Siting Of Fused Switch

[GBS Property]

I am installing a wall mounted heater with a fused switch.  My question is regarding the location of the fused switch.  Part P states, as we are all aware, that all switches should be at least 450mm high.  However this looks stupid and is an awkward installation given that the cable comes out of the bottom of the heater.  Is there any exception, or is complete compliance required?

 

[Rob_the_rich]

is it a new build?

450mm not needed if in existing property.

 

[Andy™]

I am installing a wall mounted heater with a fused switch.  My question is regarding the location of the fused switch.  Part P states, as we are all aware, that all switches should be at least 450mm high.  However this looks stupid and is an awkward installation given that the cable comes out of the bottom of the heater.  Is there any exception, or is complete compliance required?

part M covers heights etc, not P. but that only applies to new builds and refurbishments. even so, if the fused spur is only there to supply it and its functional switch is elsewhere, then it can be at top of the wall if you wanted to

 

[ProDave]

Doesn't the height apply only to "general purpose" accerssories and there is an exemption for items with a "dedicated use" e.g you can put a socket high on the wall for a wall mounted tv.

 

[Doc Hudson]

I am not aware of Part P stating anything at all about accessory heights. Just about what works are notifiable and the various processes to notify works.  Part M on the other hand refers to accessibly for persons and suggest methods to provide reasonable provision for functional switching of devices. Of course maintenance requirements may be different to functional requirements.

Doc H.

 

[Rob_the_rich]

1.4 of part P says, in new dwellings, that they should be "..easy to reach, in accordance with part M" so it does add they are "easy" to reach I suppose.

 

[Essex1]

I thought in existing properties the installation could be made no worse than it currently is. Sonif the heater switch is already at a certain height then it can remain so.

If it is a new circuit then Part M applies. Regardless of if it is a new property or not?

 

[ProDave]

I thought in existing properties the installation could be made no worse than it currently is. Sonif the heater switch is already at a certain height then it can remain so.

If it is a new circuit then Part M applies. Regardless of if it is a new property or not?

But in practice it the job is not notifiable to building control nobody cares.

 

[Essex1]

That is not my style.

 

[Rob_the_rich]

I thought in existing properties the installation could be made no worse than it currently is.

yes, correct

Sonif the heater switch is already at a certain height then it can remain so.

new heater & new switch in this case

If it is a new circuit then Part M applies. Regardless of if it is a new property or not?

no, only if it is in a new dwelling according to part P, additions and alterations to an existing property need only comply with bs7671, which does not state heights afaik.

if the existing dwelling has switches etc between 450 and 1200 already,ie a newish dwelling, then you can't make it worse by placing new ones lower/higher than those there.

 

[Doc Hudson]

I thought in existing properties the installation could be made no worse than it currently is. Sonif the heater switch is already at a certain height then it can remain so.

If it is a new circuit then Part M applies. Regardless of if it is a new property or not?

The guidance does not state this. it refers to New Dwellings not new circuits. 

if the existing dwelling has switches etc between 450 and 1200 already,ie a newish dwelling, then you can't make it worse by placing new ones lower/higher than those there.

Ensuring things are no worse refers to the electrical integrity and safety of the installation, not the general appearance. Some customers may be happy with odd height accessories. Providing electrically they still function in a safe manner, you are under no obligation to insist on a particular height if the customer specifically asks for a different height.

Doc H.

 

[Lurch]

Doesn't the height apply only to "general purpose" accerssories and there is an exemption for items with a "dedicated use" e.g you can put a socket high on the wall for a wall mounted tv.

There was a lengthy discussion on this recently. IMO the above is correct, but I don't think it explicitly states these exact words.

 

[Murdoch]

I am installing a wall mounted heater with a fused switch.  My question is regarding the location of the fused switch.  Part P states, as we are all aware, that all switches should be at least 450mm high.  However this looks stupid and is an awkward installation given that the cable comes out of the bottom of the heater.  Is there any exception, or is complete compliance required?

Would you please confirm where you have read this as its news to me!

 

[Adrian]

How about floor sockets?

 

[Essex1]

Having just skim read Part P and Part M this is my view.

Part P clearly references Part M for socket, switches and distribution board heights.

Part M states that in an existing domestic dwelling only a material change is exempt from complying with this aspect of the building regs but you can not make it less unsatisfactory. A new circuit or an extension of an existing circuit is not a material change so has to comply with Part M.

So as I understand it if you already have a spur on the wall and you are using that spur for your new heater then it does not need to be moved to 450mm above FFL. If however you are installing a new circuit or extending an existing circuit then as this is a switch then it must comply with Part M and be at 450mm above FFL.

If that is absolutely no good then fit a flex outlet plate at a suitable height for your heater and the switch at 450mm.

 

[Lurch]

A new circuit or an extension of an existing circuit is not a material change so has to comply with Part M.

Not in an existing dwelling though.

 

[Essex1]

Not in an existing dwelling though.

The wording of Part M says it does. You cannot have a material change in a new dwelling can you? It has nothing in it because it has not been built yet.EDIT - Having re-read it 5 times I think you are correct.

 

[Murdoch]

Having just skim read Part P and Part M this is my view.

Part P clearly references Part M for socket, switches and distribution board heights.

Part M states that in an existing domestic dwelling only a material change is exempt from complying with this aspect of the building regs but you can not make it less unsatisfactory. A new circuit or an extension of an existing circuit is not a material change so has to comply with Part M.

So as I understand it if you already have a spur on the wall and you are using that spur for your new heater then it does not need to be moved to 450mm above FFL. If however you are installing a new circuit or extending an existing circuit then as this is a switch then it must comply with Part M and be at 450mm above FFL.

If that is absolutely no good then fit a flex outlet plate at a suitable height for your heater and the switch at 450mm.

So you have a room with sockets at the "old" height and you add a spur or a new circuit and then its half way up the wall? I don't think so.

We are in the process of extending our house and the socket heights will be as per the rest of the house, as will the switches.

 

[Lurch]

OK, I see your point.

It says it should be no less satisfactory than before, so fit the spur low down and move a socket to >450mm.

So you have a room with sockets at the "old" height and you add a spur or a new circuit and then its half way up the wall? I don't think so.

Yeah, personally I will carry on ignoring parts of part m.

We are in the process of extending our house and the socket heights will be as per the rest of the house, as will the switches.

As a tall person I have a problem with switches at <1200mm, mainly chronic backache after awkwardly sort of squatting to 2nd fix. Maybe that is the idea, get everyone to become wheelchair bound one way or another?

 

[Murdoch]

Part M - page 49 - not noticed this before:

"

h. Switches to double socket outlets are located at the outer ends of the plate (rather than in the centre)."
 
EDIT: just printing this section to see which other gems have been changed - as I've just noticed the one about the phone line!