FCU behind panel in bathroom

[zebedee]

Is a switched FCU supplying a heated towel rail permitted in a bathroom if it's behind a fixed panel (used to hide supply pipes to shower)?

Having looked at the bathroom electrics guide (NICIEC) in the reference section the closest scenario seems to be that the 'space under bath is "outside zones" if only accessible with a tool'. The panel in question is located in zone 2 and requires the removal of 4 screws to gain access behind it.

If it was a new installation then I wouldn't put it there but I'd prefer not to have to move it unless I have to. Would an IP rated FCU be a possible solution as appearance isn't an issue?

Thanks

 

[Steve]

The switch should be accessible for maintenance and emergency isolation - preferably outside the bathroom, or outside zones (not under the bath though) - I doubt the location you describe - behind a fixed panel - is adequate for "accessible"

 

[securespark]

What would it take to put it in Z3 or outside?

Where is the airing cupboard? Is there one??

 

[zebedee]

Thanks for the replies.

No great place to reposition the FCU outside the bathroom as it is located alongside the stairs. No real option of moving into Z3 either as the bathroom is v. small.

Would making the panel more accessible (e.g. magnetic catches rather than screws) be an option? Personally I reckon I could undo 4 screws faster than I could clear out all the bedding, towels and other cr@p that generally gets shoehorned into an airing cupboard.

I'll try and find a routable location outside the bathroom this weekend as that's seeming like the way it's going to have to go.