Floor sockets + Building Regs

[KevinH]

I am 1st fixing an extension and in one area there is no wall space (glass walls like a sun lounge) for any sockets although customer insists he wants a power point in the corner.
I suggested a floor socket as the floor is due to be insulated and screeded.
The customer sounded happy with that but then he remembered an earlier conversation we had with me trying to explain building regs regarding heights between 450mm and 1200mm for switches/sockets etc on new builds, then he asked a brilliant question.........why do they make floor sockets if anything can't be lower than 450mm?
To be honest I was stuck for an answer and (to save embarrassment) I said the regs only cover WALL accessories.....only answer I could think of and he bought it.
So my question is pretty much the same as my customers. The answer is probably in some literature somewhere, but I thought I would just ask on this site instead.

 

[DT1991]

I'd say it can be put where ever it wants if it's a extension.

 

[cliffed]

I put 2 in my conservatory,under the screed-in conduit,didn’t use the normal floor box,just normal ko box,their fine,no regs against that.

 

[KevinH]

I'd say it can be put where ever it wants if it's a extension.

I agree, but then are we saying you can't use floor sockets on a new build?

 

[Pete999]

I agree, but then are we saying you can't use floor sockets on a new build?

Don't suppose there are many requirements for floor sockets in new build houses hence treat it as a one off.

 

[DT1991]

Maybe that would require coordination with building control on a new build.

Maybe some area in a new build house is a self contained office.

 

[pirate]

I have recently installed a couple of socket outlets in a ceiling, 3m above the floor. They are for a dust extraction system and a projector. There is nothing wrong with this, imho, as they are for specific purposes, and will not be used for general things like a hoover or table lamp. Yes, they will be difficult of access for a less-able person, but then they are there for a single purpose, and I absolutely assert my right to put them where they are because they are clearly fit for purpose. Floor-mounted sockets could be deemed to be the same, if they serve a fixed location like an office. I don't care if the leccy police say they should be at a certain height on the wall...so, sue me! If you want to hoover the office, plug the damn thing into a socket that IS at the "correct" height, even if in a different room, hall, corridor, passage.
Floor sockets are more vulnerable to damage and spills, for sure...but hey, lots of sockets are, especially those installed in extractor hoods, or near sinks, even if within the regs. There are good reasons for the height regs, for general use sockets, but there are good reasons for other sockets being installed contrary to those regs.
It should be common sense, but somehow I don't think everyone will agree with me.

 

[telectrix]

I have recently installed a couple of socket outlets in a ceiling, 3m above the floor. They are for a dust extraction system and a projector. There is nothing wrong with this, imho, as they are for specific purposes, and will not be used for general things like a hoover or table lamp. Yes, they will be difficult of access for a less-able person, but then they are there for a single purpose, and I absolutely assert my right to put them where they are because they are clearly fit for purpose. Floor-mounted sockets could be deemed to be the same, if they serve a fixed location like an office. I don't care if the leccy police say they should be at a certain height on the wall...so, sue me! If you want to hoover the office, plug the damn thing into a socket that IS at the "correct" height, even if in a different room, hall, corridor, passage.
Floor sockets are more vulnerable to damage and spills, for sure...but hey, lots of sockets are, especially those installed in extractor hoods, or near sinks, even if within the regs. There are good reasons for the height regs, for general use sockets, but there are good reasons for other sockets being installed contrary to those regs.
It should be common sense, but somehow I don't think everyone will agree with me.

i agree with you .

 

[Des 56]

I think it was a very good question and having no intention of reading part P and its associated junk,its one I can't answer

 

[telectrix]

i think the intent and purpose of the height reg. is for sockets and switches for general use. no building reg . could fault, for example, a socket mounted at 1500mm for a wall mounted TV.

 

[mattg4321]

The junk you require would actually be in Part M!

 

[Des 56]

The junk you require would actually be in Part M!

Having never read any of these "must have" documents I will accept your reply as true and well intentioned
If ever I needed to apply building regs to my work it was always done via what was contained inside my head

I did find a useful purpose at one time,they were fine for showing to a scheme assessor once a year

 

[Strima]

Unlike us mere mortals, the writers of building regulations are unable to apply common sense and those that enforce said regulations need common sense beating into them with the regulations books.

 

[KevinH]

Thanks all! I agree with all comments posted.
So basically the general answer is......bugger this reg as its not practical in some cases!!?? Seems kinda pointless having it eh?

 

[Strima]

Thanks all! I agree with all comments posted.
So basically the general answer is......bugger this reg as its not practical in some cases!!?? Seems kinda pointless having it eh?

The reg isn’t pointless, it just needs to be applied correctly using common sense.