Extractor fan

[sparkysim]

Can any tell me what the height of the isolator for an extractor fan should be? Or does that come under part m of building regs as well and not be over 1200mm?

 

[Adam W]

It's purpose is to isolate the fan for maintenance, so to have a reason to use it you'd need to be able to reach the fan as well, which is on the ceiling.
In other words it can go up high if necessary.... In my opinion.

 

[sparkysim]

That's what I thought novus but building control seems to disagree with me.

 

[Adam W]

Well I would disagree - an isolator is for isolating, not switching.
Ask them what height a smoke detector should be mounted at so a "person with restricted reach" can reach the test button.

 

[Spudnik]

Well I would disagree - an isolator is for isolating, not switching.
Ask them what height a smoke detector should be mounted at so a "person with restricted reach" can reach the test button.

Good answer, however you can now get remote switches for SA's that can be placed at the 1200 level.

 

[Adam W]

True, but is a building inspector likely to comment on the absence of one? They might be appropriate in a flat in a sheltered housing complex or retirement bungalow but I don't expect parents would want their children setting them off every 5 minutes just because they can reach them.
Like anything I would say a degree of common sense is required when it comes to siting switches etc in regards to the people likely to be using them.
OK light bulbs then - does a "person with restricted reach" have to get someone in every time one needs replacing?

 

[electromonkey]

You could do this....

Q & A of the Day – Can I accept my client’s request not to change socket heights? - Voltimum UK - Electrical Installation Products and Contracting

....I've had to do this on a number of occasions with loft conversions on old houses where building control get snooty.

 

[malcolmsanford]

Part M heights is only considered for habitable rooms, and as such a bathroom or as in a lot of cases the hallway outside of the bathroom where you will fit the isolator does not need to be at the given height ................so run that past the BC

 

[Geoffsd]

Do not the 450 - 1200 height restrictions apply only to new-builds?

 

[topquark]

Do not the 450 - 1200 height restrictions apply only to new-builds?

New dwellings is the wording (so not IMHO) applicable to extensions.