Socket Height?

[Noob2013]

Hi all,

Just curious;

I know the general height of a socket is 450mm to bottom but if it was lower (say 300 mm to bottom) would this be picked up by building control in a new extension (not new build) or is it just a case of using common sense providing appliances can be plugged in safely without bending the cord?

Cheers

 

[uksparks]

Well, if it was just one socket in a position for a certain use because it was not possible to put it elsewhere it should be fine, in the same sense you could put a socket high up behind a wall mounted TV.

 

[Noob2013]

I agree, but what if every socket was 300mm from floor?

 

[uksparks]

That's just stupid and doesn't conply with Part M of the building regs.

 

[Andy78]

It would be up to you and the customer to talk with the BC officer and agree a suitable height for the sockets. Some of them are quite reasonable people. Above 450mm is a recommendation only as one way to comply with building regs.

 

[Noob2013]

Ok but as an example;

Electrician runs cables, carpenter plasterboards and cuts holes for sockets (300mm to bottom), painted and decorated, electrician comes back to fit boxes and connect sockets....

Would building control really expect them to make good the holes they cut and re cut at 450mm to bottom?

Seems extreme for the sake of 150mm in an extension. I could understand in a new build.

 

[uksparks]

I accept that, but at the end of the day the only way to comply with building regs is to do it right.

 

[Noob2013]

Agreed.

I had a read through part M and if I'm reading correctly, then it doesn't apply to extensions of an existing dwelling or material changes.

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Agreed.

I had a read through part M and if I'm reading correctly, then it doesn't apply to extensions of an existing dwelling or material changes.

Thats right. Carry on.

 

[Octopus]

I accept that, but at the end of the day the only way to comply with building regs is to do it right.

Part M does not apply to extensions

 

[Noob2013]

Ideal thanks everyone

 

[stevethesparks]

Just in the process of doing an extension myself, no way will my customer want his new SSO at 450 when his existing ones are at 300. New build is a different thing altogether.

 

[cliffed]

We made cock up on a job 450mm to top of box,really picky site,we didn't say a word,no one noticed on completion,the site agent wa a real knob,would of loved to have told him he missed something,but never did cause of all the hassle it would of caused us ,ha ha

 

[Octopus]

This is worth a read - and best downloaded and printed off:

Planning Portal - Approved Document M - Access to and Use of Buildings

 

[SJD]

I know the general height of a socket is 450mm to bottom but if it was lower (say 300 mm to bottom) would this be picked up by building control in a new extension (not new build) or is it just a case of using common sense providing appliances can be plugged in safely without bending the cord?

As already mentioned, 450mm normally doesn't apply to extensions, and if in doubt about anything, talk to the BC officer. I did the electrics for an extension the size of a typical 3-bedroom semi last year, some things BC were concerned about (positioning of smoke & heat alarms was one), some things were not required (socket & switch height was one, they were put low & high to match rest of the house). And some things were negotiable, like a missing extractor fan in the utility, BC accepted the huge cat flap in the wall would do instead!

 

[colshaws]

Recently worked on a new build ( I was not involved in the first fix) and B.C insisted the front door to be changed due to incorrect threshold height and downstairs toilet altered 3 times to allow for correct wheel chair access and turning circle within the toilet but never mentioned the socket outlets were to low or switches to high .

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Socket and switch heights in Part M are just guidelines.
The intention, is to get some kind of standard going for new builds.
For any building, extension or new build, where the end user is known, then the height is determined by the end user.
With extensions, it usual to go with what ever height the existing socket are at, though it's not set in stone.

 

[uksparks]

Part M does not apply to extensions

Sorry i thought he said a new build, sorry thats my error, yes, extensions, so long as its not any worse than the rest of the house its fine.

 

[telectrix]

Sorry i thought he said a new build, sorry thats my error, yes, extensions, so long as its not any worse than the rest of the house its fine.

so what if the existing sockets are on the skirting board, 2" above the floor?

 

[uksparks]

so what if the existing sockets are on the skirting board, 2" above the floor?

Yeah pk, there's also an enememt of common sense involved too!

i did have someone ask me once to install sockets in the skirting,