wall socket height? and distance apart?

[jim566]

is there any set height that these have to be or can you put them anywhere? i'm not installing them just doing the chasing out for my electrician whos on holiday. btw this is to add sockets where we want them as weve just moved in


(edit) is there any certain distance they have to be apart? when putting 2 or 3 in close proximity

 

[didthathurt]

Building regs only specify a min height if it's a new installation (Regs Part M). Your allowed to put them no lower than the existing sockets.
TTFN

 

[Steve]

out of interest, is there anything in the regs that stipulates a minimum spacing of outlets? For example, the NEC in America stipulates 2 outlets every 12 feet - reason is that most appliance flexes are 6 feet long. They also have a minimum number of sockets on worktops - do we?

 

[plugwash]

I don't think there is any specific requirement for a minimum (though i belive ESA have some reccomendations) but this is where the good judgement of an instalation designer (or if there is no designer the installer) comes in.

and there is absoloutely nothing stopping you putting sockets right next to each other (though if the wall is plasterboard you won't be able to put two dryline boxes right next to each other without severe risk of distroying the wall)

 

[didthathurt]

The only restriction might be that imposed by Part A for wall chases not to affect the structure. Now if memory serves, though I might be wrong, that is taken to mean 300mm between chases on both front and rear faces of single skins. Beyond that, I know of nothing that imposes a duty to place or not to place sockets on any wall at any spacing.

 

[Steve]

i think i realise why they have these requirements in america now. if you have a lack of plug sockets on the wall, you're going to use power strips, which, in america is a bad idea because they dont have fuses in the plugtops. so you could be drawing 20-30? amps through the flex before the protective device trips at the distribution board - enough to damage most flexes and plugs. This is obviously particularly relevant in kitchens with high powered appliances, hence the more stringent requirements in kitchens.

My theory anyway, it makes sense.