When it comes to electrical safety in your home, socket & switch placement matters.
At Perform Electrical Services we take all aspects of safety seriously. The UK Government has set a guideline that all sockets and switches should be fixed at a minimum of 450mm and a maximum of 1200mm above floor level. But why is this? Let's take a closer look.
Part M of the Building Regulations
According to 'Family Resources Survey: Financial year 2020 to 2021', done by the Department for Work and Pensions, there were 14.6 million people in the UK with a disability, representing 22% of the UK's population.
With so many disabled people, Part M was created, the most recent update to it being in 2016. The updates to the regulations assist many people in their day-to-day lives, both in the home, workplace and public buildings.
Part M states "Regulations will assist many people in their day-to-day lives, both in the home, workplace and public buildings" and that "Regulations will assist many people in their day-to-day lives, both in the home, workplace and public buildings" Essentially, this has been done to ensure that disabled people and those with mobility issues can safely access the sockets and switch them on or off without having to crouch down low or stretch up high.
The Danger of Low Sockets
Having sockets too low can pose a safety risk. Low sockets can become easily accessible to pets or other animals, posing an even greater risk of accidental electrocution or injury if the animals chew on the cords or urinate into the socket.
The Danger of High Sockets or switches
On the other hand, sockets that are placed too high can be difficult to reach for a person with limited mobility. This could cause frustration and an increased risk of falls or injury. In addition to this, if an appliance is plugged in and problems arise, everyone needs to be able to reach the socket to switch it off quickly.
Additional Considerations for accessory Placement
In addition to avoiding low sockets, other guidelines must be adhered to when installing electrical outlets in your home. First, you should never place an outlet next to any kind of water source (i.e., sink, bathtub) as this could result in electrocution if contact is made with water while using an electrical device plugged into that outlet. For example, it is recommended to have at least a 30cm gap horizontally for a sink and 3m for a shower.
Consumer unit placement
The same rules apply to a consumer unit. The consumer unit should be placed in an accessible location but not too low or high. If the consumer unit is too high, it can be difficult to access in the event of an emergency. On the other hand, the consumer unit should preferably be fixed above the floor water level in areas prone to flooding.
As you can see, accessory placement is essential to ensuring electrical safety in your home in Weston-Super-Mare and throughout the UK. Here at Perform Electrical Services, we ensure that all our electricians are trained up to the most recent regulations, with regular update courses, ensuring that all work we do for you is as safe as possible.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us on 01934 707 142.