Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This Question of the Day, concerning the mounting height of accessories in a dwelling, is answered by the NICEIC:
Question: I'm a bit confused about the electrical accessory mounting height of 450-1200mm - does this include controllers; i.e. boiler controllers, programmable timers switch to be fitted on the wall outside the toilet/shower room to control the heater?
If so they will be very low to see properly when programming for the elderly. My client is undergoing cancer treatment, which is the property is being converted. What is the definition of a habitable room?
Answer: In addition to the requirements for accessibility in BS 7671:2008 (Regulation 132.12 & 513.1 refers), Section 8 of Building Regulations Document M (Part M) requires switches, socket-outlets and other equipment in new dwellings to be installed so that all persons, including those whose reach is limited, can easily use them. A way of satisfying this requirement is to provide switches and sockets and all other wall-mounted equipment, such as controllers and timers in accessible positions and at a height of between 450 mm and 1200 mm from the finished floor level. Although, there is no requirement to provide this specific measure in existing dwellings, any work undertaken must not make switches, sockets and other wall-mounted equipment less easier to reach than was the case prior to the work being undertaken.
In addition, Part M defines a habitable room as, ‘For the purpose of defining the principal storey, means of a room used, or intended to be used, for dwelling purposes, including a kitchen but not a bathroom or a utility room’, so all living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens, but not bathrooms or WCs are normally regarded as a habitable room.