Socket placement & certificate

[yoyy]

Hello,

I want to add sockets & move switches. Some of the sockets are half way up the wall which I really don't like. Is there any issue with them being lowered i.e nearer the skirting?

Also does the electrician need to provide a certificate for the work?

bump

I'm really not an expert, but when we were getting quotes to move and add some sockets last year, one of the electricians we spoke to said that current regs specify that socket are supposed to be positioned higher up the wall to meet the accessibility requirements (e.g. for wheelchair users). Obviously you're not expected to rip out and move the older low sockets, but he insisted all new ones will have to be higher. I thought that would look ridiculous in the same room. However, the guy who ended up doing the actual work said that this applies only to new builds (or new spaces, like extensions), sockets added in an older room can match the height of existing ones. But I don't know what this means in practice if you want to relocate the existing higher ones 🤔

Regarding the certificate, I don't think moving sockets (not fat, so no new circuit) in a normal room (i.e. not in the kitchen or bathroom) is a notifiable work, so technically you don't need an electrician to do it or certificate afterwards (I personally wouldn't risk it though 😀 ). Again, I'm not an expert. Hopefully someone cleverer will come along to advise you.

Are you in a flood risk area? Some planning consents require sockets up the wall because of flooding. In that case lowering them could breach any condition.

I think you will be fine - its an easy job for the electrician to do and not major work so wont require certificates etc.

We were a bit concerned about this as friends who had had a new extension told us of the hassle they came across with positioning of sockets. When we approached a local firm they said its not a problem to reposition existing sockets and add new ones to existing circuits. it only new builds that its an issue. We found a local electrician who had just retired and was doing a bit of freelance work to supplement his pension - ask around or check local facebook groups etc for recommendaions

A wheelchair wouldn't fit in my hallway, it's very narrow! 😆

@SquishyGloopyBum not a flood area

Thank you