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Electrical Fittings

• Introduction
• Reference Sources
• Guidance

Introduction

• Three key reference documents must be taken into consideration when deciding on the height for electrical fittings. The requirements are, in general, mutually compatible although this is not immediately apparent when each document is viewed in isolation.
• This page analyses the requirements of each document and provides guidance for setting the height of electrical fittings to ensure compliance with all three.

Reference Sources

Building Regulations Approved Document M

Section 8 clause 8.3 [Link]

"A way of satisfying Requirement M1 would be to provide switches and socket outlets for lighting and other equipment in habitable rooms at appropriate heights between 450mm and 1200mm from finished floor level (see Diagram 29)."

• Diagram 29 provides no more guidance than the wording of clause 8.3.
• The lower limit of 450mm is higher than the equivalent in BS 8300 (400mm).

British Standard BS 5839-1:2002

Section 2 clause 20.2.(h)

• States that manual (fire alarm) call points should be at 1.4m (1400mm) above finished floor level but advises that "A lower mounting height is acceptable in circumstances where there is a high likelihood that the first person to raise an alarm of fire will be a wheelchair user."
• States that "The figure of 1.4m is arbitrary" and allows a minor difference (less than 200mm) in mounting height.
• A mounting height of 1200mm will therefore comply with BS 5839-1.

British Standard BS 8300:2001

Section 10 clause 10.5.2

• Of the three key documents that we have identified, BS 8300 provides the most detailed guidance on the location of electrical fittings.
• Clause 10.5.2, and Figure 30, differentiate between electrical socket outlets, telephone points, TV sockets, switches, meters, and various types of controls. They also refer specifically to controls that require precise hand movement/dexterity, e.g. for heating installations.
• For most situations the ArchiMentor guidance below should be adequate, but if you need to ensure 100% compliance with the requirements of BS 8300, you must refer to the document itself.

Guidance

To ensure compliance with all three of the key documents above, place:

• Socket outlets between 450mm and 1000mm above finished floor level.
• Switches between 750mm and 1200mm above finished floor level.
• Light switches at the same level as door handles (where applicable).
• Heating controls and the like between 750mm and 1000mm above finished floor level.
• Manual fire alarm call points at 1200mm above finished floor level.

These requirements place socket outlets higher, and light switches lower (much lower if they are at the same height as the door handles), than was common practice prior to the introduction of Part M into the Building Regulations. You may encounter some resistance from those who think these heights "look odd" and you will need to ensure that compliance is maintained.

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