Lighting and the law in kitchens....

[DIYNotIan]

Hi all

i recently looked into lighting options for bathrooms and found that there were zones, and various do's and don'ts.

I wondered whether the same is true of kitchens? If so, can anyone tell me what the law states nor link me to the appropriate places?

Many thanks

Max

 

[ricicle]

There are no specific regulations regarding zones and lighting in kitchens although you need to be aware of the notification requirements regarding works in kitchens and the neccessity for all work to be done safely and competantly under Part P of The Building Regs.

 

[chapeau]

Hi all

i recently looked into lighting options for bathrooms and found that there were zones, and various do's and don'ts.

I wondered whether the same is true of kitchens? If so, can anyone tell me what the law states nor link me to the appropriate places?

Many thanks

Max

The law is in the statutory instrument found here..

http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:part_p:statutory_instrument

An authoritative interpretation of the law is found in the approved document, which is here..

www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/approveddocuments/partp/approved

In summary regarding lighting.

If it's a kitchen then you are not allowed (without notifying) to add light fittings or switches to an existing circuit.

A kitchen is a room or part of a room which contains a sink and food preparation facilities (my emphasis).

What does "part of a room" mean? It means anywhere within 3m of the sink.

So you can (without notifying) add light fittings or switches to an existing circuit as long as it's over 3m from a sink.

Replacing light fittings or switches is allowed anywhere in kitchen without notification.

It's a poorly understood area on here so use the referenced documents to confirm if you so need.

 

[ibruceuk]

So, in theory at least, I am perfectly able to add lighting to my kitchen currently undergoing refurbishment as it is an empty room without sink nor food prep facilities at the moment...

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

In theory you could or if you do not alter any cabling.
But that would be plain rude!
There is a requirement to notify electrical work in kitchens, as you have already been linked by previous forum members.
As far as the electrical zones are concerned they are zones in kitchens as there is with every other electrical cables you bury or run through joist in ceiling voids. They are not the same IP zones as in bathrooms but still need to be adhered to.
Link:
http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:installation_techniques:route
http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:installation_techniques:walls

Also note that RCD protection will more than likely be required on all circuits, unless they are mechanically protected.

Sockets above worktops should be at least 300mm (horizontally) from sink/drainer and hobs.
Any isolators should not be directly above the hob, to prevent leaning over a potential hazardous(hot) appliance.
All accessories should be accessible for inspection and testing.
Which will be easy to comply to without a kitchen in

The case for notification you may consider of no great concern, but if you do decide to sell the property in the future, the solicitor will ask for correct documentation for any building work that requires it. This could hold up or prevent a sale, if this evidence is not available.
Also if you have a fire in the house and it is proved that this was caused by an electrical, fault that is related to the installation of the kitchen and you have no proof that this installation was not done correctly and safely, don't expect to be paid out!
Then there is also the potential dangers of electrocution to you family friends and guests. That could be caused by any faulty doings in the kitchen, so always manslaughter charges to be considered.
Not trying to deter you from doing kitchen work, just be aware of other implications.