Planning for electrics

Planning for Electrics

1. Place switches at 90cm from the floor, as they then don't interfere with picture hanging.
2. Use 5 amp plugs for table lamps so they can be controlled together with a wall switch.
3. Don't worry about using white plastic sockets and switches: they can be swapped out at any time, and often when you finish the project you realise you don't really notice them.
4. Consider USB ports in the kitchen for iPhones and iPads.
5. Let the electrician buy the switch plates, as it can be confusing and there's no saving in doing it yourself.
6. Sockets in skirtings are not recommended. They are considered to be non compliant with wiring regulations as they are below the minimum mounting height of 150mm. Also if they were flush-fitted in the wooden skirting without a proper metal back box they are also considered to be a fire risk.
7. It's not ideal to have a socket in the middle of a wall behind a piece of furniture, as you then have to keep moving the furniture to get to it. Keep them close to the edge of furniture instead - this is where the furniture plan comes in.
8. If you have a cabinet in your bathroom, put a shaver socket inside it for an electric toothbrush.
9. Sockets on the landing and staircase are useful for vacuum cleaners.
10. Put everything on dimmers; the strength of light you need changes a lot throughout the day.
11. In the bedroom you ideally want to be able to control all the lighting from at least one side of the bed, as well as at the door. Place your switches above your bedside table and a few inches away from the bed. Put lamps on 5-amp wall plugs or you will go mad hopping in and out of bed to switch them all on and off.
12. Consider marking out where your artwork will go in case you want to install a picture light for atmosphere.

I use True Edge switch plates in a brass finish, Urban Cottage Industries for fittings, Factorylux bulbs and linen or silk flex.

Switch Types

There are 3-gang, two-way, toggle, dolly or dimmer modes. Gangs indicate the number of switches on the plate and each switch controls a different circuit. A 3-gang switch would do three circuits, which might be the ceiling spots, table lamps and wall lights. 'Ways' indicate the number of switches controlling the lights. So if you have one switch at one end of a corridor and one at the other working one set of lights, that is a 1-gang, two way switch.

Your Assignment

Use your room layout sketch in the previous lesson and mark where each socket should be placed.

Key Question:

Would you advise for spotlights?

Answer:

Use spotlights when necessary but avoid a grid formation. Incorporating a dimmer switch with spotlights is a great way to tone down the light when necessary.

Key Question:

What do you suggest for floor lamps?

Answer:

Think about having sockets in the floor for lamps. Make sure the socket is adequately recessed so that, when something is plugged in, the lid can go back on and remain flush to the floor - your electrician may not think of this.

1. Draw a basic plan of the space. Including the walls, windows and door.
2. Create a basic furniture layout.
3. Colour in yellow where you need light sources.
4. Using a S for spotlight and P for pendant light decide on the different light sources you need.