Socket positions

[Adam W]

The top 150mm of the room is also a safe zone; if we weren't allowed to run cables through safe zones that would make running switch drops a little tricky.

 

[telectrix]

think the concern is more about some hairy-arsed spark with a sds chisel chopping out for a back box where cables might be lurking.

 

[Adam W]

I think it's the same kind of argument - someone may have thought it was a good idea to run a cable around the top of the room because 'it's a safe zone so that means it's fine'.

 

[Guitarist]

The 300mm mentioned for sinks and hobs is advisory, but not always practical in a small kitchen. Just make sure nothing is actually over a hob.

 

[telectrix]

The 300mm mentioned for sinks and hobs is advisory, but not always practical in a small kitchen. Just make sure nothing is actually over a hob.

frying pans containing sirloin steak exempt

 

[HandySparks]

I am aware that in most instances sockets are positioned a minimum of 300mm from the corner of the room. However I have something in my head that this reg is associated to habited rooms and kitchens may be exempt.

You may be thinking of Building Regulations 2010, Approved Document M, "Access...".
Section 4 "Facilities in buildings other than dwellings", para 4.30 g:
"socket outlets ... no nearer than 350mm from room corners;".

So, not applicable to domestic kitchen.

(For electrical accessory positioning in dwellings see Section 8.)

There may be some other guidance that I'm not aware of. (First time I've had a proper look at the doc myself!)

 

[bleach]

Thanks Handysparks. I am wiring up my timber framed garden outbuilding (fancy shed if you like). I will be using it for my NAPIT asessment. All wiring is surface mounted in trunking and I really want to install the socketsin the corners as they will be much less prone to impact and being knocked off.

Would the assessor not like this or shall i install them 300mm from the corners to be safe? Any ideas?

 

[Guitarist]

Nothing wrong with in the corner. Be aware though, that up to 150mm from the corner is your prescribed zone, and as such you shouldn't drill into it for mounting your surface back-boxes.

 

[pjcomp]

I know we've all come across these, but found this this week, and as it was apposite to the thread ...

Ring terminated in choc blocks that had been plastered over. Then one cable to the socket on the left, another to the socket on the right.

PJ

 

[Guitarist]

View attachment 17816

I know we've all come across these, but found this this week, and as it was apposite to the thread ...

Ring terminated in choc blocks that had been plastered over. Then one cable to the socket on the left, another to the socket on the right.

PJ

Wow. Just shows what havoc a DIY'er armed with a piece of choccy block can wreak

 

[FAA Greenie]

I always, and i mean always, wrap choccy block up in tape if it's going to be plastered over............ You can never be too careful.

 

[bigbaddave]

I always, and i mean always, wrap choccy block up in tape if it's going to be plastered over............ You can never be too careful.

Thats just wrong.. overcharging the customer for unnessesary tape.. Tut Tut..

 

[ackbarthestar]

I've got a feeling (don't know where from) that the 300 mm is a recommedation, so that you're not tempted to put a back box in the safe zone, in the corner of a room!

Safe Zones in the corner of the room ! - perfect for Intruder Alarm operatives to fit their room sensors.....

 

[Guitarist]

Seriously though, every job I go to without fail, that has had DIY electrical work looks like the above picture. Usually they add a few diagonal runs as well.

 

[holsten19]

what about a fused spur above thne drainer to feed a water heater?