Discuss switch heights!!! in the Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

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J.C.E

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started a new job today full refurb+extension

builder wants the switches 920 ffl to middle of box
-I did say blimey thats low!- he said architect wants them all inline with door handles :s

know this aint too much of an issue as isn't a new build- but any of you guys been asked to do it that low before?
 
If it's specified and they are paying then that's where they go. Tell them you think it is a ridiculous decision to put finished design over function.
Worst case is they have to pay you again to move them up.
 
If it's specified and they are paying then that's where they go. Tell them you think it is a ridiculous decision to put finished design over function.
Worst case is they have to pay you again to move them up.
Does the height correspond with the positions of switches and sockets specified in BS 7671?
 
Does the height correspond with the positions of switches and sockets specified in BS 7671?

No specific heights are mentioned in BS7671. Building regs have all accessories between 450mm and 1200mm from ffl, so 920mm centres would be fine regs wise.
Totally impractical though, that's worktop height !!
 
No specific heights are mentioned in BS7671. Building regs have all accessories between 450mm and 1200mm from ffl, so 920mm centres would be fine regs wise.
Totally impractical though, that's worktop height !!
No problem then?
 
350 to bottom- so nothing odd there

Ask for written confirmation of that too as building regs are 450mm lowest. I assume a full refurb with extension is under building control ?
It may be that building regs heights apply only in the extended footprint but best to double check either way I reckon.
 
Ask for written confirmation of that too as building regs are 450mm lowest. I assume a full refurb with extension is under building control ?
It may be that building regs heights apply only in the extended footprint but best to double check either way I reckon.
those heights are for new build only no?
 
Yes. I have had LABC class any extension of the footprint of a building as new build before now though. I have also had some that don't care either way.
not had that prob as yet- always go by extension/refurb can match existing if not bang on skirting etc or recommend new build heights......and then new builds stick with 450 and 1200
 
sent a email asking for written confirmation that the client wants 920
Way to go, I would go that way mate every time someone wants something out of the ordinary, get it in writing every time, nothing like shoving that in their mushes when they say they don't like it, why did you do it like that, is that your signature? end of.
 
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If I was paying £100k for an extension I would not want sockets/switches at a different height to the house
 
Never come accross an "extension" to a house that has to have switches/sockets to comply with part m, not to say i do like to keep them this height but matching up is fine too. But an extention or a rewire would not be claseed as new build so no need to stick to 450-(bottom of accessory) to 1200 top of accessory.
 
The building regs apply to "building work"
This is defined in the building regs as the erection of a new building, the extension of a building, or the alteration of a building, amongst other things.
It is up to the LABC how the regs are applied.
The building regs do not just apply to dwellings, nor to just whole new buildings.

I have been involved in many projects where building control were involved that were not full new builds. Sometimes part M was ignored, sometimes it was followed.
 

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