heights of sockets & switches in 200 year old house

Matt Walters · Mar 20, 2011

hi

my uncle is currently renovating a 200 odd year old farm cottage. im wiring it for him, and the only thing im unsure of is the heights the sockets and switches should be at

i know that sockets should be at 450 to bottom, and switches 1200 to the top. but this is advised for new builds, seen as this is not a new build and a restoration does this still apply?

another thing thats a slight problem is that the joiner who has done the stud walls has put braces at 1200 centres from floor level. which leaves me with a problem for the switches obviously.

ive spoken to a couple of people about it and they say at the end of the day its his house and he can decide what heights things go at. which is fine, but if the biulding inspector doesnt pass it based on this we have a problem.

basically guys what heights can i put them at?

many thanks, matt

Colin Integrale · Mar 20, 2011

I'm pretty sure, as it's not a new build you can do whatever.

lewlec · Mar 20, 2011

hello

i am sure if building regs are involed they will have to be between 450 & 1200

regards
gary

RWJ · Mar 20, 2011

Depends on how much "restoration" your doing, if you ripping every thing out going back to brick then probably you will need to comply with part M. If it's just a rewire and small restoration I think you can leave them the height they are

nickblake · Mar 20, 2011

If its an existing building the socket heights can be installed at the same height ,thats even if you carry out a rewire but on new builds the heights are sockets and switches between 450 and 1200 mm OSG page 64 reg 7.5.1

malcolmsanford · Mar 20, 2011

As it is 200 years old is it a listed or graded building? becasue if it is then you may need to adhere to a great many stipulations

mogga · Mar 20, 2011

Beat me to it malcom IMO a quick consultation with LABC would be better for you than this forum as LABC are the ones who will decide These guys are ussualy approachable when your looking for advice as its not in their interest to cause you problems and seeking their advice will help build up a raport and help negotiation some compromises Good luck

as for rule of thumb heights wouldnt matter as its a renovation but bear in mind accessability ect

Matt Walters · Mar 21, 2011

its not a listed biulding thank god, but yes it is being taken back to brick.

its had walls removed, chimney removed all the way through the 3 floors. i might have a word with the building inspector whos been looking at it and see what his thoughts are on it.

it is a full re wire (i spose tbh its it first proper wiring) its got a new supply in, and everything is new. apart from the floors and some supporting walls.

does anyine else have an opinion ?

Pat Tester · Mar 21, 2011

If it's not a new build you can please yourself, put them in the most aesthetically pleasing position
in keeping with the age of the building. If the building inspector says anything tell him to bog off.

mogga · Mar 21, 2011

If the building inspector says anything tell him to bog off. 1 way to get in his bad books its he who signs off I personaly would stay on his good side

nickblake · Mar 21, 2011

Yes as Mogga has said make sure you have your on site guide with you page 64 ,reg 7.5.1 and throw that at him , not to hard mind

dochisholm · Mar 22, 2011

simple old house put where you want.

ian.settle1 · Mar 22, 2011

nickblake said:
If its an existing building the socket heights can be installed at the same height ,thats even if you carry out a rewire but on new builds the heights are sockets and switches between 450 and 1200 mm OSG page 64 reg 7.5.1

What where the heights allowed back 200 years then Nick?

telectrix · Mar 22, 2011

ian.settle1 said:
What where the heights allowed back 200 years then Nick?

no use asking nick. they've only had electrics in anglesey about 5 years ago.

nickblake · Mar 22, 2011

ian.settle1 said:
What where the heights allowed back 200 years then Nick?

Im not that old, may look it

JD6400 · Mar 22, 2011

Hi

I may be wrong but i think if you go over a certain percentage on a refurbishment then it has to be treated as good as a new build . We look after a couple of big country estates in bucks amounts other stuff and are involved in at least 3 to 4 refurbishments a year varying in age from 100 to 400 years old , the architect always mentions it . if i were you i would check with your building inspector , they will make you change it if it is not right ! This is only my second post ever so if i am out of order , sorry chaps

malcolmsanford · Mar 23, 2011

dpelectricalltd said:
Hi

I may be wrong but i think if you go over a certain percentage on a refurbishment then it has to be treated as good as a new build . We look after a couple of big country estates in bucks amounts other stuff and are involved in at least 3 to 4 refurbishments a year varying in age from 100 to 400 years old , the architect always mentions it . if i were you i would check with your building inspector , they will make you change it if it is not right ! This is only my second post ever so if i am out of order , sorry chaps

Not at all out of order, and it's good that you have obvious experience working on older graded property, I think your still right a building that old I would certainly talk to my local building control to make sure, but as the OP posted it is not graded.