Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
of Electrical Socket
Outlets in the Home
Adequate Provision
of Electrical Socket Outlets
in the Home
INTRODUCTION
The increased use of home electronics and entertainment systems has led to the situation that, not only are homeowners
using extension leads for their TV area but also for many other areas in their homes. An increased number of socket
outlets is always preferred by homeowners and clients; surveys have shown that 50% of new homeowners require
additional socket outlets within twelve months of purchase of a new dwelling.
History
A Report of the Electrical Installation Industry Liaison Committee (EIILC), first published in 1977, made proposals
for the minimum number of socket-outlets, which should be provided in homes.
These proposals were made particularly on the grounds of safety - safety for the user, the installation itself, the
home and of property - and for maintaining that level of safety during the life of the installation whilst allowing for
the changing needs of the user.
This EIILC report has been extended to also cover the minimum requirements for existing and foreseen standards of
living and the use of electrical and electronic equipment in the average home.
The use of such equipment in the home has increased dramatically as can be seen from the chart overleaf. The
minimum requirements advocated in this Report are to be found in Table 1 which covers all types of dwelling e.g.
public housing, affordable housing and private development.
SAFETY
It has already been stated that the number of socket-outlets being advocated is primarily on the grounds of safety. The
resulting dangers of not having sufficient socket-outlets may be summarised as follows:
CONSUMER DURABLES
79% OF HOUSEHOLDS HAVE A MOBILE PHONE
Electrical installation work carried out in dwellings in Scotland is subject to the Scottish Building
Standard which requires that:
Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that electric lighting points and socket outlets are
provided to ensure the health, safety and convenience of occupants and visitors.
Guidance to the Scottish Building Standard gives only minimum recommendations; the numbers in table 1 below,
will enable compliance whilst providing improved flexibility and safety.
Smaller Rooms
(Up to 12m2)
Medium Rooms
Larger Rooms
(12-25m2)
(More than 25m2)
Dining Room
Study
Utility Room
10
Conservatory
Hallway
Loft
Note: With certain exceptions, all socket-outlets are required to be protected by a 30mA RCD in accordance with BS 7671
(IEE Wiring Regulations).
Notes:
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