Regulations for socket height

[Runningbear]

Hi folks
I've just found this forum, and what a god send it could be while I renovate my old cottage!

My first question is. What is the minimum regulation height for sockets these days?
I prefer them to be down at skirting board (or just above) myself, but I believe that's not allowed these days, or is it?

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[big-all]

heeelllooo and welcome Runningbear

i think private dwellings are ok its only building going to be used by people in wheel chairs but i could be wrong

 

[EFLImpudence]

The regulations only apply to new-builds.

You can put them where you like as long as safe.
I.e. not where they are likely to get damaged.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

The requirements are different for existing properties and new builds.
In an existing property you can have the socket and switches at more less at what ever height you want, within in reason that is.
In a new build between 450mm from finished floor level and 1200mm, bottom to top.

 

[echoes]

AIUI - if it's a full renovation or new build, then sockets should be between 450mm and 1200mm above finished floor level. If it's a refurb/rewire etc. then the sockets must be placed to prevent damage to flex when something's plugged in: 150mm above floor is a way to achieve this.

I have recently rewired, and placed the new sockets above 450mm, even though it wasn't necessary, and it's surprisingly more convenient than at skirting level. (Didn't move the light switches lower though!)

EDIT: too slow, I am

 

[Runningbear]

Thanks for the RAPID replies!

So, if at the end of the re-furb, I get an electrician in to sign it off, will he still do it with low level sockets?

 

[echoes]

He won't (shouldn't) sign anything off he didn't do or design. The common advice given here is to get him involved at the start and agree a plan whereby he'd be willing to certify the work, and thereby accept responsibility for it.
Or convince building inspector that you can inspect and test yourself - not unheard of.

[If you comply with the law, that is.]

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

He will do it were every you ask him to.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

AIUI - if it's a full renovation or new build, then sockets should be between 450mm and 1200mm above finished floor level.

No and yes.

I have recently rewired, and placed the new sockets above 450mm, even though it wasn't necessary, and it's surprisingly more convenient than at skirting level.

A lot of people say that, once they get used to the height.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Thanks for the RAPID replies!

So, if at the end of the re-furb, I get an electrician in to sign it off, will he still do it with low level sockets?

oh you are doing it and electrician is signing it off then?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

So, if at the end of the re-furb, I get an electrician in to sign it off

It doesn't work like that.

Basically you either have an electrician do it all, or you apply for Building Regulations approval in advance, and pay the fees.

//www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:part-p



I can pretty much guarantee that rewiring a property involves far more than you think it does and requires you to know things that you don't even know exist.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

I have recently rewired, and placed the new sockets above 450mm, even though it wasn't necessary, and it's surprisingly more convenient than at skirting level. (Didn't move the light switches lower though!)

yes I found that too, especially were you expect thing such as bedside tables and were the TV,hi-fi,games console, dvd etc.. are being stuck.

 

[echoes]

AIUI - if it's a full renovation or new build, then sockets should be between 450mm and 1200mm above finished floor level.

No and yes.

Go on.... fill in the gaps! (For those of us who prefer your delicate prose rather than searching for the readily available info ourselves!)

I have recently rewired, and placed the new sockets above 450mm, even though it wasn't necessary, and it's surprisingly more convenient than at skirting level.

A lot of people say that, once they get used to the height.

Saves a lot of bending down, which I will appreciate all the more when I'm an old(er) g i t.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

AIUI - if it's a full renovation or new build, then sockets should be between 450mm and 1200mm above finished floor level.

No and yes.

Well a renovation of any kind full or part does not require the sockets to be at the heights that is required by Part M as this is for new builds only.

 

[echoes]

I have recently rewired, and placed the new sockets above 450mm, even though it wasn't necessary, and it's surprisingly more convenient than at skirting level. (Didn't move the light switches lower though!)

yes I found that too, especially were you expect thing such as bedside tables and were the TV,hi-fi,games console, dvd etc.. are being stuck.

It's the plugging in of the vacuum cleaner that is most noticeable! Can't excuse oneself from the job by the 'I'm not bending down there right now - it'll do' thought.