Part P (well M actually). Please helpme settle an argument

[Burnt Fingers]

My opinion is that universally, the accepted lowest hight above floor is 450mm to the bottom of the socket - not the centres. I have two guys in a property fitting them at 450mm to the centres. I think I am right, but before I tell them to chop out some wall......

 

[topquark]

... and out of place with other fixtures, I guess.

No rule about it, but that would make sense.

 

[electromonkey]

It comes back to what I said. It's down to the customer but agree it in writing first.

 

[electromonkey]

Ever had problems from building control wanting sockets in loft conversions at the 450 even though there is no wheelchair accessibility for the 2 flights of stairs in the house? I have and it drives me crazy!!

 

[topquark]

Ever had problems from building control wanting sockets in loft conversions at the 450 even though there is no wheelchair accessibility for the 2 flights of stairs in the house? I have and it drives me crazy!!

Yep, just had that. Coz it's classed as "new build". Had an additional switch downstairs (for 3 floor switching for the lights). That could be at the old heights. The whole of the new floor had to comply with part M (ie new heights for switches / sockets).

 

[electromonkey]

It's a joke isn't it? Most loft conversions' stairs wouldn't be able to accommodate a chair lift so where's the logic? I know the ones I've worked in couldn't and the customer has not wanted sockets half way up their wall but BC insist.

 

[topquark]

Yep, stairs to the top floor in this one are a double newell with two sets of kite winders (rise, turn, rise, turn, rise). No way you'd get a chair lift up it.

 

[electromonkey]

I'm glad I'm not the only one! I had a friend have a loft conversion done and they didn't want the 450 socket heights so I first fixed it to the heights they wanted and they had it boarded and plastered. After BC signed it off, I came back and popped in the dry line boxes and second fixed it. Everyone happy.

 

[jon36]

I'm a building contractor refurbishing a house in north London. The client is employing an electrician direct to rewire the place and insists on sockets at 250mm off the floor. Since about 2005 my sparky has always installed them at 450 off finished floor to underside of socket for rewires. I'm ultimately responsible for getting building control to sign off I don't have an on site guide and my sparks has disappeared abroad for a month. Can anyone quote the relevant building regs parts (think this is part m rather than part p from memory). I'm sure I'm basically right but I need evidence to show the client to avoid future headaches. Thanks.

 

[benthespark]

If it is an extention or in an existing property it would be fine to match the existing heights

 

[jon36]

Thanks but that's not gonna work here. It's a 4 storey Edwardian property with 110 year old brick walls and dozens of new sockets, not a simple loft conversion with perimeter studwork. If someone could quote the part p/m rules I'd be grateful.

 

[telectrix]

I'm a building contractor refurbishing a house in north London. The client is employing an electrician direct to rewire the place and insists on sockets at 250mm off the floor. Since about 2005 my sparky has always installed them at 450 off finished floor to underside of socket for rewires. I'm ultimately responsible for getting building control to sign off I don't have an on site guide and my sparks has disappeared abroad for a month. Can anyone quote the relevant building regs parts (think this is part m rather than part p from memory). I'm sure I'm basically right but I need evidence to show the client to avoid future headaches. Thanks.

as it's not a new build, then the position of sockets/switches etc. should be discussed and agreed with the end user/customer. having said that, it's also advisable to involve BC and make sure they're not going to make you move them. (some inspectors don't know the regs. from their arses).

 

[jon36]

Thanks Ben but could you tell me where it says that in the building regs. I don't think you're right to be honest but will be happy to be proved wrong.

 

[telectrix]

look here.

Height for electrical sockets etc in the UK


note the part about extensions etc.

 

[monkeyelectric]

The heights of 450mm to 1200mm only apply to new builds, rewires or an extensions can be at existing socket/switch heights

Beaten to it by Tel

 

[telectrix]

gotcha