Electric sockets on skirting boards

[Creamegg11]

My electrician said that due to new regulations the Council may reject my electric certificate for my rental flat as I have electric sockets on the skirting boards. He said he’ll give me a quote to mount the sockets on the wall. I don’t know if he just want extra work from me or being pedantic.

I’ve googled this and some say that it’s fine for older properties (mine is Victorian) and the rules only applies to newer properties and just advisable for older properties. Can anyone clarify this please? Thanks

Electric sockets on skirting boards is a sign that the wiring has not been touched for a long time, so may not be safe. Has the electrician recommended rewiring?

depends on how they were installed and if they meet the wiring regs 18th edition which is the standard for the EICR.

you can't google the wiring regs, ask your sparky what the relevant page says in reference to your rather elderly sockets. I suspect he does know what he is talking about.

If they are high enough on the skirting that you can insert and remove a plug correctly and no strain is placed on the flexible cable or socket, an that the sockets are not liable to impact damage due to being on the skirting they may be alright. If not they may need to be relocated.

BS7671:2018 522.6.1 Wiring systems shall be selected and erected so as to minimize the damage arising from mechanical stress, e.g. by impact, abrasion, penetration, tension or compression during installation, use or maintenance.
BS7671:2018 553.1.6 A socket-outlet on a wall or similar structure shall be mounted at a height above the floor or any working surface to minimize the risk of mechanical damage to the socket-outlet or to an associated plug and its flexible cable which might be caused during insertion, use or withdrawal of the plug.

Thanks for your replies. So electrician will replace six sockets and add a new consumer unit. Does anyone know how to fix the void/hole following the removal of the electrical plug sockets? I assume one cannot just fill with wood filler? Is this a job for a decorator or carpenter? Thanks

carpenter could do a better job. If you're willing to pay for his/her time, s/he could cut a neat hole in the skirting, and a neat wooden patch that is a very close fit to insert into it.

when redecorated it wil be unnoticeable.

If it was me I would actually take them off for the best job and the greatest effort and cost.

most people would just bodge up with a bit of filler.

How large and beautiful are your skirtings?