Part M - Building regs

[scotteng]

Hello,


Undertaking a new build, quick question re part m, switchgear heights etc. i understand they need to be no lower than 450mm and no higher than 1200mm, does this also apply to thermostates, consumer box? and fan isolators?

cheers

 

[Toonlad]

Funny you should say that the latest publication of Part M actually states 400mm not the 450mm we are used to, so i see this as a typo on there behalf. Room stats at 1500mm if you follow manufacturers recommendations Ie honeywell stats. conflict with part M again scenario

 

[DJ Ovengloves]

To the OP. For a new build, yes!

 

[stuartcourt]

If its for housing association they will have fan isolators and consumer at top = 1200 but seems from college to NIC to build regs all have there own ideas, I always put fan isolators around 1700mm stats 1500mm as work best there and consumer about 1700mm

 

[Elmer BeFuddled]

For Dwellings: Approved Document M recommends that in new dwellings only, switches and socket- outlets for lighting and other equipment should be between 450mm and 1200mm from finished floor level. Approved Document M does not recommend a height for new consumer units. However, one way of complying with Part M in new dwellings is to mount consumer units so that the switches are between 1350mm and 1450mm above floor level. At this height, the consumer unit is out of reach of young children yet accessible to other people when standing or sitting.

The 400mm mentioned covers buildings other than dwellings

 

[Toonlad]

For Dwellings: Approved Document M recommends that in new dwellings only, switches and socket- outlets for lighting and other equipment should be between 450mm and 1200mm from finished floor level. Approved Document M does not recommend a height for new consumer units. However, one way of complying with Part M in new dwellings is to mount consumer units so that the switches are between 1350mm and 1450mm above floor level. At this height, the consumer unit is out of reach of young children yet accessible to other people when standing or sitting.

The 400mm mentioned covers buildings other than dwellings

Other than dwellings i see my mistake, i stand corrected. Cheers mate- nice one.

 

[Miketwinny]

The measurements are only for habitable rooms I think. kitchens,bathrooms,hallways & landings dont apply.

 

[markc123]

The measurements are only for habitable rooms I think. kitchens,bathrooms,hallways & landings dont apply.

But the women live in the kitchen don't they? :38:

 

[DNS1]

Part M is just a minefield of contradictions as far as I'm concerned!

A fan isolator switch in a small bathroom has to be out of reach (2.3m isn't it?), but is also supposed to comply with Part M and be accessible!

A consumer unit should be out of reach of children, but should also be accessible to someone in a wheelchair.

As long as you make a choice and explain it on the paperwork I doubt you'll have a problem.

 

[markc123]

Part M is just a minefield of contradictions as far as I'm concerned!

A fan isolator switch in a small bathroom has to be out of reach (2.3m isn't it?), but is also supposed to comply with Part M and be accessible!

A consumer unit should be out of reach of children, but should also be accessible to someone in a wheelchair.

As long as you make a choice and explain it on the paperwork I doubt you'll have a problem.

Its funny you should say that...

I've had that discussion before in wholesaler with a random spark not that long ago - i butted in the convo he was having when he was mentioning wheelchair access...i said to him, it's supposed to be out the reach of kids and his response was put the cu in a cupboard at low level and have a lock on the door - but thats not accessible at all really then.

I agree, it's a confused mess.