OK to position a socket close to a radiator?

[Jake Parsons]

Does anyone know of any building regs that prohibit the siting of a power socket close to a radiator? I'd like to have one about 5 inches to the right of the TRV valve of a rad, at the same level, i.e., just above the skirting board. I wondered if it might be considered dangerous, particularly in the event of an inexperienced plumber changing a valve, and the possibility of water spraying around. Unfortunately, it's about the only practical place for the socket, although I could, at a pinch position it higher up, e.g., 1 mtr above the floor. It's for pluging in a washing machine and possibly a dishwasher.

Thank you,

Jake

[John Rumm]

Nope. There is a general requirement in the wiring regs that the accessories chosen should be appropriate for the location they are used in, but I can't see any problem here - it won't be getting hot at that distance.

The only building regulation that could play a part is part M that specifies how accessible a building should be for disabled persons. Typically it requires that sockets be between 450 and 1200 mm from the finished floor level. However this mainly applies to new builds, and the general principle that if when modifying a building you make it no worse than it currently is then you are ok, seems to apply.

Tell him not to spray water then!

[Jake Parsons]

Many thanks for the guidance. That's good news!

Jake

[Steve Walker]

Leave a few live wires hanging out to encourage caution.... :o)

[The Medway Handyman]

I found one behind a radiator recently!

[EricP]

A friend has a small office and had it updated last year. Rewired with sockets in regulation positions etc.

He also had the CH updated and two new rads on a long wall that also had three sockets on it. He was out when the plumber was working and came back to find all three sockets behind his nice new rads.