Quick Q Regarding Sockets Near Sink

[Mark Elvin]

Can anybody please tell me what the regs say regarding electric sockets & the distance they should be from a sink/drainer?

We are changing the sink to a R/H drainer from a L/H drainer & I am aware there is a socket near where the drainer is now going to be.

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

i believe it is 300mm horizontal distance from edge of sink or drainer.

IMO it still looks too close for my liking.

 

[oharaf]

i cannot recall any specific reg regarding this, but, i would want a socket no closer than 300mm

well done Mikhail you beat me to it

 

[Mark Elvin]

Thanks, 300mm does seem awfully close, was thinking more like 600mm to be on the safe side.

 

[Taylortwocities]

There is no reg in BS7671 re the distance. The Electricians Guide to the Building Regs recommends a minimum of 300mm
(its a GUIDE).

BS7671 does say a lot about accessories being suitable for the environment, though

 

[ericmark]

In older editions of the regulations there was a limit but this has now been removed. Since the length of cable for kettles is around 300mm it is often considered that it should be placed so a kettle can't fall in sink while still plugged in. Hence 300mm limit.

Having said that I think there is a plumbing regulation as to distance.

Our regulations do however in Appendix 5 under AD4 ask for IPX4 which sockets will not normally comply with. There are so many interlinked bits within Appendix 5 that one may consider this does the same as old limit. This is all open to interpretation and you would have to wade through all the pages to be sure.