UK Building Regulations Part M (Access to and use of buildings) states that wall

mounted switches and socket outlets for power, lighting and other equipment in new
dwellings “..should be located so that they are easily reachable.”

Part M of the Building Regulations (section 8) does not actually specify the required
position but does go on to suggest that in habitable rooms this will be achieved by
mounting the switches etc. between 45cm and 1200mm above the floor level (see
below). Unless the dwelling is specifically designed for a person with limited reach, these
requirements do not apply in garages and kitchens.

These rules do not apply to replacement switches/outlets nor to new switches/outlets in

extensions to a dwelling, or a dwelling which is being materially altered unless the
dwelling previously complied with Part M – however, there is nothing to prevent you
from applying these regulations should you so wish. Any alteration to an existing
dwelling must not make it less satisfactory than it was before.

Sockets above work surfaces

Where socket outlets are positioned above work surfaces or other obstructions, there
needs to be sufficient clearance to minimise risk of damage to the cable etc. Although no
distance is defined, a clearance of 15cm below the socket is recommended as a minimum
(see below).

BS7671 does not specify height of switches and sockets (to my knowledge)
In England and Wales, the Building Regulations (Approved Document: Part P) require
that domestic electrical installations are designed and installed safely according to the
"fundamental principles" given in British Standard BS 7671 Chapter 13. These are very
similar to the fundamental principles defined in international standard IEC 60364-1 and
equivalent national standards in other countries. Accepted ways for fulfilling this legal
requirement include

• the rules of the IEE wiring regulations (BS 7671), colloquially referred to as "the
regs" (BS 7671: 2008, 17th Edition).;
• the rules of an equivalent standard approved by a member of the EEA (e.g.,
DIN/VDE 0100);
• guidance given in installation manuals that are consistent with BS 7671, such as
the IEE On-Site Guide and IEE Guidance Notes Nos 1 to 7.

Installations in commercial and industrial premises must satisfy various safety legislation,
such as the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Again, recognised standards and
practices, such as BS 7671 "Wiring Regulations", are used to help meet the legislative
requirements.

Eye aesthetics
Electrical Plug/Outlet and Voltage
Information for Malaysia

Click for larger image

Click for larger image

• Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts)

• Primary Socket Type: British BS-1363

• Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.): Plug adapter

Click socket type links to view adapter for that type

• 110-120V electronics: Plug adapter + step-down transformer

• Hair dryers, curling irons, etc.: Plug adapter + voltage converter

• Plugging In
• 220-240 Volts vs. 110-120 Volts
• Rules of Thumb
• Malaysia Adapters
• Reviews

Plugging In
Electrical sockets (outlets) in Malaysia are the "Type G " British BS-1363 type. If your
appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug
adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your
appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.
 • Adapter for "Type G" British BS-1363

But the shape of the socket is only half the story!

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Malaysia usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240
volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical
input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you
need.

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the
adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. North American
sockets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the rest
of the world. Consequently, North American appliances are generally built for 110-120
volts.