Height of light switch

[DanBrown]

Hi Guys,

Just a quick question regarding the height of a normal light switch. What is the regulation regarding the min and max height of the switch. I have noticed in new build's they seem to be quite low. Is this for disabled people?,
What is the min and max height
Thanks in advance

 

[DadofTwo]

Hi Dan,

Building regs state no more than 1.2m off ground. For sockets, no less than 450mm off ground.

It is indeed for people with limited mobility. However, unless the house is specifically designed for a person with limited mobility then the above doesn't apply to the kitchen and garage.

For re-wires the height regs don't apply but for a complete refurb of a property the regs are apparently supposed to apply.

 

[Cirrus]

Yup, exactly as DadofTwo said with max of 1200mm being to top of switch too

 

[Richard]

Does this apply in private housing aswell. For example, for a friend?

Cheers

 

[wayne]

the osg gives recommended heights .if you want your installation to pass then its better to stick to those heights

 

[Cirrus]

Yup - most certainly domestic dwellings

 

[jack1307]

The 450 min height does that apply to all new builds (commercial and domestic).

 

[Cirrus]

As far as I know, yes to comply with disabled needs

 

[LukeScotty]

height regulations, only apply to new builds. If your wiring up an old/exsisting building or rewiring, you don't have to take these height regs into account, only if its a new building. I do think the building inspector would recommend you working to the 1200mm n 45mm heights. It'll certainly give you and the building inspector a better relationship, showing you do look at the building regs

 

[Skotz]

Things have changed a lot since i was working on building sites in the late 70's. Then you measured the center mark of your switch with a broken off piece of plaster board and the height was just below your shoulder at the top of your bicep.

Really going to have to get my thinking cap on for my 2381 exam.

 

[DadofTwo]

One other thing, the regs re height of sockets and switches don't apply to kitchens and garages unless a house is being specially built or developed for a disabled person. Was a bit thrown when I found that out because what's the point in making one part of the house "disabled friendly" and the other not?

Me personally, I hate the low light switches because kids can reach them at a younger age and mess about with the lights. I know the same could be said about any socket but they're usually hidden. I understand hy the regs were introduced though.

 

[Shakey]

Hi Dan,

Building regs state no more than 1.2m off ground. For sockets, no less than 450mm off ground.

It is indeed for people with limited mobility. However, unless the house is specifically designed for a person with limited mobility then the above doesn't apply to the kitchen and garage.

For re-wires the height regs don't apply but for a complete refurb of a property the regs are apparently supposed to apply.

Interesting, just wondered where the bit about not applying to the kitchen and garage came from? if its from the Approved Document to Part of the Building Regs, then maybe you have a different copy to me! Be really interested to know.

And no, it doesnt apply to a complete refurb - it is quite acceptable as long as switches and sockets are 'no less accessible than they were previously', so a CU in a refurb wouldnt have to be at 1200, but it would be against the building regs to take it off the wall and remount it in a cupboard under the stairs!

 

[DadofTwo]

Interesting, just wondered where the bit about not applying to the kitchen and garage came from? if its from the Approved Document to Part of the Building Regs, then maybe you have a different copy to me! Be really interested to know.

Had a meeting with the local BCO re a house I was working on and he told me. Don't have anything in writing but BCO was happy with the work and much of the kitchen electrics were out of the normal regs in terms of height.

 

[Grae79]

from Electrician's Guide to Building Regs, section 10.7: "Unless the dwelling is for persons whose reach is limited the requirements would not apply to kitchens and garages but specifically only to rooms that visitors would normally use."

 

[Shakey]

Grae,

and therin lies the problem

there are a lot of books and info out there, but I am QUITE familiar to the Approved Document to Part P, and that clearly isnt in there. The point being, you could follow the installers guide to the building regs, NOT put switches at correct heoght in kitchen and garage and then find it fails its LABC inspection

These books are good guides, but are not authoritive