboard

magnoliafan89 · May 27, 2019

This was what i came across in a new build a while back. In a loft...and poorly installed me thinks.

I hate high cu's...I have to actually do work then....

mattg4321 · May 27, 2019

Could do with some grommet strip and trunking there!

Charlie_ · May 27, 2019

Even a few clips or all round band, at least something

Leesparkykent · May 27, 2019

magnoliafan89 said:
This was what i came across in a new build a while back. In a loft...and poorly installed me thinks.

I hate high cu's...I have to actually do work then....

View attachment 49592

View attachment 49593

Yuck!

123 · May 27, 2019

Usually see them at ceiling height over here. Was in 2 today, one built in 2014, one in 2016...both at ceiling height. On large developments as well...

Charlie_ · May 27, 2019

123 said:
Usually see them at ceiling height over here. Was in 2 today, one built in 2014, one in 2016...both at ceiling height. On large developments as well...

Similar situation over here;
Large development, CUs in hallway above lounge door, looks naf but was probably the best location to facilitate a 2 day 1st fix.