building regs

[mrpp]

I have removed all old wiring from a house i am extending(not new build).
When laying out sockets/switches do i need to follow:
In Habitable rooms Sockets need to be a minimum of 450mm from the finished floor level and light switches, doorbells and intercom systems need to be at a maximum height of 1200mm. Any electrical switches, outlets or controls also need to be at least 350mm away from room corners.

Basically it will be a new rewire throughout even the original house.

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[malcolmsanford]

Part M of the regulation concerning accessories heights in habitable rooms concern New Dwellings, so for rewire or an extension provided you have not left the installation in a worse situation you will comply with the building regs

 

[mrpp]

so basically i can put at a height that suits our familly?

 

[malcolmsanford]

Basically yes, would not imagine there is a gang of police going around making sure everyones light switches conforms to a certain height, but on the other hand your not going to put a switch 6 foot on a wall..........are you?

 

[mrpp]

no i was looking at about 1.45m for switches so the children can reach too.

 

[malcolmsanford]

Isn't that a little high for children? the recommended height is 1200mm or 1.2m top of switch from FFL so your going 250mm above that.

 

[mrpp]

is that not for new builds though and height is fine for the children

 

[telectrix]

those height regulations apply only to new build. in an existing house, you put the fittings wherever you want to, obviously using common sense, you don't fit sockets 2" above the floor or worktops so as to strain the plugs and flexes, as long as cable runs are in prescribed zones and the installation complies to BS7671, it's your choice.

 

[malcolmsanford]

1200mm is about the normal height for a switch, forget the building regs, new builds etc, just seems strange that your wanting to put a swich 250mm above a standard height so children can reach it. Could understand if you didn't want them to reach it, or drop it lower so they can

 

[electromonkey]

Here's a brief answer from the ECA to a similar question. As it's your own house, this doesn't really apply but for future reference, when a customer requests it, here's your best practice.

Q & A of the Day – Can I accept my client’s request not to change socket heights? - Voltimum UK - Electrical Installation Products and Contracting

 

[telectrix]

Here's a brief answer from the ECA to a similar question. As it's your own house, this doesn't really apply but for future reference, when a customer requests it, here's your best practice.

Q & A of the Day – Can I accept my client’s request not to change socket heights? - Voltimum UK - Electrical Installation Products and Contracting

i have to disagree with ECA on that . the reg. applies only to new build, and the Q. definitely states it's a rewire.

 

[electromonkey]

i have to disagree with ECA on that . the reg. applies only to new build, and the Q. definitely states it's a rewire.

Totally agree with you there teletrix, the socket heights do only apply to new builds. However, I have in the past encountered issues with building control when doing a new install for and extension and/or loft conversions where they insist on 1200 & 450 even though the customer does not want the heights dictated to them. I was referring more towards agreeing fixing heights in writing with customers to cover your back should a customer see a potential opportunity to not pay up etc.