Kitchen socket distances

I know the guidelines for sockets and FCUs about the work surface are not within 30cm horizontally of a hob. What is the distance for a sink? I have been told 1m, but this seems rather large.

I also understand that if the kitchen ring is RCD protected, I can put sockets nearer. Is this true?

In any case, my CU is a Wylex NN, and I can't seem to locate any RCD's for it.

Antony

Reply to
antgel
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On Sat, 23 Jul 2005 16:52:56 GMT,it is alleged that antgel spake thusly in uk.d-i-y:

I recall a post the other day stating "no distance is specified but they should be located where unlikely to be splashed by copious quantities of water" which seems reasonable to me. 450-600mm would sound a reasonable compromise, others may have more detailed knowledge.

No idea, but it wouldn't seem wise.

A separate RCD in an enclosure next to the CU perhaps? It seems only MCBs are available for NN units now.

Reply to
Chip

As mentioned several times recently, there is no absolute regulation on these matters. The NICEIC have their own guidance:

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NICEIC recommends that socket-outlets and other accessories should be located at least 300 mm, measured horixontally, from a sink or draining board, where they are unlikely to be splashed.

Hwyl!

M.

Reply to
Martin Angove

Sorry - I should have searched the group archives. I'm working on my flat for the first time in weeks and I was a bit excited.

The 1m figure was quoted by the electrician who I am planning to use as a competent person. Not sure if that's good or not.

Antony

Reply to
antgel

It's up to him really in this circumstance. If he's self-certifying and therefore has passed some sort of "test" to register with one of the approved bodies then he is obviously using his own professional judgement on the matter. Maybe he's looked at your particular sink arrangement and decided that a large gap is needed - are you having one of those extendible "shower" taps installed for example?

Or maybe he just tells everyone 1m. Would have made our "kettle corner" rather impossible :-)

If there is nothing unusual in your arrangement you might gently point him in the direction of that URL I mentioned (print it out for him?) and let him know how you really need that socket as close to the sink as possible (why?) but be prepared to compromise.

HTH

Hwyl!

M.

Reply to
Martin Angove

He hasn't seen the site yet. I'll have a word and make sure that he won't necessarily apply 1m as a hard and fast rule.

Antony

Reply to
antgel

Just thought that there is another possibility for the 1m rule he's applying - perhaps he's not self-certifying and experience has taught him that the local BCO or BCO-appointed electrician applies this rule. In that instance you have more of a problem.

Hwyl!

M.

Reply to
Martin Angove

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