Cooker control switch location

[aidf72]

Hi,

I've bought a house and almost had a cooker delivered, the delivery guy who was due to install it said that because the old cooker control switch is above the intended location he couldnt install it. I had an electrician on the competent person scheme in look and he said that a new switch would need to be fitted and it had to be at least 30 cm from the cooker, is this right? He also said it couldnt be close to an external door which leaves the positioning extremely awkward.

Thanks,
Aid.

 

[Qedelec]

I'm afraid they are correct, the reasoning behind this is the control/isolator must be positioned so that you don't have to lean over a burning chip pan to turn it off. Did you electrician suggest where this could go?
Older kitchens often fall foul of the regs as they were generally small. A gas hob (as far as I can remember) must not be placed close to a door or window which means that some kitchens can't be kitchens anymore unless you fit an electric hob.

 

[aidf72]

He said it was difficult and the only real option would be to put it somewhere near the kitchen door and to run the cable to the outlet through a toughened conduit through or under the kitchen units and sink.
When did this regulation come into effect? I ask because I have just moved from a flat built 2 years ago and the control switch is only about 10-15 cm from the built in cooker and hob. It honestly feels like a conspiracy, I seem to have bought a house where i cant have a cooker!