[owain_thomas]

does anyone know where I can find out about the regulations for location of light fittings/sockets in a kitchen environment? I've seen similar in the past for bathrooms but can't seem to find what I need for kitchens - are things different?

thanks,
owain

[Papua]

Things are similar for the kitchen with regards to location of sockets etc close to the sink. But now providing you have a RCBO fitted to your consumer unit then you can basically place sockets where you want.

The Sixteenth edition of the wiring regulations are your best bet for information. Also if you go to an electrical wholesaler they will tell you what you need with regards to protection.

[plasmad00d]

KITCHENS
Kitchens are not a special location as far as BS 7671 is concerned but they are special as far as Part P is concerned. The reason for this is fairly clear.

The electrical work associated with a fitted kitchen, though minor in terms of BS 7671 in that it would make use of existing lighting and power circuits, is in all probability hardly minor as far as the owner is concerned.
There is often concern that the electrical work carried out in a kitchen may well be unsatisfactory. In these circumstances it seems reasonable that the ODPM should make a special case for kitchens (and bathrooms) and require that work, when carried out by a firm or individual not registered under an approved competent person scheme, should be notified to building control for subsequent inspections and testing.

Kitchens are difficult locations electrically, and care and attention needs to be taken in the location and installation of equipment.

GOOD PRACTICE IN KITCHENS
a) Cooker control switches should be positioned so they can easily be located, i.e. not installed in cupboards, and so they can be operated without reaching over hobs.
b) Extractor fan switches similarly should be readily accessible and should not be located above hobs, again to prevent burning or even more dangerous
spillage of boiling water from saucepans and the like.
c) Sockets should be positioned at least 30cm from sinks and draining boards to reduce the risk from splashing.
d) Sockets should be placed at least 5cm and preferably 10cm above a work surface to avoid excessive wear and tear on flexible cables.
e) Socket outlets should be placed where they are readily accessible without reaching over hobs with gas or electric.
f) Sufficient socket outlets should be installed in suitable locations to facilitate use.
g) Sockets for kettles and toasters should be provided so that this equipment can be used without danger to children pulling the appliances from the work surface.
h) Sockets for home laundry appliances may be installed underneath the work surface but they should be fixed to the building structure and they should be readily accessible on removal of the appliance, washing machine or tumble dryer from the kitchen fittings.
i) Light switches similarly should be easily accessible to persons and preferably also to disabled persons.

While the general requirement for all switches and sockets to be accessible to disabled persons are not considered applicable kitchens because of practical difficulties, the main light switch clearly should be accessible to all persons, including those in wheelchairs and to young children with restricted reach.

WHAT IS NOT NOTIFIABLE IN A KITCHEN?
The Part P of the Building Regulations allow even persons not registered under an approved competent person scheme to:
Replace an existing light fitting
Replace a faulty switch or socket without notification.

All other work in kitchens is notifiable.

[Miniholic]

You can read up on the 16th edition reg's on TLC's website.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Book/Contents.htm

[owain_thomas]

Thanks for the replies, only just noticed them as my subscription doesn't seem to be working for this thread. will have a read of that link Miniholic.