Part M and CU locations

[kme]

OK.

Part "m"

Section "o"

0.2

Under regulation 4(2), where any

building is extended, or undergoes a

material alteration, the building work

must be carried out so that after it has

been completed the building complies

with the applicable requirements of

Schedule 1, or, where it did not fully

comply with any applicable

requirement, it is no more

​

unsatisfactory than before.

And section "8"

8.2 Switches and socket outlets for

lighting and other equipment should be

located so that they are easily

​

reachable.

The first point suggest that alterations of the building ARE included (wasn`t sure myself, until I went looking)

However, part 8 appears to have no reference to switchgear or protective equipment.

Would an MCB / RCBo be called a "switch"?

Not by me, it wouldn`t!!!!!

 

[kme]

Can I just add..at this point of short pause.. whilst waiting for Mr KME and his Part M..

(I also have short paws!!! :^O :^ O)

anyway..

as well a Building regs..

There is also

Regulation number 132.12, pg 18 of the big red book.. as adhered to by all of our brother members... (shall we vote on it) ooops sorry fell off into Friday night waffle there!

wouldn't point (ii) also cover the location of a CU????? ; \ ?:|

Depends now, doesn`t it?

Define "accessible" please?

 

[Apache]

So, are we saying he can leave his CU where it is?

 

[dougal]

I was under the inpression that part m only covers general areas where a disabled person may be. so if the CU is in a cupboard it could be mounted at any height

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

Depends now, doesn`t it?Define "accessible" please?

Personally I think in the least it means Not having to get step ladders out to turn off/on and MCB..

did a CU reposition earlier this year, approx 50cm - 75cm further down a wall so the 80yr old gentleman could reach his CU without climbing a step ladder in the dark when the bulb trips!

Wouldn't necessarily say it needs to be Wheel-chair height tho??? ?:| ? :|

But IMHO DEFINITELY standing on the floor accessible?

{did you see I did a pushy shovey on you there m8!??}Guiness Drink :^O :^O:^O

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

Also makes if far easier to wire up and test if you ain't got to keep fartin up and down a bloomin ladder all the time!!

 

[Apache]

I was under the inpression that part m only covers general areas where a disabled person may be. so if the CU is in a cupboard it could be mounted at any height

Are disabled people not allowed in cupboards?

 

[kme]

Also makes if far easier to wire up and test if you ain't got to keep fartin up and down a bloomin ladder all the time!!

Definitely agreed mate. I DID note the pushy shovey, which is why i`m withholding your scoob for such a good post]

Are disabled people not allowed in cupboards?

Not without a chaperone; in case the door locks behind them, and the turning circle of the cupboard is insufficient:x

( no offence intended with this remark)

Craig, I would say that, if in doubt, move the switch / socket heights. You are NOT complying with part "P" here, only part "M".

I would agree with SL that the CU should be accesible from the ground.

As regard an earlier post concerning unprotected tails - surely it is going to depend if the tails in question are in a wall at adepth of less than 50mm?

 

[binky]

Was always under impression that full re-wire requires installation to meet new regs, however, I would reather leave a CU in a safe place than comply with Part M, is as macca says door would go through front.

I think some exceptions can be made for older buildings, for instance you wouldn't build a disabled access ramp on a Victorian Terrace house, likewise local BC used to allow sockets at 300mm high rather than 450mm (don't know if they still do).

Asx with all things, comply where you can and ignore the stupid stuff......

 

[cheggers]

I do new builds all the time and i always put the cu just below the coving as long as you can operate the switches and mcb from standing on the floor the bc seem ok about it. my argument is if you place it at 1200 the kids could play with it.

 

[Deano]

Part M of the buildings regs - It is highly unlikely that Part M will need to be complied with during a re-wire of an existing property. Consideration must be given to the use of the installation once the re-wire has been completed. If the re-wired installation is to be used by a 'disabled' person then Part M MAY need to be complied with.

Speaking to my local DNO they advise maximum length of tails to be no more than 3 meters! You may need to place a 2 pole isolator switch in the tails. (see 17th edition - single point of isolation)

 

[Nicky Tesla]

Do you have to push all the sockets further up the walls and pull all the light switches further down the walls when you change the consumer unit

 

[Deano]

Do you have to push all the sockets further up the walls and pull all the light switches further down the walls when you change the consumer unit

The desiscion is based on the 'persons' using the installation after the workhas been carried out.

Keeping accessory heights (including CU's) in keeping with original heights is acceptable, Part M will normally apply to new builds only. :| :| :| :| :|

 

[kme]

As previously stated

 

[nsparks]

Does this only apply to ground floor installations.

Blocks of flats 1st floor and above, would be kinda hard for a wheelchair user to access these properties don't you think, especially if their is no lift or chair-lift.

 

[Evans Electric]

I believe the reason for making the CU more accessible is because of all the RCD,s we now have to fit . Can't expect people to be climbing over junk in the garage , find some steps, all in the dark.

 

[nsparks]

multi story flats, where does the garage go on the roof I'm curious,

rcd protection of course it is a good thing,

rcbo more to my liking

recent house bash and CU upgrade

all ccts separate

Smoke alarm 6a 30mA RCBO

Up st - Lights 6a 30mA RCBO

Down st - Lights 6a 30mA RCBO

Outside - Lights 6a 30mA RCBO

Burglar Alarm 6a 30mA RCBO

Immersion Heater 16a 30mA RCBO

Kitchen Sockets 32a 30mA RCBO

Up st - Sockets 32a 30mA RCBO

Down St - Sockets 32a 30mA RCBO

Cooker 40a 30mA RCBO

Shower 40a 30mA RCBO

100A Main Isolator

 

[Apache]

Does this only apply to ground floor installations. Blocks of flats 1st floor and above, would be kinda hard for a wheelchair user to access these properties don't you think, especially if their is no lift or chair-lift.

How long before there has to be a lift?

Everything has to be disabled accessible...........

Now don't discriminate against midgets! They can climb stairs.

 

[nsparks]

if they can climb stairs, I,m sure they can climb a set of steps, anyways i wasn't referring to midgets, I was referring to immobile persons stuck in wheelchairs.

 

[Apache]

if they can climb stairs, I,m sure they can climb a set of steps, anyways i wasn't referring to midgets, I was referring to immobile persons stuck in wheelchairs.

I know mate

I'm perfectly able bodied but I wouldn't like to climb on some steps to reach the CU if the lights trip.

That was my, tongue in cheek, point.