How to learn more about the UK Building Regulations in general.

[TheConduitKing]

Hello everyone,

I'm just wondering how I can learn more about the UK Building Regulations in general. What got me thinking about this is that I was fitting a light that was too close to a smoke alarm and my spark told me that you're not allowed within 300mm of a smoke.

This is something I didn't know, and it got me worried about what else I don't know. I went home and had a read over the usual books and found nothing mentioning it until I did a quick google and sure enough.

"Smoke detectors should preferably be fitted to the ceiling in a central position and at least 300mm from any wall or light fitting."

Thanks guys.

 

[davesparks]

The 300mm from a light fitting will be found in the manufacturers instructions for the smoke alarm.

Building regulations and the approved documents are all free to view/download online.
The approved documents, known as part A, part B etc set out what is generally accepted as complying with the building regulations.

 

[TheConduitKing]

Building regulations and the approved documents are all free to view/download online.
The approved documents, known as part A, part B etc set out what is generally accepted as complying with the building regulations.

Oh really? I did not know that. I thought it was something you had to buy like BS7671. And they detail everything you need to know when it comes to buildings for distances and stuff?

 

[davesparks]

They don't detail everything you need to know, but they do tell you what the minimum requirement is to meet building regs.
For example part A covers structural safety, relevant parts for electrician's include details of where, and how big, holes can be in joists.
Part M covers accessibility so covers requirements for socket and switch heights amongst other things.
Part F covers ventilation so includes requirements for extract fans.
Part P you are no doubt already familiar with!

 

[Lister1987]

They don't detail everything you need to know, but they do tell you what the minimum requirement is to meet building regs.
For example part A covers structural safety, relevant parts for electrician's include details of where, and how big, holes can be in joists.
Part M covers accessibility so covers requirements for socket and switch heights amongst other things.
Part F covers ventilation so includes requirements for extract fans.
Part P you are no doubt already familiar with!

Don't forget depth of chases in Part A too!

 

[baldelectrician]

There is not one UK building standards. Things differ across the UK

In Scotland the cladding used at Grenfel where these poor people were killed was banned in homes above 2 floors in 2006/7

See here

Building standards technical handbook 2022: domestic

Scottish Government building standards technical handbook for domestic buildings, 2022.

www.gov.scot

 

[Lister1987]

There is not one UK building standards. Things differ across the UK

In Scotland the cladding used at Grenfel where these poor people were killed was banned in homes above 2 floors in 2006/7

See here

Building standards technical handbook 2022: domestic

Scottish Government building standards technical handbook for domestic buildings, 2022.

www.gov.scot

You would think anything related to safety & criticality would be universal across-the-board, not a case of 'you think it's dangerous, we don't' etc

 

[baldelectrician]

You would think anything related to safety & criticality would be universal across-the-board, not a case of 'you think it's dangerous, we don't' etc

Yes, thats a bit naff

I think the problem is that 80% of Westminster are people who went to independent schools and these people are less in touch, in Scotland there is a left leaning government and many of them have been at the hands of dodgy landlords.
Most Scottish MSP's went to normal state schools

Scottish building regs have been more onerous- I go in to flats over 100 years old with wooden boards and felt below the slates- you don't normally have sarking only here.

My extension has sterling board, a barrier membrane and then tiles and that was built 11 years ago