LABC Inspection. Will I pass?

[stem]

I'm having a kitchen extension built. I will be doing the wiring with LABC inspection. As part of the kitchen is existing, I want to locate the sockets and switches at the same height as the existing ones for aesthetic purposes. For the sockets this will OK, but the light switches are approximately 300mm higher than the recommended 1200mm.

I have been given different advice:

1) That some LABC's have insisted that "accessories" be repositioned in order to comply.
2) That "Part M" the document that specifies heights only applies to new dwellings, not existing ones. Is an extension to an existing dwelling classed as a new dwelling?

I have not discussed this with the LABC because I don't want to raise the topic unnecessarily.

Anyone had any experience of this?

 

[Adam_151]

You are allowed to put them at the same height as the existing ones, you are making the house no more disabled unfriendly than it was before, and thats what LABC care about

...I'd hate to have to have light switches at 1200mm, being 6'4" means it'd probably actually cause back pain for me

 

[dingbat]

I have been given different advice:

1) That some LABC's have insisted that "accessories" be repositioned in order to comply.
2) That "Part M" the document that specifies heights only applies to new dwellings, not existing ones. Is an extension to an existing dwelling classed as a new dwelling?

Anyone had any experience of this?

Yes. Both statements are essentially correct and herein lies the problem. Building Regulations are enforced locally and interpretation may vary between different authorities.

The bit about applying only to new builds is not actually a regulation. It is included in Approved Document P as a recommendation.

As an example, last year I rewired a back-to-back house in Leeds, as part of a refurb following asbestos clearance - grant job. Two steps up to front 'garden' three further steps up to front door. Consumer unit in cellar, four floors in all with narrow, winding staircases in between. In other words, an entirely impractical proposition for anybody with mobility difficulties. The owner wanted everything reinstated as before.

The building inspector (no names!) was not happy. He grudgingly accepted the job after I supplied the builder with extracts from the approved document and guidance from elsewhere, but insisted that all future jobs would have to conform to the guidance for socket and switch heights.

 

[RF Lighting]

Was the house in Armley by any chance?

 

[dingbat]

Oh yes, indeed.

Was it the asbestos that tipped you off?

 

[RF Lighting]

T'was the asbestos. I used to do loads of jobs just like the ones you mentioned at the last firm I worked for. Mainly on the 'aviory estate'

Happy days they were

 

[dingbat]

Yep, 'The Aviaries' - where the JW Roberts asbestos factory used to be. Litigation is still ongoing, I believe.