Otis Singleton
There is no legal requirement to replace electric sockets that are positioned on skirting boards in older properties. However, there are safety concerns to be aware of. Sockets positioned on skirting boards can be a fire hazard, especially if they are mounted on a combustible material such as wood. Additionally, low-lying sockets can cause issues with plugging in certain devices and can result in cables being bent or forced into tight angles, which can also increase the risk of fire. It is recommended that electrical installations are inspected by a registered electrician, who can provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to confirm the safety of the installation or highlight any hazards that need to be addressed.
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What You'll Learn
- Electric sockets on skirting boards are considered a fire hazard
- Regulations require sockets to be a minimum distance from the floor
- Sockets on skirting boards may not provide enough space for the cable
- Sockets on skirting boards may not be safe for modern appliances
- Older properties may not need to replace skirting board sockets
Electric sockets on skirting boards are considered a fire hazard
While there is no legal requirement to replace electric sockets fitted on skirting boards in older properties, they are considered a fire hazard. This is because the wiring installation is likely to be old, and the heat generated by the socket and cables could potentially light the carpet on fire. In addition, the proximity of the sockets to the floor means that cables are forced into a tight angle, which can damage them and increase the risk of fire.
Sockets on skirting boards also pose a safety risk as they do not comply with current wiring regulations, which require sockets to be mounted at least 150mm above floor level. This is to prevent mechanical impact and damage from vacuum cleaners, as well as to avoid issues with plugging in certain devices due to limited space.
Furthermore, the presence of wooden skirting boards can exacerbate the fire hazard, as wood is a combustible material. It is advisable to have a registered electrician carry out an inspection and provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to confirm the safety of the installation or identify any necessary improvements.
To summarise, while electric sockets on skirting boards may not be illegal, they are considered a fire hazard due to the potential for heat generation, the risk of damage to cables, and the proximity to combustible materials. It is important to prioritise electrical safety and consult a qualified electrician to ensure that any necessary remedial work is carried out.
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Regulations require sockets to be a minimum distance from the floor
Regulations require sockets to be positioned at a minimum distance from the floor, and this varies from 150mm to 400mm. This is to reduce the risk of mechanical impact and damage from vacuum cleaners, as well as to avoid issues with plugging in certain devices. For example, laptop chargers may not fit in low-lying sockets due to the body extending below the plug.
Sockets that are too low can also cause cables to bend at a tight angle, which is problematic for two reasons. Firstly, it can be difficult to fit the plug into the socket, and secondly, this practice can damage the cable. This is a fire hazard, as the heat generated by the socket and cables could ignite the carpet.
Sockets should be placed about 45cm from the FFL (finished floor level) to avoid them being kicked or getting water and dirt in them, which is another fire risk. This regulation is part of the 17th Edition wiring regulations (BS7671:2008) and applies to new buildings. Older properties are not legally required to replace sockets positioned on skirting boards, but it is advisable to get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to ensure the installation is safe.
If you are planning a refurb or rewiring, it is recommended to set the sockets at a better height, typically 500-600mm, to avoid the issues mentioned above.
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Sockets on skirting boards may not provide enough space for the cable
Sockets positioned on skirting boards may not provide enough space for the cable, forcing the cable to be bent at a tight angle. This can damage the cable and increase the risk of fire. In addition, some plugs may not fit at all, especially those with larger bodies, such as laptop chargers.
Sockets on skirting boards can also be a fire hazard if they touch the carpet pile. This can cause heat to build up and potentially ignite the carpet. While it is unlikely that this will happen, a fault in the circuit could significantly increase the chance of a fire.
To ensure electrical safety, it is recommended to hire a registered electrician to inspect the installation and provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This report will determine if the installation is safe or if there are any hazards that need to be addressed.
It is worth noting that while there is no legal requirement to replace sockets positioned on skirting boards in older properties, it is still advisable to have them inspected due to the potential risks involved.
