Max height for electrical fuse box above floor?

Possom · 25 Apr 2020

I know in some older houses the main domestic fuse box can be up near the ceiling, and a chair or small step is required to access it.

If I were to get an electrician to move the main electrical fuse box to another room in a house, when positioned in the new location, is there any requirement that it must be placed a max height from the floor?

Thanks.

EFLImpudence · 25 Apr 2020

No. Although, as you have realised, it is better if it is easily reachable.

Possom · 25 Apr 2020

Thank you.

What is the name given to the containment box into which a fuse box and the readings meter are fitted? I wanted to look them up to determine the dimensions to see if one would fit in the location I'm considering.

JohnD · 25 Apr 2020

If anybody old or disabled may live in the house, put it in easy reach.

JohnD · 25 Apr 2020

A meter cabinet? But the consumer unit does not have to go in the same cupboard.

GRP cabinets are weatherproof so are used outdoors and come with a simple lock.

Your meter will already be fixed to the wall on a backboard, so difficult to fit a readymade cabinet round it, but I suppose you could build one.

Here are some examples
https://www.expertelectrical.co.uk/...MIvM2I2oiE6QIVmpntCh1rsgGgEAQYCiABEgJSe_D_BwE

You can also get a Street Cabinet or Kiosk, which is a much stronger enclosure.

AndyPRK · 25 Apr 2020

I think there is Guidance in height

JohnD · 25 Apr 2020

I believe it's the same as a light switch.

Luckyphil · 25 Apr 2020

Guidances are for new Build only imo , I’ve moved Consumer Units up out of Cellars when Rewiring Properties , as long as the Tails from the service Head / Incomer aren’t over 3m away the local DNO are ok with it , In the House I’m currently refurbing the C/U was over the Back Door which has now been blocked up , so as part of the Rewire I’ve dropped it down to about 4ft off the Floor , it was in now the Utility Room

phil

Possom · 25 Apr 2020

Luckyphil said:
as long as the Tails from the service Head / Incomer aren’t over 3m away the local DNO are ok with it

What's DNO?

muffking · 25 Apr 2020

Possom said:
What's DNO?

The company who run the distribution for your area. They own everything up to the main fuse.

john4703 · 25 Apr 2020

Luckyphil said:
Guidances are for new Build only imo , I’ve moved Consumer Units up out of Cellars when Rewiring Properties , as long as the Tails from the service Head / Incomer aren’t over 3m away the local DNO are ok with it , In the House I’m currently refurbing the C/U was over the Back Door which has now been blocked up , so as part of the Rewire I’ve dropped it down to about 4ft off the Floor , it was in now the Utility Room

phil

Will they still allow longer tails if there is a switch fuse fitted within the 3 metre limit? I'm sure that used to be the case and here they would allow a switch fuse in the external box. I think their attitude was that anything after the fuse was the consumer's problem.

Luckyphil · 25 Apr 2020

Yes , they would , it would be best to check with your Local
DNO , round here Manchester it’s Electricity North West , unsure where you are

Phil

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Max height for electrical fuse box above floor?

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