converting understairs into a bathroom

[lynsey]

Hi, I am planning on converting the space under my stairs into a bathroom. The mains electric and ,eter are here, are there any regulations as to how far the sink / toilet has to be from the electrics?? Is there any special requirements for boxing them in??

Any info or where to look would be great!

Thanks x

 

[bathjobby]

Yes, lots and they come under part P regs. Go the the ODPM site and search on Zones.

 

[Dellsmp]

www.niceic.org.uk/consumers/bathrooms.html

 

[Spark123]

The zones are not governed by distance from a toilet or sink, they are governed by distance from a bathtub or shower basin.

 

[lynsey]

Hi thanks.

I read through section P and still am not that much clearer on what is actually disallowed.

Under my stairs I have the mains electric and the fuse box.I am wanting to put in a sink and a toilet. I won't be having any electrical points in the bathroom other than the standard light pull. Do I have to do anything to the mains box (eg special housing etc / get it moved) or can I simply box it in. It wouldn't br directly under the basin but would only be about half a meter from it, does this effect any laws?

Thanks again, lynsey x

 

[ebee]

It is only a bathroom if it is a room specifically containing a fixed bath or shower.
If it is say a bedroom containing a fixed bath or shower then whilst not being a bathroom, much of the same rules apply.

But containing a lavatory hand basin and/ or toilet does not make it a bathroom so those rules do not apply.

Similarly containing a sink often means it is a kitchen (but not always).

It sounds as if you space under the stairs is just a WC area or wash area so those rules do not apply. But you might consider if supplentary bonding is appropriate (even though not mandatory to the regs unless the LHB/Sink is so blooming big you can bathe in it)

However, due consideration must be given ref splashing, wet people of increased risk of shock etc.

Cover and/or locked doors will probably be appropriate.

I must admit "Fixed" bath or shower gets me! Unfixed could conceivably be as dangerous methinks.

 

[lynsey]

cool, that's great thanks.

Cleared things up for me. I was thinking that that is the way it is but my dad's a jobbing builder (doing basic electrics) and was adamant I wouldn't be allowed to do it- oh I do like being right!

Since renovating this house with him I've realised that he's a tad stuck in his ways and won't listen to anything I say! I'll be able to put him to work now!!

Just hope the first person to use it doesn't electrocute themselves!!

Thanks again!