height of sockets and switches

[RF Lighting]

How many new builds do you know of which require steps to access them?

If I'm doing a gut and refurb of a house, and on some rewires too I try and persuade the customer that the new heights are the the best idea to go for.

I was taught 52" to the bottom of a light switch box and 12" to the bottom of a socket box when I was an apprentice, but seeing an installation like this now just seems so old fashioned and harder to use these days.

 

[flyingsparks]

How many new builds do you know of which require steps to access them?

The one I use to own had 10 to go up. My neighbour had 15.

 

[seasickstevie]

In a rewire generally I would stick to the old heights as if there is switch drops and boxes already in there's no point not reusing them.

You'd use the existing old boxes on a re-wire ?

 

[EFLImpudence]

It's a re-wire; not a re-box.

 

[garlicbread]

I have worked in many properties, where the property is either lived in or frequented by persons with restricted reach. The regulation makes perfect sense to me. And in properties that are bespoke for restricted reach occupants, then further steps in kitchens, bathroom, cloakrooms etc.. and smoke alarms systems should be made, to make functional operation much easier.

What is the procedure for the location of smoke detectors in this situation, can they be wall mounted?

 

[securespark]

It's great being able to plug something in without having to get on my hands and knees.

Rob: It is at this point in your life when you realise you are cracking on a bit!!

I have worked in many properties, where the property is either lived in or frequented by persons with restricted reach. The regulation makes perfect sense to me. And in properties that are bespoke for restricted reach occupants, then further steps in kitchens, bathroom, cloakrooms etc.. and smoke alarms systems should be made, to make functional operation much easier.

What is the procedure for the location of smoke detectors in this situation, can they be wall mounted?

No, they shouldn't be wall-mounted. Remote test switches can be fitted.

 

[JohnW2]

It's great being able to plug something in without having to get on my hands and knees.

I think this underlines my point about the fact that one can't have a 'one size fits all' answer - and the problem with the 450-1200mm range is that it is rather wide.

When 'disability' is mentioned people tend to first think of wheelchair users. However, there are probably millions of people, many of whom one would not normally classify as 'disabled' who, because of arthritis, back problems etc., or simply 'old age', would find it difficult or impossible to use a socket at 450mm without "getting on their hands and knees" (if they could - and then get up again!).

Conversely, 1200mm is rather high for some wheelchair users, particularly if they have limited use of their arms.

When it comes to adaptations to dwellings to facilitate use by disabled people, the adaptations are usually tailored to the circumstances of the disabled person concerned, on a case-by-case basis, rather on the basis of a blanket "450-1200mm"-like rule.

Kind Regards, John

 

[flyingsparks]

In a rewire generally I would stick to the old heights as if there is switch drops and boxes already in there's no point not reusing them.

You'd use the existing old boxes on a re-wire ?

If they're in good condition why not?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

What is the procedure for the location of smoke detectors in this situation, can they be wall mounted?

They go on the ceiling as normal and if the occupant has restricted reach, a wall mounted test/hush alarm control switch is installed.