distance between copper water pipes and electric meter
- Thread starter Fallout
- Start date
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A sensible distance would be greater than 150mm.
I don't think there is given distance in the wiring regs, common scene is the key element.
I don't think there is given distance in the wiring regs, common scene is the key element.
You must have really poor water pressure!
Not a lot's going to stand between a holed water mains and getting your electrics damp. I think the regs mention it somewhere; 50mm I've in my head somehow. I suppose that's enough to put someone off wedging something between pipe and board that a slow leak could bridge.
Edit: Nope, not the regs. Dunno where I've got that from then; OSG perhaps.
I don't recall defined measurement in BS7671, I am only aware of stated distance for gas pipes.
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There isn't a 'defined measurement' even for gas pipes in BS7671 (it's only in the OSG) - and I don't think that either document says anything specific about water pipes. As mfarrow said, if we're talking about protecting electrical things from water, then even two or three metres would not be enough to make any appreciable difference in the face of a pipe at mains water pressure with a hole in it!
Kind Regards, John
It's not in BS7671 as it is gas regulation but as it is related to both gas and electrics you would think that it would be.
My comments were not mean't to indicate that the distances are mentioned in BS7671, only that I am aware of stated distance for gas pipes to electrical equipment.
Not sure of the exact reg number but I think it's in 528, which more or less say common scenes, where there is a potential hazard.
My comments were not mean't to indicate that the distances are mentioned in BS7671, only that I am aware of stated distance for gas pipes to electrical equipment.
Not sure of the exact reg number but I think it's in 528, which more or less say common scenes, where there is a potential hazard.
Condensation dripping from cold water pipes is a reason to avoid such pipes running over electrical equipment.
That makes good sense - but in that case, of course, the potential problem exists no matter how great (within reason!) the distance between the pipe and the electrical equipment.
Kind Regards, John
Yes, in terms of gas pipes, that's true. However, in relation to water pipes, I'm really not sure what 'common sense' would mean - as I said, if it's the risk of water leaks affecting electrical equipment that one is concerned about, then nothing short of impractical separations would make much difference!
Kind Regards. John
The header tank in my loft had a leak, and the water found it's way into one of the ground floor light fittings.
Quite so - and those of us (probably most of us!) who have ever experience water at mains pressure escaping from a pipe or fitting will understand that no amount of 'separation' will spare anything electrical in the same room!
Kind Regards, John
As you've been told .... No (at least, not that anyone here is aware).
Kind Regards, John
Yes, 150mm - but even that's not in Wiring Regulations, only the gas ones (and electrical 'guide' documents).
Kind Regards, John
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