Light Switch Height

[IanNE]

Is there a regulation on the height light switch's have to be, what's the minimum and maximum allowed, as looking at the rest of the lights, I need one adding and to match the height, theres a stud in the way of it..

 

[Tjs]

1200mm to top of switch.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Only for newbuilds otherwise you can put it wherever you like.

 

[phatboy]

If you are fitting a 25mm box, that equals about 15mm to be taken off the stud - can't see that being a problem.

I've done similar but with a horizontal stud, just used a multitool to cut into it, then shaved the wood back with a sharp chisel

 

[Tjs]

Yeh course for new builds, I have a old house so I just tend to match whatever height they are. Some are 1400mm, doesn't cause a problem for me.

 

[333rocky333]

Back in the day 4ft 6in was the norm, equates to 1350mm

 

[knowall]

Hi is that to the centre or top? Just interested.

Thanks,

Knowall.

 

[JohnW2]

Is there a regulation on the height light switch's have to be, what's the minimum and maximum allowed...

Everyone seems to have been talking about the maximum. Approved Document M (which is, AFAIAA, the only source of any numbers and which, as has been said, essentially applies only to new builds) does not distinguish between sockets and switches, and specifies a minimum of 450 mm and a maximum of 1200 mm from finished floor level. Although the text isn't explicit about this, the diagram provided shows switches and sockets wholly contained within that 450 - 1200 mm range, suggesting that the bottom of a switch should be above 450 mm and the top of the switch below 1200 mm.

I have to say that I would have thought that anyone who wasn't in a wheelchair would find light switches anything like as low as 450 mm to be extremely inconvenient. Indeed, as my back gradually shows the signs of the progression of the decades, I think I would personally find it potentially quite difficult/painful. In fact, I'm not at all convinced that 450 mm would be very good for those in wheelchairs, either - I suspect that something approaching 1000 mm would probably be best for them.

Kind Regards, John

 

[IanNE]

Thanks so 1200mm max to top of light switch for new builds.. Much appreciated

 

[RF Lighting]

Back in the day 4ft 6in was the norm, equates to 1350mm

I was taught 52" to the bottom of the switch box when I were a lad...

 

[riveralt]

Thanks so 1200mm max to top of light switch for new builds.. Much appreciated

But that doesn't apply to your property unless you want them at that height.