Furthermore, some people may find sockets on skirting boards inconvenient as they can be too low for comfortable use and may require the use of extensions. This can be a nuisance, especially if the extensions are not properly fitted, creating additional fire hazards.
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Sockets on skirting boards may not be safe for modern appliances
While there is no legal requirement to replace sockets positioned on skirting boards in older properties, it is important to consider the safety implications for modern appliances. Electric sockets on skirting boards are often a sign of outdated wiring, which may not be equipped to handle the electrical demands of contemporary devices.
One of the primary concerns with sockets placed low on skirting boards is the difficulty in plugging in modern appliances. Many standard plugs may not fit properly or require significant force to insert, which can damage both the plug and the socket. This issue is further exacerbated by the design of some modern plugs, which may have bulky bodies that extend below the actual plug, making it impossible to insert them into low-lying sockets.
In addition to the inconvenience, this improper fit can pose a safety hazard. Forcing a plug into a socket at a tight angle can strain the cable, potentially damaging it. Damaged cables can increase the risk of electrical faults and fires, especially if the wires behind the skirting boards are old and have deteriorated over time.
Furthermore, the proximity of skirting board sockets to the floor can create a fire hazard. Plugs and sockets in close contact with carpets or other flammable surfaces can ignite them if excessive heat is generated. This risk is heightened if the socket is not properly secured and makes direct contact with the carpet, as is often the case with poorly placed skirting board sockets.
To ensure safety, it is advisable to consult a registered electrician to inspect the wiring and sockets. They can determine if the installation meets current regulations and advise on any necessary modifications to make it safe for modern appliances. While it may be tempting to simply turn the sockets upside down to accommodate larger plugs, this should be done with caution and may not always be a viable solution.
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Older properties may not need to replace skirting board sockets
While electrical sockets positioned on skirting boards are considered unsafe and non-compliant with current regulations, older properties may not need to replace them. If you own an older property with existing sockets installed on the skirting boards, there is no legal requirement to replace them solely based on their location. However, it is essential to recognize that the wiring installation in older properties is likely to be outdated, increasing the potential safety risks.
In such cases, it is highly recommended to consult a registered electrician to perform a thorough inspection of the electrical system. The electrician will provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which will assess the safety and integrity of the installation. This report will either provide reassurance that the installation is safe or identify any potential hazards that require attention.
It is worth noting that sockets on skirting boards can pose several challenges and risks. Firstly, they may not meet the minimum height requirements for electrical sockets, which is typically 150mm above floor level. This low positioning can lead to difficulties in plugging in certain devices and can cause damage to cables due to forced angles. Additionally, there may be concerns about the materials used in older installations, such as wooden skirting boards, which could be a fire hazard.
While it is not mandatory to replace the skirting board sockets in older properties, it is crucial to prioritize safety. If the electrical installation is outdated or deemed unsafe by a qualified electrician, it is essential to consider remedial works or even a complete rewire to bring the property up to modern standards and ensure the safety of its occupants. Ultimately, the decision to replace the skirting board sockets should be guided by the advice of a registered electrician and the findings of the Electrical Installation Condition Report.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, electric sockets on wooden skirting boards can be a fire hazard. This is because wood is a combustible material.
Electric sockets should be placed at a minimum of 150mm above the floor to reduce the risk of mechanical impact and damage from vacuum cleaners. Some sources state that the minimum height is 300-400mm or 45cm from the FFL (floor floor level).
There is no legal requirement to replace sockets if they are positioned on skirting boards in an older property. However, it is advised to get a registered electrician to carry out an inspection and provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
If you have electric sockets on your skirting boards, you should get a registered electrician to inspect them. They will be able to advise you on whether the installation is safe or if any hazards need to be addressed.
Yes, you can consider turning the sockets upside down or using 3/4-way extensions designed for low sockets. However, altering the electrical installation without the landlord's permission may cause potential issues.
