Under the bath 'out of scope'?

In message , Etaoin Shrdlu writes

Not 'out of scope' as that implies the regulations don't apply, but if the area under the bath is only accessible using tools then it is considered outside the zones.

It's not something that would be worrying me really. if there is that much water you have other problems to sort out, and you can lawasy just isolate the pump at the switch until sorted.

If you are a really bothered by it, just used an IP rated fitting/enclosure to make the connection.

Something like this if you want the switch under the bath

Though personally I'd prefer the switch more accessible. So would use a switched FCU in the airing cupboard - probably already one for the pump, and then use a junction box under the bath. Like one of these:

No help, but I will watch this with interest, as I have the same scenario. The only difference is that I do not have an existing location, as there is no room on the floor of the airing cupboard.

You can get at it without actual tools, but it's pretty hard work. Pulling back carpets, bending the bath panel, etc.

I suppose what I'm really concerned about is, are the regulations meant to keep wet humans away from mains electricity, or to keep water itself away from mains electricity. It sounds like it's the former, which makes things a bit easier.

If I'm to use the existing connection, then I will need to go via the loft, and down into the stud wall. But there is a mains socket on the landing outside, and I think it may be easier to go horizontally from that, although I think there will be a stud in between, so there probably isn't that much difference in complexity.

Not too bothered for myself, just future owners of the house.

Both, but lots of it is to do with keeping people safe as in this situation. Of course the general requirements of the regs still apply, eg. the requirement that equipment be suitable for the location and likely conditions to be encountered.

Switched FCU outside on the landing, and an suitable IP rated unction box under the bath then.

I'd have thought close but not actually below the bath might be the best plan then. Brian

I'm wondering why the O/P want to move it from the base of the airing cupboard, after all isn't that the location the pump manufacturers seem to recommend?

At the moment, in the airing cupboard, it is pumping all the hot water in the house, and I'd rather it just do the bath mixer tap. The flow in some of our taps is too great (if you wash you hands in the tiny bowl in the downstairs bog, for example, you are guaranteed to get wet trousers), and I think that it would prolong the life of the pump if I could move it. Running separate plumbing from the airing cupboard to the bath is something I'd rather avoid :-) so it seems easier to move the pump.

I like the idea of an FCU, since it will at least let people know there's something there, on the other side. Can they be fitted low down, if I go horizontally from a nearby outlet?

Pressure reducing valve(s) on the sinks?

Or even a cheap ball valve will do the job.

Tim

Well, the noise it makes is also pretty annoying, especially early in the morning. I'd rather only have it going when absolutely necessary (i.e. when someone is having a shower or a bath). It also tends to lose some of the flow when several taps are in use. I've read that if you can connect it to a single tap, then there is no problem with the water suddenly going colder when someone switches another tap on (and hotter when they switch it off after you've compensated for it). I know you wouldn't expect this to be a problem with pumped hot water, but it certainly happens with ours.

There is a mains outlet on the wall outside the bathroom, and the wall is the type with a matrix of cardboard in it, so there are no studs to worry about. The wiring required to move it should be simple enough (famous last words).