James asks this question, which concerns socket heights in existing residential properties. It has been answered by the NICEIC (Theme – Regulation and Legislation):
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Question: At what height should sockets be installed when carrying out a full rewire of an existing property when the existing sockets are installed at six inches above the skirting?
Also, is it acceptable to install sockets at the same height as existing sockets when only adding a few extra sockets to an installation (assuming that the sockets are not installed in the skirting!) for aesthetic purposes?
Answer: In the situation of a rewires and alterations, there is no specific requirements to comply with Approved Document M mounting heights. The designer may choose to use these values if they wish.
BS 7671, Regulation 553.1.6 does not specify a height but requires that the 'a socket-outlet mounted on a wall or similar structure shall be mounted at height above the floor or working surface to minimise the risk of mechanical damage to the socket-outlet or to an associated plug and its flexible cable which might be caused during insertion, use or withdrawal of the plug'.
If the designer decides that the height of the existing socket-outlets meets the requirements of 553.1.6, then it is acceptable to install any new socket-outlets at the same height.
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