What will the outcome be of my assessment?

[HappyHippyDad]

Hello all..

I expect my full rewire will be assessed this year by Stroma.

It has been done very well and neatly and ticks all the regulation boxes..... apart from socket/switches heights. These I have kept as existing, approx 1350mm for switches and 300mm for sockets.

I have rang Stroma and they have said that a full rewire needs to meet Part M requirements for these heights. I realise BS7671 553.1.6 doesn't give these heights but Part M does and if Stroma say it has to be then there's no arguing really. Also, even though the vast majority of threads say that a rewire does not need to meet part M heights I believe it does as Section 0, 0.2 says part M applies to new builds and also 'Material alterations' of existing dwellings.

Basically my question is 'could they possible make me change all the heights'? I can't believe they would as that's crazy, but just looking for reassurance. I expect it will go down as a note and be checked for the following year to make sure I have adhered to the heights?

 

[Wilko]

On an existing building the owner has the option to retain existing heights, its just you aren't allowed to make it less compliant. As there is no change of use, no big extension etc to trigger thoughts of it being a new build I think you'll be fine on the day. If you're worried, perhaps ask the question on an email (explaining the job is wiring only) as these tend to get considered a bit more carefully.

 

[Strima]

I was under the impression the NIC could only assess to BS7671? As such socket heights complying to another standard cannot be assessed by them, that would be a job for LABC.

 

[polo1]

I was under the impression the NIC could only assess to BS7671? As such socket heights complying to another standard cannot be assessed by them, that would be a job for LABC.

The NICEIC certificate requires confirmation that you have met the relevant building standards applicable to the work you have carried out. So this covers things like openings in structural elements etc.
As for the op, I’m hoping he’s in the clear!

 

[Spoon]

I don't have a copy of Part M, but I was under the impression that the height of 450mm for sockets was only for New Builds

 

[plugsandsparks]

Well if you wanted to do the re-wire and use the existing backboxes and pull cables through without replastering, that sort of scuppers it. Its not sensible to demand new socket and switch heights on a re-wire.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Then they are wrong.

Sorry that doesn't help your situation.

Go with napit, nic or Elecsa. They may say it's ok.

they're bloody wrong then. part Mvol. 1. section 1.18.....mention of socket and switch heights only applies where clients are "persons with limited reach."

I would take the assessor to the site, on the day, making sure I had the latest copy of Part M, printed out with me ........... so when the assessor says the heights MUST comply with Part M, you can ask him to confirm where in the document - then hand it to him..........

We ALL know part M ONLY applies to new builds....................

Argue your case. They are wrong. They tried telling me that external lighting was notifiable until I proved them wrong.

So we can review :

Building work:

Regulation 4

b

(ii)

is the most relevant statement IMHO

And more to the point, we have the DCLG to blame for ALL these hopelessly worded documents ........... which I expect will be commented on during the Grenfell Enquiry

Part M, section 0, 0.2 says that part M refers to new dwellings AND dwellings undergoing material alteration.

I guess Stroma class a rewire as 'material alteration'. What exactly does material alteration mean?

 

[Spoon]

Part M, section 0, 0.2 says that part M refers to new dwellings AND dwellings undergoing material alteration

But if the section mentioning sockets heights states it is for 'new buildings' then then part about 'dwellings undergoing material alteration' does not apply to this part.

 

[Andy78]

Part M, section 0, 0.2 says that part M refers to new dwellings AND dwellings undergoing material alteration.

I guess Stroma class a rewire as 'material alteration'. What exactly does material alteration mean?

Material alteration is alteration of the building for purpose of use, or significant alteration such as a large extension, house being chopped into flats, or a bungalow being made into a 2 floor dwelling.

I would contact your labc to ask for help with this definition and maybe ask for something in writing to help with your assessment.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

But if the section mentioning sockets heights states it is for 'new buildings' then then part about 'dwellings undergoing material alteration' does not apply to this part.

I cant see that the section mentioning socket heights says anything about new buildings, so I don't think I can use that argument.

 

[westward10]

Forget it and make no mention of it. From the posts on this thread I see no one stating the heights apply on a rewire, it is unanimous.

 

[Nigel]

Part M, section 0, 0.2 says that part M refers to new dwellings AND dwellings undergoing material alteration.

I guess Stroma class a rewire as 'material alteration'. What exactly does material alteration mean?

'Material Alteration' means a building that is changing its use. For example a shop unit becoming a flat. Not changing the materials of the electrical installation.

 

[Nigel]

Part P and Part M are clear. New build only and on re-wires they can be positioned 'no worse' than they are currently.

 

[Midwest]

Part P and Part M are clear. New build only and on re-wires they can be positioned 'no worse' than they are currently.

Thats not quite true as I'm aware. The Documents apply to all building work, with some exemptions.

Part M would not apply to an alteration or extension to an existing dwelling. However, as I and others have already suggested a major refurbishment of a dwelling, e.g. completely renovated for example, requiring structural change, then Part M and others may be applied. There are 'limits on application'.

To say it applies only to new builds, is not quite correct IMO. Sorry if I'm being picky.

I think we are all agreed that in this instance a rewire does not constitute material alteration. But HHD will need to discuss this with his scheme. Its his assessment with them.

 

[Toneyz]

Part M, section 0, 0.2 says that part M refers to new dwellings AND dwellings undergoing material alteration.

I guess Stroma class a rewire as 'material alteration'. What exactly does material alteration mean?

When you totally gut the house, knock down walls, change the internal layout.

 

[Octopus]

When you totally gut the house, knock down walls, change the internal layout.

So where are the Buildings Regs definitions listed ?

It would be SO EASY for the DCLG to avoid all these issues