Does a consumer unit have to be a certain height?

Does a consumer unit have to be a certain height?

Approved Document M recommends that in new dwellings, switches, sockets and other equipment should be located between 450mm and 1200mm from finished floor level, it also suggests that consumer units are mounted so that the switches are between 1350mm and 1450mm above floor level.

Does a consumer unit have to be mounted on wood?

NICEIC answer: It is a question of preserving the integrity of the consumer unit as this affords, by its construction and material, protection against the risk of fire to the surface to which it is mounted. SELECT answer: You can secure surface-mounted consumer units on to wooden back boards.

Where do you put a consumer unit?

Consumer units should be located so they can easily be reached whenever it is necessary so it is in compliance with Part M of the building regulations. They should be mounted with the switches at a height of between 0.45m & 1.2m above floor level.

Can a consumer unit go under the stairs?

Code C3 – Improvement recommended: Presence of a consumer unit or similar switchgear made from combustible material (e.g. plastic) that is not inside a non-combustible enclosure and which is located under wooden staircase, or within a sole route of escape from the premises.

Do I need building regs for a new consumer unit?

Everything else, such as installing complete new circuits or changing a fuse board for a consumer unit, is classed as ‘notifiable work’. This requires a Building Regulations application to be made in advance so the work can be inspected and checked.

Can I move a consumer unit?

With regard to moving the consumer unit and creating a new position for the meter in the hall, then yes this is entirely possible and could be done without the expensive re-routing of the incoming main UKPN cable.

Is changing a consumer unit notifiable?

You are absolutely correct, a consumer unit upgrade is classed as notifiable work under Part P of the building regulations as is any new circuit installed in a domestic environment.

Can a consumer unit be mounted on a wall?

5 Answers from MyBuilder Electricians Fuseboxes can be mounted directly on the wall, if the cables are to enter from the rear.

Can I install a consumer unit myself?

Your electrician should offer to test their work and give you an Electrical Installation Certificate (a legal requirement). Without a certificate, you might run into problems when you attempt to sell your home later, so it’s pointless doing the work yourself.

Will a plastic consumer unit pass an EICR?

A plastic consumer unit is a sure sign of an installation that was carried out to a previous edition of the regulations. You will find that a plastic consumer unit installed to 16th edition (10-15 years old) may look new, but actually require a few upgrades to gain a satisfactory outcome on a EICR.

How tall do consumer units have to be?

The 16mm may connect to a switch fuse with a 80amp fuse in it. I was always told consumer units had to be at a suitable height for working on safely, ie not squashed up in an understair cupboard, and not at a height you needed steps to reach. Tails should be 25.0mm, no question. Any chance of photos before this abomination gets plastered over?

How tall does a consumer switch need to be?

Approved Document M does not recommend a height for new consumer units. the switches are between 1350mm and 1450mm above floor level. At this height, the consumer unit is out of reach of young children yet accessible to other people when standing or sitting. Click to expand… ? put it level with the top of the door like every other new build.

How tall do you need to be to use a Hager?

The consumer unit should therefore be accessible, with the devices mounted at a height no greater the 1.2m above the floor. In addition the consumer unit should not be in a location that would make it difficult to access such as an under stairs cupboard. Neither should it be placed in a position where is likely to be damaged by impact.

Where do consumer units need to be located?

The approved document prescribes that consumer units should be located so that they are easily reachable where this is necessary to comply with Part M of the building Regulations. Part M requires that reasonable provision be made for people to gain access to a building and use its facilities.