Light switch height

[telectrix]

some body head going to be bashed with a read of this thread.

corrected that for you, buzz.

 

[Risteard]

Let's be honest - regardless of whether it's required in these circumstances, it's good practice to fit them at these heights. So I certainly wouldn't be overly critical of the Electrician.

In the south of Ireland it's part of the Wiring Rules and therefore must be done in all circumstances, including adding an extra point to an existing installation - even where this results in a mismatch of heights. Personally I don't agree with this idea of rewiring the entire place but keeping the old heights - it seems wrong and lazy to me. But by all means ask him if he's willing to do it that way.

 

[telectrix]

sockets 450 min from floor is sensible.... less back bending even for able-bodied. the 1200mm for light switches is stupid except for e.g. wheelchair users. why on earth fit light switches where a 4 year old child can reach them? and i want to switch a light on using my fingers, not my ****.

and (dan) the stars were put in by me, not the swear filter. readers make of it what you willie

 

[Pharlo]

is it your own flat or rented? as that may well determine the heights if a council have specked them for the 1200

 

[Suet33]

is it your own flat or rented? as that may well determine the heights if a council have specked them for the 1200

Own flat but council lease

 

[telectrix]

Own flat but council lease

then it's your choice. get a sharpie. put an X on the wall/s where you want the switches. if sparks argues, sack him.

if you want to be really posh, specify Quinetic . then you can fit switches wherever, even on the window glass.

 

[Suet33]

Thanks for all the comments - I phoned the local building control dept this morning and he was very clear that these heights are the new British Standard and, as such, even a re wire must conform if you want it signed off!!! Looks like We’re stuck with it - despite being on the first floor of a block without a lift (where a wheelchair user could never live!!). PC gone mad!!!

 

[telectrix]

he's incorrect. it is not a new british standard. it is a building regulation for new build homes.designed for use by persons with limited reach. both your building control guy and your sparks are wrong. switches should be placed according to existing positions or lower, as long as they are no less accessible than they were before.

 

[Andy78]

Thanks for all the comments - I phoned the local building control dept this morning and he was very clear that these heights are the new British Standard and, as such, even a re wire must conform if you want it signed off!!! Looks like We’re stuck with it - despite being on the first floor of a block without a lift (where a wheelchair user could never live!!). PC gone mad!!!

He is absolutely wrong. They often are. Ignore this opinion as the electrician will be "signing off" the rewire themselves. Your local building control merely get informed the work has been done and complies by the electrician's scheme.

 

[Suet33]

Yes - just phoned another council and got another answer!! I guess it’s given me a bit more empathy for the Electrician though - the message is obv confused - but if that’s what he is being told by Building Control then he can’t really afford to risk his certification by doing something else!!!
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