How high to install receptacles above skirting

[drjarmin]

Wife and I can't agree on how high the receptacles should be off the floor.

I have suggested 7" from floor to top of the receptacle. How do we agree???

 

[sirsparkabit]

Receptacles?

Perhaps you mean Backboxes and socket outlets ?

 

[GreekIslandLover]

The on site guide of BS7671 states 450mm is the minimum height for sockets above finished floor level for new builds and extensions etc. However, if you are doing a rewire or additions then you can match the height of existing sockets as long as you don't make them less accessiblie than before - IE make them lower.

I tend to go for putting them at 450 on a rewire unless there is a good reason not to.

 

[ian932]

How high are they currently ?? Under Part M you can't go any lower than the current sockets and if its new build or an extension they need to be as per Part M.

As you are moving sockets it would all be notifiable so you would need to take account of Part M.

IMO if you are rewiring then you will need to chop out the old points to get new cable in, also most houses that get rewires need at least double the no new points to be added so for the small amount of extra chopping out I tend to move everything to the Part P & Part M heights.

450mm to the bottom of sockets and 1200mm to the top of light switches.

Its also better to second fix at that height than with your face on the carpet trying to get the earth lead into the back box term that's at the top cus your mate put the box in upside down grrrrrX(

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

Wife and I can't agree on how high the receptacles should be off the floor.I have suggested 7" from floor to top of the receptacle. How do we agree???

Hello drjarmin welcome to the forum..

7"??? way to low!

considering you can have skirting board which is 5", 6" or even 7" deep...

I always used to fit min 12" from floor..

leave a decent bit of space under the socket for making neat decorating...

nothing worse than trying to wallpaper a poxy little 1" strip between socket & skirting!

as the other guys have said if need to comply with Part M building regs must be 450mm (which is around 18" old money).

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

As you are moving sockets it would all be notifiable so you would need to take account of Part M.

Moving or adding sockets not notifiable in bedrooms / lounges / dinning rooms etc..

Kitchen, Garden or "big" bathroom .... Yes.

Only need comply with Part M on new builds...

reg's not retrospecive... (oh there goes that phrase again:| )

 

[ian932]

Moving or adding sockets not notifiable in bedrooms / lounges / dinning rooms etc..Kitchen, Garden or "big" bathroom .... Yes.

Only need comply with Part M on new builds...

reg's not retrospecive... (oh there goes that phrase again:| )

Yes forgot to put that bit in but would expect the special location bit to be highlight by mr SPECIAL :^O :^OGuiness Drink

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

Yes forgot to put that bit in but would expect the special location bit to be highlight by mr SPECIAL :^O :^OGuiness Drink

; )Blushing:x

:^O :^O

 

[drjarmin]

Wow! Thanks for all the detailed replies. Fantastic.

450 mm does seem a bit high! It is a rewire and not a new build.

I am in the Far East so Part M / Part P etc don't apply. But that said, these regs are there for a reason and would rather the job done properly (which is so often NOT the standard out here).

 

[Doc Hudson]

Wow! Thanks for all the detailed replies. Fantastic.450 mm does seem a bit high! It is a rewire and not a new build.

I am in the Far East so Part M / Part P etc don't apply. But that said, these regs are there for a reason and would rather the job done properly (which is so often NOT the standard out here).

Gosh, the Far East? indeed UK building & wiring regulations will have little relevance out there. I would suggest checking for any local regulations that apply, otherwise a bit of common sense and personal knowledge of your specific building construction and layout. I will just also add, Welcome to one of the best Electrical Forum in the UK.

Doc.H.

 

[a1]

This is why I have requested that all users should fill out their location correctly in their profiles. :|

We have numerous international members. :x

Welcome to the forum DrJamin.

 

[drjarmin]

This is why I have requested that all users should fill out their location correctly in their profiles. :| We have numerous international members. :x

Welcome to the forum DrJamin.

Thanks

Location updated.

Got the gender right at first go!

 

[drjarmin]

Gosh, the Far East? indeed UK building & wiring regulations will have little relevance out there. Doc.H.

Thanks for the welcome. The regs may not be too similar but we use all UK standards plugs, etc.

 

[a1]

Thanks

You're Welcome.

Location updated.

Excellent, But it was aimed at all who are not using it.

Got the gender right at first go!

I'm glad you knew that part. :^O

 

[drjarmin]

Location updated.

Excellent, But it was aimed at all who are not using it.

Does that include Admins? Applaud Smiley

 

[a1]

No

they are extempt.

 

[a1]

Besides,

Mine is showing.