Distribution Board Height in a Small Cottage - Full Rewire

[Danny Gray]

Right doing a job for my registration assessment so got to get it spot on. Job is an old cottage but been stripped right out and complete rewire. Am I correct in saying the dB hight has to be at the same hight as light switch? Seems far to low if u ask me.

 

[telectrix]

recommended height for a DB is between 1400 and 1500 mm above floor level. that's in the building regs, not BS7671. however, this applies to new builds, same as the 450mm -1200mm for sockets and switches. on a rewire, it's down to you and the client to decide where and how high things are fitted.

 

[Danny Gray]

recommended height for a DB is between 1400 and 1500 mm above floor level. that's in the building regs, not BS7671. however, this applies to new builds, same as the 450mm -1200mm for sockets and switches. on a rewire, it's down to you and the client to decide where and how high things are fitted.

So it could stay at the original hight just need to replace old 16mm tails and earth.

 

[telectrix]

as long as it's accessible and not in a stupid location, then it can stay. don't forget the cable entries into metal CU should be secure and the IP rating compliant. i.e. IP4X top. IP2X elsewhere. what's the earthing system?

 

[FatAlan]

Lets have a pic when you've finished? No pressure ;-)

 

[amlu]

next to the meter and cutout is usually a best place.

 

[Leesparkykent]

The recommended height given in part M is that the switches of the consumer unit to be at a height of between 1350mm and 1450mm. As this is a rewire the consumer unit can go at a height that doesn't make it any more unsatisfactory than before the work was started.

 

[sparksburnout]

Just make sure the bloody thing is covered in stickers and your assessor will be so impressed you won't even need to take the cover off. Not that you will be able to with that great big lock off device on the main switch.....

 

[FatAlan]

My CU is about 2m off the floor on the wall in a kitchen cupboard which you realistically can just about reach if you are over 6ft. A mate of mine has his under the stairs in a tiny cupboard about 400mm from the floor.

 

[telectrix]

that's nowt. an estate near me, built circa 1970 has all the wylex 3036 boards fitted under the kitchen sinks.

 

[Danny Gray]

as long as it's accessible and not in a stupid location, then it can stay. don't forget the cable entries into metal CU should be secure and the IP rating compliant. i.e. IP4X top. IP2X elsewhere. what's the earthing system?

I'm glad u said that I just put my second fix list in and forgot the gland for the tails!! It's tncs earthing.

 

[davesparks]

If your assessor is doing his job properly then he won't take 'it's what the guys on the forum told me' as a suitable answer if he asks why you decided to locate the CU in a certain place!

 

[gutterball]

that's nowt. an estate near me, built circa 1970 has all the wylex 3036 boards fitted under the kitchen sinks.

Theirs similar near me where the CU is under the sink in the downstairs toilet.

 

[7029 dave]

I was changing a meter the other day, and the CU was screwed to the floor boards, in cupboard corner.

 

[Midwest]

I did a CU change a few years ago, then the kitchen was refurbished. I had to move the CU again. As space was limited, I suggested housing the CU in one of the wall units, with suitable access. I obviously hadn't explained things properly, as when I went back to 2nd fix, the CU was in a cupboard right above the double oven

 

[Leesparkykent]

If your assessor is doing his job properly then he won't take 'it's what the guys on the forum told me' as a suitable answer if he asks why you decided to locate the CU in a certain place!

And I very much doubt that would be the answer the op would give his assessor.......There is no harm in seeking advice from other electricians, after all this is what this forum is here for so electricians can discuss things!