Heights of sockets & switches

[sjm]

Hi everyone, I'm new to site so hope I get this right.
I am about to rewire a property and the customer wants sockets etc at the existing heights.
These are lower than 450mm and higher than 1200mm. I think I read somewhere that part M regs re heights of sockets & switches etc is only statutory for new builds and guidance for rewires.
Basically can I install sockets & switches below 450mm and above 1200mm on a rewire?
Thanks.

 

[eddielarge]

Yes u can put them back in the same position. The heights u mention apply to new builds.

 

[Sintra]

Yes so long as its not a new build or has had a structural refurbishment.

 

[Guest123]

Hi everyone, I'm new to site so hope I get this right.
I am about to rewire a property and the customer wants sockets etc at the existing heights.
These are lower than 450mm and higher than 1200mm. I think I read somewhere that part M regs re heights of sockets & switches etc is only statutory for new builds and guidance for rewires.
Basically can I install sockets & switches below 450mm and above 1200mm on a rewire?
Thanks.

Yes you can. Part M as you rightly state specifies the above heights for new builds and extensive renovations only.

It does go on to say that where a re-wire is concerned accessories may be re-sited at the existing heights as long as the installation is in no worse a condition with regards to compliance than before you started.

 

[Sparky Ninja]

Also to be considered -

I rewired a house last year of which I had to accomodate part M because the house was benig refurbed TO LET and so the installation couldn't descriminate against any future tenancy (kinda like an equal opportunities thing).

This was enforced by the LABC

 

[topquark]

Also to be considered -

I rewired a house last year of which I had to accomodate part M because the house was benig refurbed TO LET and so the installation couldn't descriminate against any future tenancy (kinda like an equal opportunities thing).

This was enforced by the LABC

Usefull to know, I've not come across that one yet.

 

[sythai]

or has had a structural refurbishment

any chance you could give us an example of this....?

Done extension recently, big oak A frame jobby, bigger than existing house etc would this be classed as structual reburbishment ? Hope not, cause all switches, sockets have gone in at existing height - customer requested this.

Many Thanks,

Sy

 

[chris gray]

we fit points at doc M requirements unless otherwise asked for by client

 

[Des 56]

any chance you could give us an example of this....?

Done extension recently, big oak A frame jobby, bigger than existing house etc would this be classed as structual reburbishment ? Hope not, cause all switches, sockets have gone in at existing height - customer requested this.

Many Thanks,

Sy

Customer is always right
There seems to be a large player involved who's wishes are sometimes not considered,the customer/owner

Why would an extension to an existing installation need to conform to part m, when the existing installation doesn't ?
What benefit would there be to a property that had part of it suitable for dis abled people,it makes no sense
As long as the new part makes the non compliance no worse( as Lenny posted )
I wouldn't think twice about switch and socket hights in the above situation