Consumer unit in kitchen cupboard?

[johnsparks23]

Hi sparks, studio flat open living area. The builder thinks the consumer would look out of place by the front entrance door (logical position). Instead he would prerer it to be located in a kitchen wall unit. New build. Any thoughts, relevant regs. thanks.

 

[scotsparky]

As its a new build it has to be easily accessable at about 1200mm from ffl so anyone with disabilitys can access it so if that is possible in Kitchen and it is well away from water,gas pipes (external influences ) its ok.

 

[acat]

Cant think of anything in the regs that would stop this as it is in a cupboard however does minimum of 450mm of the floor and maximum of 1200mm of floor help as its a new build it has to be between the heights mentioned.

Chris

 

[Mac]

As its a new build it has to be easily accessable at about 1200mm from ffl so anyone with disabilitys can access it so if that is possible in Kitchen and it is well away from water,gas pipes (external influences ) its ok.

Is that just for light switches.Never heard of CU being at that height in a new build.Just changed some lights out at my sister-in-laws and the CU is in a cupboard by the front door,just below the ceiling

 

[acat]

Did the course Feb/Mar this year informed then that all electrics sockets switches and CUs had to be between those heights for ease of access. Thats on new builds.

Chris

 

[Mac]

Did the course Feb/Mar this year informed then that all electrics sockets switches and CUs had to be between those heights for ease of access. Thats on new builds.

Chris

I don't disagree with you mate.I did my 17th in Jan and was told told about sockets and switches,450mm to bottom of sockets and 1200mm to top of switchesWhere in the regs is that.

 

[acat]

No problems Mac its helpful to all learn from each other and get it right for the customer. Just looked at the Building Regs "A way of satisfying the requirement is to install switches, socket-outlets and controls throughout the dwelling in accessible positions and at a height of between 450mm and 1200mm from the finished floor level"

As CU controls the entire property it fits in, the building regs go on to state that CU must be readily accessible because of sensitivity of circuit breakers, RCDs or RCBOS.

Cant see the CU being accessible if buried in a kitchen cupboard.

John if you have the building regs with you its on page 137 perhaps you can show that to the Builder

Hope that helps everyone

Chris

 

[Mac]

No problems Mac its helpful to all learn from each other and get it right for the customer. Just looked at the Building Regs "A way of satisfying the requirement is to install switches, socket-outlets and controls throughout the dwelling in accessible positions and at a height of between 450mm and 120mm from the finished floor level"

As CU controls the entire property it fits in the regs go on to state that CU must be readily accessible because of sensitivity of circuit breakers, RCDs or RCBOS.

Cant see the CU being accessible if buried in a kitchen cupboard.

Hope that helps everyone

Chris

I would see the controls as thermostats,and possibly central heating timers.Don't want to sound out of order here but you can't make a dwelling 100% disability friendly,unless it has been built to spec.Sorry mate

 

[not clever]

I don't disagree with you mate.I did my 17th in Jan and was told told about sockets and switches,450mm to bottom of sockets and 1200mm to top of switchesWhere in the regs is that.

My local BC do use part M of building regs & OSG 7.5.1 for newbuild consumer unit location, gotta be readily accessible.

As for the big book 132.12 may come into play for putting cu in a kitchen unit.

I would see the controls as thermostats,and possibly central heating timers.Don't want to sound out of order here but you can't make a dwelling 100% disability friendly,unless it has been built to spec.Sorry mate

hager skelly boards at waist height are one option used locally to me.
Have seen some in hallways & walk in (wheelchair width door) ground floor cupboard.

 

[Spudnik]

Is the supply meter installed yet?

If not, you may need to speak to the supply authority as some will not install meters in kitchens/cupboards and bedrooms, due the it being a fire risk.

They also generally, will only install the meter between the heights of 400 and 1600mm from ffl, so it cant go above the door.

 

[Steve D]

The heights aren't in the elec regs, it's the building regs that state the height.

 

[lewlec]

hi all

i tend to put them adjacent to the meter cabinet and usually end up in the garage, problem is that theres a 6"step from house to garage....bit of a problem if your in a wheelchair . Havnt been picked up on it yet.

cheers

 

[joe kane]

There is no regulations stating that it cant be situated in the kitchen cupboard.

 

[BAPSMAN]

I dont have my On Site Gude to hand, but I read just last week that the requirement for above 450 and below 1200mm does not apply to equipment situated in Garages and Kitchens! So as long as you can REASONABLY reach the MCBs Etc. I cant se why youo wouldnt put the CU in a cupbaord? Ohh one last thing, there is a LONG thread I have read about mounting the CU. Probably best to mount it on the WALL (Fabric of the building) and cut the cabinet back out around it, rather than bang it on the cabinet. The wiring SHOULD outlast the kitchen cabs' so its likely that they will need to be replaced before the CU!

Just a thought....

 

[MarkieSparkie]

Err! This thread is over 3 years old Bapsman.:19:
Welcome to the forum mate. Just check the date of the original thread before posting, as it's irritating to regular members to recover old ground. If you have a new question or information you wish to share it's best to start a new thread and refer to the old thread by adding a link for reference.