DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi,
I want to have a light switches either side of my bed, my bed is quite a low one and want to have the switches at an easy to reach height, Is there a regulation on how high the switches must be from the floor.

cheers

Hi,

Have recently done a Building Regs exam as part of my Part P course and can tell you the height of switches, sockets etc must be between 450mm and 1200mm from the finished level floor level (Approved document M - Access and Facilities for the disabled).

Regards

Add

Thanks for the reply add, I thought I'd heard that sockets would need to be 450mm from the floor so can I have the light switches any height I want between 450 and 1200, the bed and the door are on the same wall and are close by each other I didn't want to have 3 switches just want the 2 either side of the bed then one will be in reach from the door when you enter, Is any regs about how close to the door the switches must be

thanks alot :D

Hi,

Have not come across any specifically regarding proximity to doors however approved document M does state "reasonable provision must be made for disabled people to gain access to and use a building".

To me that suggests using some common sense when the regs does not cover the situation you are confronted with.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Add

Hi BENNY,
Adds spot on for new build or 'sustantially refurbished' property, no max distance from doors etc and for older properties 450 - 1200 band does not apply as long as 'not worse than before' ie if existing sw @ say 1500 then thats the max for any modified circuits,
regards SPARX

thanks alot guys :D

Hi,

I'm in process of rewiring an old house. Does the above mean that sockets mounted on skirting boards can remain in their current locations - I've been told they must be at least 450mm from the floor. If they can remain where they are it would be good news.

Thanks,
Graham

Hi,

As Sparx pointed out for older dwellings the height of sockets etc does not comply as long as they are no worse in terms of compliance with the regs.

regards

Add

Thanks Add, just wanted to be sure I'd interpreted the info correctly.

Regards,
Graham