socket in skirting board in new pub

[ben2012]

ive been lookin at a job and cant decide if this is ok or not, someone else has already put wiring in and i was just looking at something else at the time, but it got me thinking! its a solid floor so no access below and dressed stone with vaulted ceiling above so it looked like it would be difficult to get round! some timber has been fit to the wall and their is going to be some panelling fit to it and skirting at the bottom. now hes on about fitting metal boxes to the wall and then cutting the skirting round these and fitting brass sockets flush on the front. i know that its obviously not going to be 450mm but its not a private dwelling and the sockets would be high enough so as to allow a plug to fit in easily. any thoughts on this?

 

[telectrix]

the 450mm rule only applies to new build. as long as the sockets can be used without the appliance flexes being damaged by being too close to the floor, it's fine.

 

[ben2012]

i thought it would be but then i know that my old firm always put down that sockets needed moving from skirting boards onto the wall, so i couldnt decide if it was ok or not. thanks for the clarification.

 

[terminator]

You say there's 'timber and panelling' on the wall - so dry lined wall? So why not socket behind panelling, and put them on RCD protected circuit.

 

[netblindpaul]

Why RCD protected in a Pub just because the cables are hidden?

 

[telectrix]

You say there's 'timber and panelling' on the wall - so dry lined wall? So why not socket behind panelling, and put them on RCD protected circuit.

what use is a socket behind panelling? unless for use only in cluedo secret passage.

 

[Badged01]

If its not a "dwelling" then you wont be worried about Part 'P' or 'M' of the building regs for heights.

You will still have to conform to BS7671 (553.1.6) to ensure the sockets are mounted at a height to minimise the risk of danger/mechanical damage to the plug/socket. That becomes your call as the man designing/installing them. You will have 'designed' the install height taking due cognisance of the environment they are going to be used in so as to minimise any risk!. As ever though it depends on who is signing which part of the electrical installation certificate for design and/or construction as to who is ultimately responsible (liable)!

 

[terminator]

I know it's not a requirement (rcd) - but that's just what I would do to satisfy my own companies concerns with the number of numpties out there who wouldn't think twice about knocking a 6 inch nail above a socket to hang a stag's head or something similar.

 

[Adam W]

Who will be using the sockets? Customers (possibly disabled) or able-bodied staff?

 

[Badged01]

Dont worry about what the 'numpties' do afterwards, just make sure your 'butt' is covered for the work you are signing for!

 

[terminator]

what use is a socket behind panelling? unless for use only in cluedo secret passage.

I would have given you a like Tel, but you don't seem to have a 'like button'? lol.

 

[netblindpaul]

Who will be using the sockets? Customers (possibly disabled) or able-bodied staff?

Who is using the socket outlets is irrelevant with respect to the RCD protection of the cable, just the outlet.

The poster above who comments on people hitting a 6" nail into a wall, simple answer is sack them for gross incompetence, and unauthorised works.
If they are going to undertake construction related works in a commercial premise, then they MUST be competent.

If they can hit a cable with a nail then they are NOT competent, that is gross industrial misconduct and carries instant dismissal with the associated other issues that go with being that incompetent and undertaking such works that they are not competent or authorised to do, else the incident would never have happened.

 

[telectrix]

socket outlets should be RCD protected unless used by "skilled or instructed persons".

 

[netblindpaul]

Any and all employees, MUST be instructed to comply with EAWR89.

 

[telectrix]

I would have given you a like Tel, but you don't seem to have a 'like button'? lol.

it's there. sometimes if you post within a few secs. of previous post, you can't do a like. a refresh sorts it.