Minimum distance for an electrical socket to be near a sink?

[JamieH]

I'm having my kitchen rewired and it appears that the electrical sockets are about 2 metres from the sink...not very handy for filling up a kettle!
Is there a regulation stating that an electrical socket has to be a minimum distance from the sink?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I'm having my kitchen rewired and it appears that the electrical sockets are about 2 metres from the sink...not very handy for filling up a kettle!

Why not?

Is there a regulation stating that an electrical socket has to be a minimum distance from the sink?

Not explicitly, but there are general ones about sockets having to be suitable for their locations, and assessments made of external influences etc.

300mm is widely regarded as a suitable minimum distance - personally I think it's too small, but 2m is rather high.

Why not ask your electrician why he's put them so close. If it's because he's realised that if you can you'll fill the kettle without unplugging it then I agree with his decision.

 

[JamieH]

Prior to the rewiring, there was a double socket within standing distance of the sink.

I would ask the guy adding the sockets but he's a second fitter and from Poland.

 

[londonboy]

I would ask the guy adding the sockets but he's a second fitter and from Poland.

Oh dear, I hope you get your certificates.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

I would ask the guy adding the sockets but he's a second fitter and from Poland.

Czy przepisy przewidujące, że gniazdo elektryczne musi być w odpowiedniej odległości od zlewu?

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

Mój poduszkowiec jest pełen węgorzy.

 

[ericmark]

Although the electrical regulation was dropped. Think 14th to 15th edition I am told it is still in the plumbing regulations? Can anyone confirm this?

The problem is there are times when fitting a socket within mm's of the sink does make sense as with the supply to a waist disposal unit and with the sink sealed to the wall and the socket being under the sink there are no real problems.

So to refer to "522.3.1 A wiring system shall be selected and erected so that no damage is caused by condensation or ingress of water during installation, use and maintenance. The completed wiring system shall comply with the IP degree of protection relevant to the particular location.
NOTE: Special considerations apply to wiring systems liable to frequent splashing, immersion or submersion." makes far more sense than giving a set distance.

If one can put the kettle under the tap while plugged in then 522.3.1 is not being complied with. However as to if the kettle lead should be shorter or the socket further away is the big question.

The so called cordless kettle does allow one to quickly and easily to unplug kettle from base and it can be filled directly without there being a danger from splashing or even dropping the kettle in the sink. Or at least dropping it in while plugged in. So I see no real need to resort to a dangerous practice when there is such an easy alternative.

 

[martinxxxxxx]

Nie pyta (prosi&#263 mnie w Polsce był *plumber*

 

[ban-all-sheds]

supply to a waist disposal unit

?