Sockets on Skirting

[Mark Wright]

Hi, is there any Regulation for old properties in regard to the Height of a socket? Seem a bit confused not sure I've heard of any of this on 2365.

 

[freddo]

Not for old properties, but they should be installed in such a way that they won't be easily damaged by feet, vacuum cleaners etc. Above the skirting board is recommended, especially as it gives more room for the flex or plug in power supplies. Older surface sockets were a lot more compact so it was easier to mount them higher up on the skirting than a current UK surface box.

 

[Mark Wright]

2365 hasn't even mentioned this

and searching caused some conflicting results.


ok so in most cases using judgment Skirting board is a bit low and flex could be damaged.

 

[freddo]

See reg 553.1.6

 

[James360]

I am about to rewire my daughters house a 1900 forecourted terrace is the any height requirements for the mounting height for sockets in there

 

[R-fur]

Building regs say that sockets and switches in new and rewired houses should be accesable to people in a wheelchair.
Min 400 to the bottom of a socket
Max 1200 to the top of a light switch

 

[Julie.]

I am about to rewire my daughters house a 1900 forecourted terrace is the any height requirements for the mounting height for sockets in there

Building regulations, part M

Min/max heights for everything from cu to switches, through socket outlets etc.
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Oops, cross posted!

Btw, part M applies to new buildings or parts, so you can replace in a position no worse than existing, but anything new must be compliant

 

[Dave OCD]

I didn't think Part M was enforceable on rewires of old properties.

 

[westward10]

It would only apply to a new build or substantial alterations/change of use to an existing build.

 

[James360]

hi there will be no new building work other than some internal stud wall being repalced or moved slightly would part m apply in that case otherwise its just an old house being rewired
there will be a new kitchen and bathroom being installed

 

[multimick]

if unsure about socket heights on refurbs a friendly chat with bc officer always helps and gets them onboard.

 

[Julie.]

Where possible, any new work should be in accordance with part M.

So replace sockets in the same place, but in the new kitchen, place in accordance with part M unless that socket/switch etc is in the same place as existing

 

[Mark Wright]

See reg 553.1.6

Thanks

553.1.6 A socket-outlet on a wall or similar structure shall be mounted at a height above the floor or any
working surface to minimize the risk of mechanical damage to the socket-outlet or to an associated plug and its
flexible cable which might be caused during insertion, use or withdrawal of the plug

 

[westward10]

Where possible, any new work should be in accordance with part M.

So replace sockets in the same place, but in the new kitchen, place in accordance with part M unless that socket/switch etc is in the same place as existing

Part M is irrelevant on a rewire unless substantial changes have altered the original intention of the build.

 

[Andy78]

Where possible, any new work should be in accordance with part M.

So replace sockets in the same place, but in the new kitchen, place in accordance with part M unless that socket/switch etc is in the same place as existing

I believe customer requests and requirements should come above regulations that don't apply to the particular work. Especially in domestic installations.
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Building regs say that sockets and switches in new and rewired houses should be accesable to people in a wheelchair.
Min 400 to the bottom of a socket
Max 1200 to the top of a light switch

There is no such requirement on a rewire unless it is part of a substantial development overseen by building control. And even then discretion and customer requests can have a say, just as in new builds.
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This is the main issue with low situated sockets, but any height that avoids this stress on the flex is ok.