Approved documents (AD) provide practical guidance about how to comply with the requirements of The Building Regulations for England and Wales (where relevant).
Under schedule 1 Part M of the Building Regulations requires that, amongst other things, reasonable provision is made for people to gain access to, and use the building and its facilities. Part M is split into two Parts - M1 and M2. Part M Volume 1 (M1) covers dwellings and Volume 2 (M2) covers buildings other than dwellings.
M1: Dwellings
Reasonable provision should be made for most people, including wheelchair users, to access and use the facilities in a ‘visitable’ new dwelling. To this end, insofar as electrical services are concerned, services and controls should comply with clause 1.18. This clause details where switches, socket-outlets and the like should be installed.
Accessories require no special consideration, such as colour, larger switch mechanisms and the like.
Where a dwelling is ‘accessible and adaptable’ and a wider range of occupants are likely to access the dwelling, such as the elderly, those with reduced mobility and some wheelchair users, additional thought should be given to clause 2.30 of ADM1.
Where a dwelling is designed for wheelchair users, there are further considerations to make regarding height, position and the nature of accessories.
M2: Buildings other than dwellings
For buildings other than dwellings, the same requirements for access to, and provision of, services exist as for dwellings. Clause 4.25 highlights the key factors affecting the use of switches, socket-outlets and the like as, ease of operation, visibility, height and freedom from obstruction.
Clause 4.28 recognises that, ‘Controls that contrast visually with their surroundings are more convenient for visually impaired people, as are light switches activated by a large push pad’.
The mounting heights above floor level and other recommendations for accessories is detailed in clause 4.30 and may slightly differ to those recommended for dwellings.
Conclusion
Designers and installers of electrical installations should be aware of the recommendations of Approved Documents M1 and M2 as they relate to dwellings and buildings other than dwellings.
There are instances where there are differences in mounting heights recommended for dwellings and buildings other than dwellings. The designer should recognise the differences between ADM1 and ADM2.