CU Locations

[chloebear]

I have been requested by the developer on a site building a number of small houses to site the consumer unit in the downstairs toilet. Cant see too much of an issue with this, however he wants it above where the hand basin will be and not at the WC end.
I have had a look through the regs book and also building control info and am unable to find any reference to the siting of consumer units in this regard, maybe i'm missing something. I can find reference to socket outlets etc not being too close to water and locations containing a bath or shower, but nothing relating to consumer units near hand basins??????

am I missing something in our wonderful world of over protective regulation?????

 

[telectrix]

what height is this muppet suggesting for mounting the CUs? because at the building regs. recommended height will site it just where the mirror/vanity unit will go.

 

[chloebear]

This is part of my conflict with the 'muppet' on site - (a) I don't want it in the WC area anyway & (b) he wants it a ceiling (just below) height. so access & maintenance will be a pain- so looking for any ammunition that I can use to not have to locate the CU's in these areas, but am failing to come up with anything.

 

[telectrix]

part m of the building regs. CU height to be between 1350mm and 1500mm above ffl. ( approx. figs. as i ain't bothered to look it up)

 

[telectrix]

reason for this is so that al elderly or disabled person can reset RCD/MCB without having to climb.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Part P document points out that one way of complying with Part M in new dwellings is to mount consumer units so that the switches are between 1350mm and 1450mm above floor level.

 

[andyb]

part m of the building regs. CU height to be between 1350mm and 1500mm above ffl. ( approx. figs. as i ain't bothered to look it up)

I never knew this, I was under the impression that consumer units did not come under Part M. Though it does make sense, even if 1500mm seems a tad high for a wheel chair user.

OP, if I have this sort of dilemma, I just ask the builder to get conformation from the Building Inspector.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Page 3 section 1.4 http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_AD_P_2013.pdf

 

[Andy78]

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_AD_M1_2015.pdf

Page 9 states that the "switches" within a consumer unit should be positioned between 1350mm and 1450mm above floor level.

 

[telectrix]

it's a bit convoluted. part m does not, in itself, recommend CU heights, but lee's link explains it better than i did. still makes the developer out as a muppet, either way.

 

[Andy78]

it's a bit convoluted. part m does not, in itself, recommend CU heights, but lee's link explains it better than i did. still makes the developer out as a muppet, either way.

It does now. See my link.

 

[telectrix]

ceiling height would be OK in geordieland. they can reset while having a bath in the sink. :6:

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Something for the 18th?
Positioning of CUs so fire fighters don't have to traipse through a burning building to disconnect the supply.

 

[davesparks]

Something for the 18th?
Positioning of CUs so fire fighters don't have to traipse through a burning building to disconnect the supply.

An accessible main switch in the external meter box (preferably provided by the DNO) becoming mandatory would be a very good idea in my opinion

 

[Octopus]

I never knew this, I was under the impression that consumer units did not come under Part M. Though it does make sense, even if 1500mm seems a tad high for a wheel chair user.

OP, if I have this sort of dilemma, I just ask the builder to get conformation from the Building Inspector.

The updated version of Part M added this little gem....

 

[telectrix]

The updated version of Part M added this little gem....

and i always though that i was the missing link.

 

[LeeH]

and i always though that i was the missing link.

Weakest link?

 

[UNG]

An accessible main switch in the external meter box (preferably provided by the DNO) becoming mandatory would be a very good idea in my opinion

But until all properties have an external meter box it would be a bit pointless

 

[hightower]

I would position it there for future proof purposes. I heard on the grapevine the 18th was going to force new CUs to be sited within 0.5m of a water outlet. Something to do with having access to water to put out the fires in 'non-combustible CUs'. There's also weak rumours that the 19th will mean installing new CUs in a bath-tub so that there's no risk of any fire starting at all, which means plastic CUs will be allowed to be used once again.

 

[Aurai]

Ask yourself

if you could comfortably work on the CCU for any extended period. Accessibility includes maintenance access.

Yes, customers hope to locate CCU as unobtrusively as possible, that does not mean we should not try and get them right for working on them and regular RCD testing by customer.

 

[Geordie Spark]

ceiling height would be OK in geordieland. they can reset while having a bath in the sink. :6:

Go forth and urinate ye Scouse git!! :32:

 

[Geordie Spark]

Ask yourself

if you could comfortably work on the CCU for any extended period. Accessibility includes maintenance access.

Yes, customers hope to locate CCU as unobtrusively as possible, that does not mean we should not try and get them right for working on them and regular RCD testing by customer.

What's that when it's washed 'n' dresssed?? :whatchutalkingabout

 

[Geordie Spark]

An accessible main switch in the external meter box (preferably provided by the DNO) becoming mandatory would be a very good idea in my opinion

Not such a good idea when you come back home from yer hollys and find the food in yer freezer has gone off cos some little scallywag turned yer leccy off at the switch in the ootside cabinet.

 

[Geordie Spark]

and i always though that i was the missing link.

Nah! .... that was a cross between a Mackem lass and Scouse git.

 

[telectrix]

4 posts on the trot.you got the runs?

 

[Geordie Spark]

4 posts on the trot.you got the runs?

Nah! .... Just bored oot o' me skull.

Off to Tidyboiler's place shortly to replace her thermostat. She's not warming up properly.

 

[telectrix]

if you need a thermostat to warm her up, you're not doing it right. " brace yersen fatty" is not ideal foreplay.

 

[Geordie Spark]

if you need a thermostat to warm her up, you're not doing it right. " brace yersen fatty" is not ideal foreplay.

It's always worked before.


It's the thermostat in her hoose that's knackered.

 

[davesparks]

Not such a good idea when you come back home from yer hollys and find the food in yer freezer has gone off cos some little scallywag turned yer leccy off at the switch in the ootside cabinet.

You mean like when we got hold of a street light triangle key and pulled all the cutouts and ----ed the fuses?

 

[7029 dave]

An accessible main switch in the external meter box (preferably provided by the DNO) becoming mandatory would be a very good idea in my opinion

I take you are talking about DP isolator, it is NOT, mandatory to fit one.

 

[davesparks]

I take you are talking about DP isolator, it is NOT, mandatory to fit one.

I said it BECOMING mandatory was a very good idea, not that it is mandatory!
Learn to read!

 

[Geordie Spark]

I said it BECOMING mandatory was a very good idea, not that it is mandatory!
Learn to read!

Keep tight a hold of that handbag yer swingin' aboot or Tidyboiler'll have it off ye in a flash. She collects handbags. (and lead, copper ......... )

 

[7029 dave]

Kin HELL super's got the arse.!!