switch/socket height advice

gap30 · Apr 8, 2012

just priced up a couple of rewires for a guy i have done work for on numerous occasions over the years, great guy and a pleasure to work for, no problems with payments really helpful etc

anyway he has asked me if the switches can go at 1400, i explained no i am governed by the regs and its `1200 to the top blah blah, the house was built in the 1920's, now he is doubling the size of the house with an L shaped extension, i dont want to let the guy down so can i go with the 1400 on the original house and insist on 1200 on the 'new' extension (treat it as a new build) this is a situation i have never faced before - sure people moan about switch heights but i always win the argument

this guy insists he will argue the ---- with anyone official should it ever come to that building control etc

is it something i could list on the cert that the client has insisted on it?

Guitarist · Apr 9, 2012

When I had an extension built onto my house a few years ago, I sited all switches and sockets at the same height as the existing ones. When the building inspector visited he was very pleased as it tied-in the whole house. My Dad has just had an extension built and the architect insisted that the heights of all "new" switchgear should be to current regs, which I did. Wish I'd spoken to building control myself now and got it clarified. It seems different inspectors have different ideas regarding this area.

Octopus · Apr 9, 2012

And htis thread goes to show that if you just have the latest BGB and OSG you simply don't have the relevent reference books in your library.

All newbies take note.

gap30 · Apr 9, 2012

wow this has opened a can of worms, i am gonna speak to the architect and get his views on this

GLENNSPARK · Apr 9, 2012

gap30 said:
wow this has opened a can of worms, i am gonna speak to the architect and get his views on this

look at post #11 and #16....i`d go with that ....

gap30 · Apr 9, 2012

GLENNSPARK said:
look at post #11 and #16....i`d go with that ....

ok will go for 1400 and take it from there, worst case scenario i will pick up a bag of red through crimps:frown2:

GLENNSPARK · Apr 9, 2012

gap30 said:
ok will go for 1400 and take it from there, worst case scenario i will pick up a bag of red through crimps:frown2:

what do you want the through crimps for?....just leave a loop in the ceiling....

gap30 · Apr 9, 2012

GLENNSPARK said:
what do you want the through crimps for?....just leave a loop in the ceiling....

sorry that above comment was a bit tongue in cheek

sedgy34 · Apr 9, 2012

is the guy selling the house when its done or is he moving into it is the question, the certain heights are building regs if you can prove someone will live in it not disabled you can go 1400.
or ask the question to building control afterall its his house who you are doing the work for.

another option would be to do building regs heights in extension and alter when the house has been passed off you will be shortening the cables but more hassle patching up afterwards.