Rewiring a terrace house

[Psybbo]

Does anyone know at what height electric sockets have to be when rewiring a 40s house and if the regulations vary in the different regions of the UK? Ours are just above skirting board at present.

[sandyRoe]

Unless you're in the Lower Ormeau, where it might flood again, what's wrong with putting them at the original height?

[Psybbo]

Hi Sandy, friends had their house rewired and were told they had to have the sockets 17" above floor level. We would like to keep them where they are to avoid retracking etc. but need to know if we can.
Thanks for the reply. I hope you are well.

[sandyRoe]

I was walking through Keylands Place this morning. I see they've taken the benches away. Where will I drink from my blue bag now?

[sandyRoe]

Apart from that^^^ I'm very well TY :-)

[rockyracoon]

On this forum it says those regulations only apply to new builds and commercial dwellings, not rewire jobs.
http://www.theiet.org...id=205&threadid=20032

[Psybbo]

Thank you Rocky, we thought that and just want to be able to argue if we're told different.

Sandy, stick to Fibbers

[buildersmate]

Just to add to Rocky's (correct) answer, this is nothing to do with the electrical aspects - this is to do with Part M Building Regs which require new dwellings to accommodate those with disabilities in wheelchairs who want to plug 13A devices in or reach for wall switches.
It doesn't vary according to where you live in the UK either.

[HowardKennitby]

Pardon the interruption. Does the 17" dimension apply to the bottom of the socket?

[Psybbo]

Thanks buildersmate, I didn't know that.

[The Builder]

Take your pick, Sibton .......... honestly.
Between 450mm and 1200mm for switches and sockets.

When I took a course on the 17th edition regs (current ones) .......... (current!! - see what I did there?) ......... er .................. it was drilled into us that any new installation/new circuit etc should follow these measurements......... however, many Building Inspectors and electricians claim that a rewire, or a bit of alteration during building work, is exempt from this.

So ............ how does one define a rewire? New circuit, or replacement of existing circuit?

Welcome to the wonderful world of building regs. I live on the cusp of two district councils. When dealing with insulation, one council allows my preferred method, while a hundred metres away, I have to use a different method acceptable to them. So it goes ;o)

Local Building Control has the last word.

[The Builder]

Yes, good point BM. I was assuming there is no disabled consideration in your case Sib.

[heathfield]

I remember when raising sockets became all the rage in the 1950s. Obviously a good idea, since it saved all that silly stooping and bending. What wasn't mentioned was that it made cables much easier to trip over!!

[Psybbo]

The Builder, thanks for your reply, no disabled access required (touch wood).
Heathfield - good point.

[Old_Geezer]

There is more than a touch of insanity when the regs are to cater for the minority wheelchair population instead of the majority. Surely it makes much more sense to build for the majority and pay grants to allow those who need it differently have it modified, than it is to dump on the majority who may then need to pay to have it changed to how they want it. But that is today's authorities for you I guess. I'm sure they must do it on purpose to make life difficult. I can't see any other explanation that fits as well.

[Psybbo]

OG I agree, suppose it's to justify their jobs