is it dangerous when redesigning a kitchen to locate plug sockets near a sink, taps.
By
on
September 23rd, 2009
im in a state of agitation presently about this, i live in an apartment that is having to kitchens fitted and bathrooms, they have torn the old kitchen out and put in a new kitchen, but i have noticed they have located to plug sockets within arms length of the kitchen sink and water taps.
i was told by an electrical helpline that this is unsafe and could cause a fire explosion , is this true .
the work is not yet completed in my apartment and the helpline advised that i might have to kick up a fuss about it as it is very unsafe.- that he couldn’t understand why the plug sockets have been put that near to the sink where the water taps are.
i live in an apartment complex that is having kitchen and bathrooms refurbished , i had no choice in the matter , i live on disability because of psychological struggles, so i had to go along with the housing refurbishment plan.
does anyone have advice on what to do about this .
im in the uk at present.
jamand says:
Ok - but what part of the world are you in - different countries have different regulations.
In the UK I am pretty sure that being at arms length will be fine - fitting directly above or below would be a no-no.
Don’t be taken in too much by these helplines - if the electricans are proper dudes - they will not even consider fitting them illegally - they have tough regulations to follow now and if they breach those guidelines - the penalties are severe
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:47 am
John A says:
it shouldn’t be a problem as long as they install grounded outlets with circuit breaker in the outlet
September 23rd, 2009 at 4:20 am
oil field trash says:
In the US they would also be required to have a ground fault protection circuit. That is the ultimate protection.
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:14 am
Hondu says:
Having the outlets near the sink will not cause a fire or explosion. The danger from having them too close to a sink is you may drop or knock a plugged in appliance into a sink full of water. Most codes specify outlets should be at least three feet from a tub or shower and simply above and to the side of any sink or vanity. Ask the contractor to install GFI’s in any circuits that have outlets near the sinks and you will have no worries. That is code in most places now anyway.
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:52 am
Carol says:
i have just moved into a cottage it has a double plug socket about a foot away from the sink that i use for the microwave i also have a socket on top of the sink in the utility room i don’t know if this aloud or not but i have it
September 23rd, 2009 at 6:25 am
lilwunda says:
I had a new kitchen installed recently, and an outlet was put near the sink, but they did install a GGFI outlet which is required. I very seldom use it because it is right where I put my dish rack, which drips water on the counter. But, if I need it, I have an extra outlet. Don’t worry too much about it. Just make sure for safety that the outlet is a GGFI outlet.
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:13 am
Girlie Electrics says:
Make yourself as nice hot cup of tea, using the kettle plugged into the conveniently located socket.
Recommendation in “the Regs” is no socket closer than 300mm to the edge of the bowl of the sink. Just don’t run an extension lead from it.
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:54 am
Herbie says:
There is no danger as long as everything is dry. The trouble might arise if you pull out a plug or touch a faulty one with wet hands, or drop a live appliance into the sink or otherwise introduce water and electricity to each other. Simply having the socket there on the wall will not cause a fire or explosion. Bear this in mind and you should be safe.
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:38 am