concealed hob switch

[Ian S]

Can someone advise if this is correct (legal).
A friend has had a new kitchen fitted and the switch for the hob has been put behind the floor cupboard next to the cooker. The back is loose but you have reach around to get to the switch.
Should the switch be above the work top or is it ok for a hole to be cut in the base unit back to get access?
PS this is an electric hob.
Thanks.

 

[andy]

it must be somewere accessible and within arms reach (think itz 2M but am not 100%)

 

[Damocles]

As to legal, this year you can wire anything any way you like without it being illegal. Might be dangerous, just not illegal. next year he would legally have to wire according to regs, and I do not think this would comply.

If some accident happened as a result of the switch being behind the cupboard, then you might be able to sue him. This would be as much a common sense issue as a legal one.

On a personal level, if you want to keep the switch where it is then it is just about arguable that it is good enough.

If the guy signed a certificate to say it was compliant with current wiring regulations, then I think he was stretching the truth. If he just did what you asked for, then it's down to you.