Eectrical | Sockets | Fuses | Plugs
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Electrical
Although a simple part of the construction process, the electrical system is one that needs to be correct at the design and layout stage as changes later, when the house is finished, are costly and disrupting. It's important to avoid trying to economise when laying out socket positions and lighting points as the material cost of additional sockets or lighting pendants is very low, especially when the cabling is going past the location anyway. Even if adding a few meters of cabling is required, the extra cost is negligible. Looking further ahead, running cable for possible extensions or features in future will cost little now but can save a lot of channeling and re plastering later should the work be done. When planning the electrics remember to give consideration to the height and positioning of switches and power points so that they will, if possible, be accessible for someone in a wheelchair.
When laying out, ensure that each room has an adequate amount of sockets both in places that require them, for example kitchen worktops and the TV area of a sitting room, and also in places where they may not be immediately needed but would be useful if you rearrange the furniture. This allows the maximum flexibility and the least chance of having to damage expensive wall finishes in future. Consider making all socket positions double gang as there is little cost increase compared to a single gang. This can help prevent having to use plug in multi-way adapters later.Lighting
Lighting
For lighting layouts beyond the single, central pendant and especially in larger rooms, consider putting in multiple switched circuits. This allows great flexibility in illumination, rather than an all or nothing approach, and can dramatically enhance the range of moods of the room, from bright task lighting to subdued and relaxed. Wall lights and picture lights are often only used in living rooms but there is no reason not to incorporate them into the design of almost any room as well as hallways and landings. Lights that can be dimmed will again add to the flexibility, as can multi-way switching so that lighting can be controlled from any doorway into a room and either end, or middle, of a hallway.
