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:
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