Members should be aware that under Part M of the Building Regulations, in buildings other than dwellings, there is a requirement that the front plates of accessories contrast visually with their backgrounds.

Contractors should make clients aware of this requirement in order to avoid problems arising later. Switched sockets should also indicate if the switch is on.

Also, wall mounted sockets outlets and telephone points should be mounted between 400 mm and 1 m above the floor. Switches and controls should at heights between 750 mm and 1·2 m.

In dwellings, switches and socket outlets should be positioned between 450 mm and 1·2 m from floor level, although this does not apply to rewires or extensions to existing dwellings.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor