Is there a maximum height for a light switch

bookworm2006

Is there a new british standard which prohibits the distance between the top edge of a light switch and the floor from being greater than 1.2 metres? I have been told by my electrician that there is? However I can't help thinking that having light switches located so low looks very odd.

Steve · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 1:46 pm Post Subject:

no, but theres a new building reg that says that. However, it only applies in newbuilds and extensive refurbs.

bookworm2006 · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 1:58 pm Post Subject:

I'm in the process of getting my house completely rewired so I guess that would be considered a refurb. Thanks for the info.

Steve · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:24 pm Post Subject:

bookworm2006 wrote:

I'm in the process of getting my house completely rewired so I guess that would be considered a refurb. Thanks for the info.

not really. extensive refurb is a debatable term, but IMO it means where you strip the place back to brick walls, taking ceilings down, and doing certain things that require planning permission - knocking walls down and messing with the structure.

JohnD · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:38 pm Post Subject:

It looks odd to you now because you are not used to it. But consider that all new and refurbished shops and offices are being done like that, you and everyone else will soon get used to it and feel that it looks "right"

securespark · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:32 pm Post Subject:

What..like wearing ladies' underwear?

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As George Michael once said, "..if you're gonna do it, do it right, right?"

JohnD · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:34 pm Post Subject:

I'll have to take your advice on that one.

Pens · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 6:41 pm Post Subject:

After a long round the table discussion with the NIC here is an abstract from an e-mail I received which clarifies their definition of ‘new’

Hi Andy

Just a couple of points further to our discussion,

An electrical installation is classed as ‘new’ only for the purpose of the electrical certificate, for building regs it would need to be a ‘new build’.

Smoke alarms are not a requirement on a rewire as it is not ‘new build’ see page page 42 of NICEIC guide to building regs.

Switch heights are not required to comply with building regs for a rewire see page 29 f and 68.

As discussed Wednesday.[/i]

So in their opinion a refurb is not classed as a new build.

Edit. But IMO anyone who is re-wiring would be foolish not to fit mains smoke alarms or mount sockets at 450mm

securespark · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 7:40 pm Post Subject:

Oh DDear (as piglet used to say). That means I am a fool.....

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As George Michael once said, "..if you're gonna do it, do it right, right?"

jj4091 · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 7:45 pm Post Subject:

The reason for the regs on switch heights is to make them accessible to a person sat in a wheelchair. If your door openings are not wide enough to allow wheelchair access I would not worry about it.

ebee · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 8:29 pm Post Subject:

For years I`ve been fittin sockets at 450mm and above, lots of customers find them easier to use, those that didn`t I fitted at 300m. Although I admit 1200mm is a more sensible height for switches for short/disabled/children to use easily I think i`s just a tadd too low. I`ve been fitting them at 52" to centre for years. So even I take some getting used to the new (beter) heights. If dedicated for a disabled person then heights are higher and lower respectively. If a new build then the new heights are just one way of acheiving easier access to a possible disabled person entering (Other equally effective means are allowed as an alternative - can`t think what they might be offhand though).
At the end of the day , on a rewire of an "old Build", it`s up to you to decide what`s best for you to use, others to use and when you sell in future. Some folk don`t like seing sockets "half way up a wall" even if it is the most logical place for ease of use and old habits die hard. One lady even insisted all her sockets were where she couldn`t see them irrespective of them being a pain to get too.
It`s your call

Pens · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 8:42 pm Post Subject:

ebee wrote:

(Other equally effective means are allowed as an alternative - can`t think what they might be offhand though).

Remote control, pir.....

JohnD · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 9:24 pm Post Subject:

Not just wheelchair users, they're also more convenient for a tired electrician or plumber with a bad back and wonky knees.

securespark · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 10:25 pm Post Subject:

Speak for yourself, mate!

Actually, after nearly 20 years (most of which were kneepad-free), I am regretting it more than a little...

__________________
As George Michael once said, "..if you're gonna do it, do it right, right?"