Socket & Outlet Height Query

[Pickup]

Hi Folks,

just to close this one off - thanks to all who commented.

Building Control Officer's opinion was that since it was a partial refurb we'd be ok matching the heights / positions of the existing sockets / switches.

If it had been a total refurb then he'd have wanted us to meet the guidelines for accessibility - even tho it's a domestic property and the regs in Scotland don't specify dimensions - don't know if this is a "local" opinion.

Thanks again

F

 

[nozspark]

If it had been a total refurb then he'd have wanted us to meet the guidelines for accessibility - even tho it's a domestic property and the regs in Scotland don't specify dimensions - don't know if this is a "local" opinion.

Thanks again

F

So he'd have wanted you to widen all the doors to 3', outward opening WC doors, level thresholds & ramps up to the house????

Ferkin idiot BC's!!

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

There is no requirement for accesories to be 300mm away from an internal corner.

There's no requirement for them to be between 450 and 1200mm from the floor either.

AD M ought to have a guideline on distance from corners, as even if they're at the guideline height they'd be inaccessible to wheelchair users if too close to a corner.

However, guidelines or no, I think you'd be on dodgy ground claiming that you'd made reasonable provision, in the context of disabled access, if you had put accessories tight into corners.

Why would he be on dodgy ground? Are you sure it wouldn't be the architect - the person responible for the design?

 

[ColJack]

architects pften don't specify exact positions for accessories, rather leaving it up to the sparky installing them and just putting in symbols in the general areas..

Part-M is rediculous anyway..
how can someone in a wheelsair reach over a 600mm counter in the kitchen to plug something it?
or get under the counter to the washing machine plug..?

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

Hi Col,
From what the OP says, it appears as though the architect has made specifications regarding positioning.

If i were the OP, i would query the architect in writing/email. If the response comes back like - 'thats the plan' then tuck that response neatly into paperwork for this job and install as instructed.

 

[skenk]

Ahem, just read this post for the first time, and actually the architect was almost right:

http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/tech_handbooks/tbooks2007.htm

Domestic Handbook section 4 (safety) p56

"Outlets and controls of electrical fixtures and systems should be positioned at least 350mm from any internal corner, projecting wall or similar obstruction and, unless the need for a higher location can be demonstrated, not more than 1.2m above floor level. This would include fixtures such as sockets, switches, fire alarm call points and timer controls or programmers. Within this height range:

Light switches should be positioned at a height of between 900mm and 1.1m above floor level.

Standard socket outlets and outlets for other services such as telephone or television should be positioned at least 400mm above floor level. Above an obstruction, such as a worktop, fixtures should be at least 150mm above the projecting surface."



Handbooks are a guide on ways to comply with the regs to be honest i'm surprised that the architect was aware of this bit (still got it wrong though), although it doesn't surprise me in the slightest that the BC don't know what they're on about. By and large, sticking to '7671 and, with refurbs, remaining in keeping with existing should be fine.