The document discusses regulations for installing electrical sockets and switches in new buildings according to BS 7671 and part M of building regulations. Sockets must be a minimum of 450mm from the floor in habitable rooms, and switches/doorbells must be a maximum of 1200mm high. Any outlets or controls should also be at least 350mm beyond room corners. These regulations only apply to new buildings, not additions or uninhabited areas like kitchens. When working on electrical circuits, they must be isolated and a qualified electrician should be contacted if there is any uncertainty.

1. 17/04/2012
When electricians install new sockets and switches they should be according to BS 7671 and
part M of the building regulations be fixed at a height which will help individuals whose reach
is limited.
This just applies to new buildings and does not apply if you're adding to current electrical wiring
on your property or even an extension. In Habitable locations Electrical sockets must be at a
minimum of 450mm from the finished floor level and light switches, doorbells or intercom devices
must be at a maximum height of 1200mm. Any electrical switches, outlets or controls should also
be at the very least 350mm beyond room corners.
These types of regulations are for new buildings solely and don't apply to any un-inhabited areas for
example the Kitchen.
The actual heights which electrical sockets are fitted in new properties has become covered by regulations,
so if you're developing a new home you definitely are required to follow the new regulations. Building work
or home improvement also building an extension doesn't imply that you must install your light switches and
electrical sockets to the new heights, you can just install the new sockets/switches to correspond with the
current sockets/switches.
Generally an adequate height between the bottom level of the socket outlet and a worktop will be 100mm.
prior to working on any electrical circuit you will need to make sure that it's isolated appropriately and
should not unintentionally end up being switched back on. If you aren't 100% certain what you're doing
contact a qualified electrician. Building regulations are changing on a regular basis and altering your
house electrics might be against new regulations and may even invalidate your property insurance policy, if
uncertain check first!
www.electrician2hire.co.uk
Tel:01925 225191 Mob:07732215418 /0771924183
15 Japonica Gardens, New Bold, St Helens,
Merseyside, WA9 4WP