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#1 Posted : 26 August 2008 11:46:00(UTC)
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Posted By David Ferrier
An electrical regs question - In an office kitchen environment, is there a minimum separation required between an electrical outlet socket and a sink? I feel that it should not be possible to place an electrical item into a sink, either deliberately or otherwise, whilst it is still connected.

Any information appreciated, regulatory or best practice.

David
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#2 Posted : 26 August 2008 13:22:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ron Hunter
No doubt someone will confirm or correct, however I seem to recall that Building Regs say minimum 300mm from edge of metal sink.
At an earlier version, it may have been 450mm.
These leaves ample scope of course for those so inclined to have free entry to the "Darwin" awards!
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#3 Posted : 26 August 2008 16:29:00(UTC)
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Posted By GeoffB4
I don't remember where this came from but I used it regularly with clients and have assumed it is good practice.

'You shouldn't be able to switch a socket with one hand whilst the other is in the sink'.

If you can then I recommend an RCD is fitted.


Mmmmm, sounds like an old wife's tale!!
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#4 Posted : 26 August 2008 17:35:00(UTC)
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Posted By Mark Ellis
Hello there,

not excactly sure of the regs on this, but the old rule used to be as stated; you should not be able to touch a socket while standing at the sink.
However new build houses (if there are any nowday's) fitted with RCD's seem to have sockets and switches anywhere, even directly under the sink itself.

Mark.
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#5 Posted : 26 August 2008 18:53:00(UTC)
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Posted By ian_f
You need to refer to parts B and S of the NIC-EIC's technical manuals.

BS 7671 does not specify a min. distance.

Section S says that no less than 300mm but ideally 1000mm for ordinary socket outlets.

Speak to a qualified sparky me suggests! unless you are undertaking a HHSRS or something?

thx

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#6 Posted : 27 August 2008 09:07:00(UTC)
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Posted By David Ferrier
Thanks for the responses.

It's a newly installed kitchen area in an office, accessible to all personnel.

Thanks for all information provided.

David
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#7 Posted : 27 August 2008 13:16:00(UTC)
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Posted By CRT
Hi David.

Sockets should not be located within 1m of water unless in accordance with EN 60529

CT
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#8 Posted : 27 August 2008 16:12:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ron Hunter
I don't see where EN 60529 says that. Can you quote the section, CRT?
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#9 Posted : 29 August 2008 08:41:00(UTC)
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Posted By Martin
Dave

Extracted from the Electrician,s guide to the building regulations, chapter 5 special installations locations and kitchens.
paragraph 5.2.2 sub-paragraph (iii) socket-outlets should be installed a minimum of 300mm from the edge of kitchen sinks and draining doards to reduce the risk of being splashed.

Hope this clears up any confusion.

Martin
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