Q & A of the Day – Scottish Building Standards – what socket heights?

BookmarkThis 03.02.2009
SELECT
 

Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This one, concerning the Scottish Building Standards and socket heights and numbers, is answered by SELECT:

A twin socket counts as two in SBS.
A twin socket counts as two in SBS.
pixel

Question: Could you please tell me what the regulation for the heights of sockets and switches is, as we are about to build an extension and have been advised that there are specific heights for these? I have also been advised that depending on the room, there must be a required number of socket outlets made available.

Answer: In Scotland, compliance with the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 should be considered. The recommendations with regards to heights of electrical accessories, etc., can be found in the SBS technical Handbooks 2007.

  • Heights for socket-outlets = 400mm from floor to base of socket.
  • Heights for light switches = 900 - 1100mm from floor to top of light switch.
  • Other accessories (e.g. door entry) = 1200 mm floor to top of accessory.

With regards to the minimum number of sockets, there should be four within each apartment, six within a kitchen, and an additional four anywhere else in a building.

Note that sockets can be single or double; double is the equivalent in the Scottish Building Standards handbook as two sockets.

To see many more Q & A in Voltimum UK's Experts Area, please click on the link:

www.voltimum.co.uk/consult.php?universe=consult.index.questions

 Back

 Related contacts
SELECT
The Walled Garden, Bush Estate,
Midlothian, Scotland EH26 0SB
Tel: 0131 445 5577
Fax: 0131 445 5548
Email: admin@select.org.uk
Web: www.select.org.uk
blue arrow pointing right   SELECT

 For latest electrical industry news, register for Voltimum's free newsletter.
Enter your email address here:
OK

Source: SELECT & James Hunt

Related information

Related contacts

More News...

Q & A of the Day – Can I run a separate supply to this machine socket-outlet?
Q & A of the Day – Must I buy new software for BS7671:2008 First Amendment?
Q & A of the Day – Should I use female bushes when mounting conduit box to metal trunking?
Q & A of the Day – Should I install an RCD to protect SWA cable at the house CU?
Q & A of the Day – What is the difference between City & Guilds 2391-10 and 2392 courses?
Q & A of the Day – Is there a problem with this client’s inspection report request?
Q & A of the Day – What is the right way to fit an SPD?
Q & A of the Day - Sockets by the seaside – what IP rating?
Q & A of the Day - What is required in terms of proximity of water/power supply cables?