Height of C/U

[Lyngarth]

Got to replace a old C/u but at the moment it sits in the down stairs loo and at the top of the wall, about 7'9"

I have no problem it being in the loo but was unsure if a new unit had to be fixed below a set height, to do with Building regs part M.

Have also looked in the BRB but found nothing to say it can't go back in the same place and also all wires come in the top, but as its so high is that OK as well??

Cheers

Lyngarth

 

[1john]

Get an qualified electrician in who is registered with the competent persons scheme, this is too involved for a DIYer.

 

[Lyngarth]

I am a sparky, 7 yrs with Nic but was just checking about the height as on site yesterday myself and two other sparks all come up with different answers to this.

My answer was it would be fine to keep it there and cables through the top would not mess up the ip rating, but the two others said it had to be below 1200 high to keep within the part M regs.

So thanks for your reply, and will wauit to see if any others can help.

Lyngarth

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

its not a new build so just use your experience to put the new cu in a sensible place

 

[Taylortwocities]

Part M or not, there is a box in the new Schedule of Inspections

It says
"Adequacy of Access to Switchgear and other equipment"

Would you feel able to tick that box with the Consumer's Unit nearly 8 ft up the wall??

Think about accessing it, in the dark. after the B6 had popped.....

 

[GaryMo]

but the two others said it had to be below 1200 high to keep within the part M regs.

They're wrong.

Also, Part M is an Approved Document, not regulations.
By complying with the various Approved Documents, you'll comply with the Building Regulations.

 

[GaryMo]

Part M or not, there is a box in the new Schedule of Inspections

It says
"Adequacy of Access to Switchgear and other equipment"

Would you feel able to tick that box with the Consumer's Unit nearly 8 ft up the wall??

It doesn't stop many so called 'Electricians' on new builds.

Also, anything that requires a step ladder would fall short with that way of thinking.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Would you feel able to tick that box with the Consumer's Unit nearly 8 ft up the wall??

Think about accessing it, in the dark. after the B6 had popped.....

Close the lid. Stand on the bog.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Also, Part M is an Approved Document, not regulations.

Wrong.

Go here: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BC_Consolidated_Bldg_Regs.pdf

Search for Part M.

 

[GaryMo]

I stand corrected, on a technicallity.

He mentioned a set height. Set heights are only noted in the Approved Document, not the Building Regulations.
Also, as I said, there's no set height for a consumer unit, only common sense.

I guess I put 2 and 2 together and came up with 5!

 

[GaryMo]

Close the lid. Stand on the bog.

The boss I had at the firm I worked for when I was serving my apprenticeship once did that to access a fan.
He shouldn't have done as he was 22 stone

 

[Taylortwocities]

Was he a bit flushed?

 

[GaryMo]

His foot was. As a 16yr old I found it soooo funny!

He actually broke a set of cheap aluminum step ladders too. They collapsed underneath him whilst on the second step.

 

[Click-Sure]

I bet you got to do all the work in lofts then...

 

[GaryMo]

I bet you got to do all the work in lofts then...

Sure did