Comments on: is it dangerous when redesigning a kitchen to locate plug sockets near a sink, taps.

By: jamand

jamand — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

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

By: John A

John A — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

it shouldn’t be a problem as long as they install grounded outlets with circuit breaker in the outlet

By: oil field trash

oil field trash — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

In the US they would also be required to have a ground fault protection circuit. That is the ultimate protection.

By: Hondu

Hondu — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

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.

By: Carol

Carol — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

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

By: lilwunda

lilwunda — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

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.

By: Girlie Electrics

Girlie Electrics — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

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.

By: Herbie

Herbie — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

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.