Consumer unit height

[powerelec]

I am over from Ireland to rewire a friends 3 storey house and I am wondering is there a maximum height to the the top of the consumer unit in England

 

[Richard Burns]

I think generally the requirement is that all switches etc. are accessible, which is considered to be no more than 3m above floor level.
But I do not think there is a specific regulation detailing the maximum height of consumer units, just accessible.

 

[Goody]

Part P says switches & socktes are to be placed at a minimun height of 450 mm and the maximum height being 1200 mm, but nothing is been specified in placing the CU. You probably have to judge yourself. Cheers!

 

[JamesBrownLive]

Part P says switches & socktes are to be placed at a minimun height of 450 mm and the maximum height being 1200 mm, but nothing is been specified in placing the CU. You probably have to judge yourself. Cheers!

It's not part P, its part M of the building regs. It stipulates the height of switches, which are as you have described. As a CU houses a switch, and one that is pretty important, it could be argued that new CUs should be installed in line with what part M dictates.

 

[telectrix]

part M , relating to heights od switches, sockets, CUs etc . applies only to new build and refurb dwellings. on a rewire, it don't apply.

 

[JamesBrownLive]

part M , relating to heights od switches, sockets, CUs etc . applies only to new build and refurb dwellings. on a rewire, it don't apply.

Would a rewire fall under this, or would it have to be a refurb of the entrie property?

Cheers

 

[telectrix]

would have to be a refurb. just rewiring would not be a problem. 9 times out of 10, a new CU is mounted in place of the old one, unless that was in a silly place to start with.

 

[JamesBrownLive]

Thanks for clearing that up. Thought I'd learnt something from LearningLounge.... Shame they never mentioned it was for new builds and refurbs. Just wait till I see that Dave Austin in the street :83:

 

[claret73]

I think (which can be dangerous)...that it's one of those subjective interpretations. The Spark I work alongside on rewires has always done it to new heights, even though it's a refurb. As for CU Heights, I don't think there is a specific for CU's but always try to place at 1200 height, unless it's above the front door where cables will not extend etc...

 

[topquark]

The general rule is that you are not allowed to make anything less "accessible" than it was before, so on a rewire you can stick to the old heights of sockets/switches (or move closer to the new Part M recommendation). I've seen a max height of 1500mm quoted in a few places for CU's, however I've still yet to ascertain where it comes from.

 

[powerelec]

thanks for the quick response !!!

 

[Dunc]

Personally i try to keep the consumer unit within arms reach. For a short a**e like myself that's about 2m but like i say that's personal preference rather then regs. I would say on a new build that between 450-1200mm is correct under Part M but i haven't seen a single installation where this is the case and Part M only applies to new build or properties where the fabric of the building is to be altered.