What height should light switches be installed?

48″
While the NEC doesn’t specify the height of switches, most follow a standard procedure. Typical placement puts them at 48″ on-center. Exceptions exist for homes where wheelchair-accessibility is a major concern. In this case you can place them around 40-inches high off the floor.

What is plug sockets height?

Standard Height for Outlet Boxes The standard height for wall outlet boxes is about 12 inches from the top of the floor covering to the bottom of the receptacle box (or 16 inches to the top of the box).

How high do plug sockets have to be from the floor UK?

450mm
Sockets need to be installed at least 450mm up from the floor level of a room. TV points, telephone points, doorbells and light switches should be a max height of 1200mm from the floor.

What is the maximum height for a consumer unit?

The new requirement is that consumer units must be positioned so that the switches are mounted between 1350mm to 1450mm above floor level.

Why do plug sockets have to be a certain height?

The purpose of the requirement is to avoid damage such as might result from the flexible cord being too tightly bent between the plug and the floor or working surface.

What is the height of electrical switches from floor?

between 48 and 52 inches
Typically, light fixture wall switches in standard residential construction are set so that wall switch boxes are somewhere between 48 and 52 inches above the floor.

How far above skirting should sockets be?

7 Answers from MyBuilder Electricians All sockets, unless replacing current fittings, should be 50cm up the wall.

Can you still use 17th edition consumer units?

These can still legitimately be used in non-domestic situations (e.g. small offices etc) and possibly detached domestic outbuildings. Likewise AC type RCDs might still be OK for some situations – you pays your money and you takes your choice.

What is the standard height for light switches and outlet boxes?

The standard height for light switches is 48 inches or about four feet (1.2 meters) from the floor to the base of the light switch box. The bottom of an outlet box should be about 12 inches, or one foot (0.3 meters), above the floor. This may change depending on the type of switch or outlet.

Are sockets in skirting boards illegal?

There is no legal requirement to replace sockets if they are positioned on skirting boards in an older property but given that the wiring installation is likely to be old, it is advisable to get a registered electrician to carry out an inspection of the electrics.

Can you mount a consumer unit on plywood?

Mount it on whatever you like, plywood, chipboard, mdf, plasterboard etc. You’re not expecting to get flames out of the back of your c/unit are you!

Why did MK stop making consumer units?

Production of their Sentry range will cease in December 2019, with MK citing ‘uncertainty of the transition between the 17th and 18th Edition’ regulations as the reason for this decision.

How high should sockets be above skirting?

Guest. I always put the sockets on rewires at 2 to 3 inches above the exiting height of the skirting boards.

Can I install a 17th edition consumer unit?

Under the 17th Edition requirements it is still possible to install some circuits in domestic premises that are not fed via an RCD. Different wiring systems would need to be used. The cost of installation could rise considerably if most circuits were installed using armoured cable or earthed metal conduits.

Can a consumer unit be in a cupboard?

The consumer unit needs to be accessible for operation and maintenance and therefore being located in a cupboard containing a hot water tank and immersion heater is not a great idea. The temperature in the cupboard also needs to be taken into consideration.

Can you still install 17th edition consumer units?

Under the 17th Edition requirements it is still possible to install some circuits in domestic premises that are not fed via an RCD. Different wiring systems would need to be used.

Does Honeywell own MK?

MK Electric, owned by US conglomerate Honeywell, has announced plans to quit the circuit protection business and discontinue the Sentry consumer unit product range.

Why do sockets have to be 450mm?

You can set them at any height you like, the 450mm standard is for new builds and was originally designed to make it easier for wheelchair uses / elderly to use.

Is 17th edition still valid?

At Midnight 31st December 2018, 17th Edition Regulations expired. Existing electricians who currently hold the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations (AMD3) qualification have until July 2019 to upgrade using the 1 day course.

Can you mix RCD and RCBO?

Yes, but only if there is not already an 30mA RCD covering the section of busbar you are mixing them on, ie dual RCD or split load board. On a main switch only board mix and match as you wish.

What is the minimum height for electrical switches and sockets?

A way of satisfying the above objective, is to provide switches and socket-outlets for lighting and other accessories in habitable rooms at appropriate heights between 450 mm and 1200 mm from finished floor level (see Fig 1).

What is the maximum length of a socket and switch?

let me quote from part p building regs which includes BS7671, socket and switches shall be from 450 min to 1200 max the reason for this is the DDA regs for anyone that don’t that is for the disabled. hope this helps. I have to wonder, and its with respect to those for whom the reccomended heights are for, where this will all end.

Is the position of sockets and switches regulated by law?

The positioning of sockets and switches is one of the provisions of Part M of the building regulations but expressly does not apply to rewires. However, if you are involving building control you may find your inspector has his own interpretation, which you’d do best to follow.

How high should a socket be from the floor UK?

UK Building Regulations state that wall mounted sockets should be positioned so they can easily be reachable in the given room. Whilst there are no specific regulations that need to be followed. As a general rule of thumb sockets should be installed at least 450mm to 1200mm up from the floor level of any room.