Load bearing capacity of domestic floors

[Roger Moore]

Hello all

I have posted on behalf of someone who at present does not have access to the forum. Any replies received will be forwarded to them.

To quote "I’ve come across a potential issue for home installs following a recent discussion with a surveyor.  There is a possibility that the equipment we are putting in may exceed the load bearing capacity of the floors. I thought this is definitely something that could be discussed at ART.

After a quick Google search and some quick calcs I’ve come across the following:

I’ve seen typical figures of 150kg per meter squared quoted, the highest figure is 250kg/m2

The 5008 has a footprint of about 0.5m2 and a weight of about 160kg which works out about 320kg/m2!!!!
Then there is the RO and chair!

If the joists have been cut or drilled for cable and pipework routing this reduces the load bearing capacity and, if there was wood worm, timber damage etc. this would seriously compromise the integrity.

Should we be installing this equipment in an upstairs bedroom?
Should we at least be inspecting the floor joist prior to install?

If this is a real concern you have to wonder why it has never been raised previously? What are your initial thoughts?".