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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Fire Safety => Topic started by: GB on February 09, 2015, 10:53:28 AM

Title: Minimum Height of Electrical Sockets
Post by: GB on February 09, 2015, 10:53:28 AM
I have come across electrical sockets installed within Skirting Boards in a school boarding house. I am aware that new regs would have these sockets at 450mm from the floor however the caveat of an existing installation I believe prevails therefore no requirement to change them.

Is there any additional guidance out there that people are aware of that I can convince the duty holder to spend money and move them up off the skirting boards?
Title: Re: Minimum Height of Electrical Sockets
Post by: Messy on February 09, 2015, 12:51:59 PM
Sorry, I dont understand the risk (in that is it significant for the RP to need to spend ?100s or ?1000s??)
Title: Re: Minimum Height of Electrical Sockets
Post by: wee brian on February 09, 2015, 02:01:50 PM
Its a requirement for disabled access, nothing to do with fire safety.

Applies to new buildings.
Title: Re: Minimum Height of Electrical Sockets
Post by: GB on February 09, 2015, 08:01:49 PM
The sockets are approximately 10mm from the floor - the flex from electrical cables are pulled at 90 degrees. Can I suggest from the comments that I am being over cautious about the electrical hazard?
Title: Re: Minimum Height of Electrical Sockets
Post by: kurnal on February 09, 2015, 11:07:01 PM
That could be a fire hazard. They could be turned upside down?
Title: Re: Minimum Height of Electrical Sockets
Post by: nearlythere on February 10, 2015, 06:48:44 AM
Quote from: kurnal on February 09, 2015, 11:07:01 PM
That could be a fire hazard. They could be turned upside down?
To prevent kinking remove the plug and poke the wires in with lolipop sticks. Works for me.
Title: Re: Minimum Height of Electrical Sockets
Post by: wee brian on February 10, 2015, 09:14:59 AM
agree with Kurnal, turn them upside down.
Title: Re: Minimum Height of Electrical Sockets
Post by: GB on February 11, 2015, 10:08:33 AM
That is a great idea!
So simple but so cost effective.
many thanks.