Light switch height

Intoelectrics · Sep 19, 2019

Risteard said:
The requirement of the Building Regulations exists for a reason so I don't see how you can possibly argue that it's not good practice to observe this even where not strictly required.

Yes and where there is a requirement to follow the building regs then it is good practice to do so. But as in the example of the OP's situation setting the switches and sockets at the stipulate height tolerances is not a requirement. Also a pointless operation if the client does not require it since the whole idea of making things more accessible is to accommodate wheel chair users, not required in this case. If the building fabric/layout was being altered to accommodate this then sure you would be required to follow the regs regarding the heights.

Risteard said:
Clients' preferred requirements aren't always informed decisions. Some haven't liked the location or presence of smoke detectors but BS 5639 requirements take precedence over their misguided opinions every time.

This is not even a valid analogy,
Smoke detectors serve a purpose for one thing only - safety! Heights of accessories is mainly about accessibility and convenience one could argue that it also comes under welfare but its not potentially life threatening now is it?

The bottom line is, I would advise my client accordingly and offer them the choice if they had one.
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Risteard said:
Those are minimum requirements. Really has nothing to do with accessibility or usability though, which is what is being discussed.

As I said, by all means ask him if he's willing to keep existing heights - but I certainly wouldn't criticise him for promoting the new heights. As I say, they're there for a reason.

There is nothing wrong with promoting the new heights, but to state that it is a requirement when in this situation it is clearly not is wrong and misleading. The client has a choice on this occasion, regardless of what the electrician would prefer personally, they should be open and honest and only offer what they feel is the best advice. If the electrician feels he/she cannot commit what the client prefers then they can simply walk away.