DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi
Looking for help! if the bottom of electrical sockets are placed 30mm from the floor will they be passed for the certificate.
thanks for any replies

Hi

Have you had a look at the DIY Projects area: https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects.htm There is a project called "Electrical, socket heights " that may provide you with some helpful information.

Regards

There are two regulations as to sockets heights the electrical regulations only say there should be room for the wire to leave the plug without harsh bending and Part M regulations covers new sockets in new build giving min and max heights for the disabled. This is normally 450 to 1200 mm from finished floor level but this is not hard and fast and for example you can still fit a socket into a power outlet in the floor as often found in open plan offices. It is also slightly different for public buildings and domestic. If you can show good reason why it should not be at the height most inspectors will still allow it for example matching all other sockets in the house or to avoid damage like behind a bed head.
The socket heights will not in the main effect the issue of a periodic inspection or installation certificate it could but could effect issue of a completion certificate.
There is a link in projects to Part P from that you should find Part M which is a free down load if you want to check for yourself.
Eric

thanks for your replies. I have now been told that the certificate can still be given if they are placed at 30cm from the floor!! I personally think that 45cm from the floor is too high and doesn't look right after viewing a new build for ideas. But I don't want to put it at 30 and then have to change it to 40 cm

For non domestic it is 400 not 450 for sockets I have never worked out why lower for non domestic. Much depends on building inspector in my mothers house quite a few are too low so she can reach in wheel chair.
Eric

hi ericmark

So are you saying that putting the sockets in a house at 3ocm is ok. I will need a completion certificate at the end of all the work being carried out.
thanks for relplying

If it were me I would ask the person issuing the completion certificate. On a old house I can not see a problem but on a new house then you may need to show just cause.
Eric

Hi ericmark
thanks for your help.
I will have a chat with the electrician that I have.
many thanks