The rule is for new builds only, renovations do not apply. However the sockets need to be placed at a height that doesn't cause damage to the flex on the plug top, such as older installations where the socket outlets were mounted on skirting boards.
Basically stick them where you want but apply a bit of common sense.
Basically stick them where you want but apply a bit of common sense.
and depends how high the skirting boards are .
Very true mate. In Yorkshire we had no money so only had 3 inch boards, in Bath with loads of cash 8 inch boards were common...
L
Leesparkykent
Approved document M says for work on an existing building that did not comply with the applicable requirements of the building regulations the building must not be no more unsatisfactory in relation to the requirements than before the work was carried out.
you might think they are ridiculously high now, but when you get old and decrepit, like me, with a bad back, you'll appreciate not having to bend double to insert a plug.
.
New homes are a pain.
Sockets are higher, light switches are lower and around a dozen smoke detectors in every room!
And who's bright idea was thermal insulation? That stuff just throws my cable calculations out the window.... and it itches!
You can get round the sockets on skirting boards causing stress to the flex by mounting them upside down.
Disclaimer;- Saturday morning irony
Sockets are higher, light switches are lower and around a dozen smoke detectors in every room!
And who's bright idea was thermal insulation? That stuff just throws my cable calculations out the window.... and it itches!
You can get round the sockets on skirting boards causing stress to the flex by mounting them upside down.
Disclaimer;- Saturday morning irony
W
Wilko
Very nice room, that outlet can be relocated with a bit of work. Usually see ones that are a bit too low. Pic is for illustration purposes, not my work 
.
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Way too tidy. If that was me there'd be cracks halfway up the wall where the plaster had popped and only the paint is holding it in place.Very nice room, that outlet can be relocated with a bit of work. Usually see ones that are a bit too low. Pic is for illustration purposes, not my work
View attachment 42921
Stubble distinction and didn'td affect the op but technically it's not just new builds that part m it applies to, but new dwellings of any kind. So that would include any kind of conversion from barn, shop, warehouse, pub, etc.
Al new accessories in an extension can be matched with existing heights.
We have one light switch in our 4 bed house that's at 1200, all the rest are arm pit height. I believe the door hinge was reversed at some point.
Al new accessories in an extension can be matched with existing heights.
We have one light switch in our 4 bed house that's at 1200, all the rest are arm pit height. I believe the door hinge was reversed at some point.
S
suffolkspark
Id be more annoyed at the fact the socket is wonkey never mind the height!
It's still not a new build but it's not a bad idea to bring it up to latest regs
Mine are only 2 ½"...
is that your skirting boards, or yoyr childen
Given that the great majority of items requiring to be plugged into a socket are generally used higher up that the floor - computers, radios, TVs, stereo sets, Satellite, electric clock radios, etc. I think it would make more sense to set an "optimum" level for sockets, say 1000mm or thereabouts. Low sockets as someone has already pointed out are difficult for not only the elderly but also anyone with a mobility issue - I for example recently tore all the ligaments in one knee and you would not imagine what an impact that has for reaching down and bending over even now some three months afterwards.
Higher level sockets would also remove the problems with small children poking things in.
Assuming also that the cables are run in the ceiling void there would also financial savings to be gained as well as associated environmental benefits.
Just me or do others agree ?
Higher level sockets would also remove the problems with small children poking things in.
Assuming also that the cables are run in the ceiling void there would also financial savings to be gained as well as associated environmental benefits.
Just me or do others agree ?
What Voltages do you work with in your job 45140
I recently fitted some sockets in the actual skirting board with the backbox recessed in the wall behind, made good use of the multi tool, feeding cables down behind skirting board to cavity under floor. the skirting was 25cm high, was in a grade 1 listed property. deepest skirting board was just over a foot deep going up stairs and landings, that was on in a old private school building that was being converted to flats.
That’s impressive.Very nice room, that outlet can be relocated with a bit of work. Usually see ones that are a bit too low. Pic is for illustration purposes, not my work
View attachment 42921
25kV, 600/400 volt AC, 650-750V DC. Is that relevant ?
No just interested as I was involved in HV work at one time, as an AP HV and AP LV. Thanks. No other reason, didn't mean to be nosy.
If its an old building with a good 1" or more plaster/render then its a simple job using a vibrating multi tool. I Save all my blunt wood blades then use them for cutting out plaster/cement. They do it easy and create very little mess.
I have a 13 year old, he is bigger than me already! I said a few years back "The day you can beat me in an arm wrestle I'll give you £100" he was a skinny little thing at the time so I thought it will be a while before I have to shell out some cash. Hmmm... we had an arm wrestle on Friday and it took all my strength to beat him. Obviously I pretended it was easy
, kids seem to be so big these days!Hi Pete, No worries, nothing secret about it, just wondered. I think HV work is easier to be honest !
Not much room for making mistakes though, one hit from 11KV and your done for.
I hear that Screwfix are doing some good deals on skirting-board ladders at the moment.
3 or 5 rung ones?I hear that Screwfix are doing some good deals on skirting-board ladders at the moment.
D
Deleted member 26818
You need to speak to a wheelchair user.
I did actually consult a wheelchair-specific diagram showing the preferred height of electrical items.
D
Deleted member 26818
I’m not saying that all wheelchair users are the same, but many of the ones I have dealt with, prefer low level (300mm) sockets.
you might need "working at height" training for the 5 rung.
Someone footing the base would do, wouldn't it, Dopy, grumpy or any of the 7 dwarfs may be up for some part time working, Hey Hoe its off to work we go.you might need "working at height" training for the 5 rung.
You just had to bring smut into to it Tel, didn't you? funny though
Surprised you got away with that, that's the textbook definition of "new dwelling" on a change of use for part m compliance. Did you have to get that approved by the building inspector specifically?
The Building regulations have been compiled by interested parties after long consideration
Although there are parts that I dispute as not being suitable,they are not meant to be "pick and choose" what suits
The regulations are compulsory for all dwellings,the only difference is older properties being extended can be exempted from specific requirements
If you are going to give advice to future clients,maybe it should be that heights can sometimes be modified away from what is considered the minimum
It may not be wise to refer to the minimum height as ridiculous,you could be slapped on the wrist for being naughty
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