Kitchen photo - is the installation correct?

[mikex79]

Although I am a trainee electrician I still work with refurbishments and my supervisor sent me to the companies other site to finish some work and this is what I found in the kitchen (see the picture)
is the installation correct?
i am not saying what I am suspicious about (I am not even 100% sure ) but I just wanna know your opinion and regs that apply to this installation

 

[Mr Mark Sparks]

i guess you are asking about the socket near the sink i am taking it that the circuit is rcd'd its not ideal but its ok

 

[sparks1234]

No problem with that, a couple of things you could be asking, 1 is the socket as previously mentioned or it could be the switch close to the hob but its not behind it so no probs unless you can see anything else

 

[Battlecrease]

I would suggest that your socket is too close to the sink but
BS 7671 is not prescriptive with respect to such distances, but the industry recommendation is that a distance of at least 300mm should be provided from the edge of the sink or draining board to the socket outlet.

 

[mikex79]

i guess you are asking about the socket near the sink i am taking it that the circuit is rcd'd its not ideal but its ok

do you mean the regulation about special location containing a bath or shower tells you to use an RCD in this situation as I cannot find anything clearly stating about the kitchen sink or it's just your experience that says that?

I would suggest that your socket is too close to the sink but
BS 7671 is not prescriptive with respect to such distances, but the industry recommendation is that a distance of at least 300mm should be provided from the edge of the sink or draining board to the socket outlet.

I agree with that and I found it in the book Electrician's Guide To The Building Regulations (page 61) [ame=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Electricians-Building-Regulations-Electrical-Dwellings/dp/086341463X]Electrician's Guide to the Building Regulations Approved Document P, Electrical Safety in Dwellings: Amazon.co.uk: Books[/ame]
but do you know any reg stating that you need to keep the equipment 300 mm away?

 

[sparks1234]

Ah, looking at the picture again I didnt realise the socket was above the draining board, personnaly I wouldn't install a socket there, not too much of a problem with the switch but its disputable

 

[Spudnik]

There is no reg with regard to the positioning of socket outlets with regard to sinks etc.

However, as already been mentioned, it is generally recommended that they should be installed around 300mm from the edge of the sink or be suitably rated for its location.

 

[mikex79]

could you please advice about an RCD in this situation Jason S.

 

[Spudnik]

All socket outlets must now be protected by 30mA RCD, regardless of where they are installed or installation method.

 

[Graeme Harrold]

The only mention of positioning of sockets in a kitchen is contained in the OSG. Not regs, but a recommendation on placements............

With all the new section 7 of the BRB in draft format, wouldnt be surprised if kitchens were included as a special location. It would clarify a lot of information contained in other publications......(then again that make too much sense..........)

 

[Darkwood]

As mentioned above numerous times the socket too close to the drainer (covered by external influences if you need to tie a reg' to it)
Switch for cooker poorly sighted as a hob fire could put this switch out of arms reach
Finally if the under unit lights are halogen then the one over the sink should be IP rated as im guessing it isnt if cold water was to splash on the glass the thermal shock could cause it to explode extremely hot quartz glass.

 

[ezzzekiel]

300mm rule comes from building regs and although not part of bs7671 is good practice where possible

 

[ChristianG]

From a purely aesthetic point of view and only begining to learn about electrics. The sockets look misplaced height wise as well?

 

[Des 56]

The accessories seem neatly aligned
The socket near the drainer is a consequence more of the design of the kitchen rather than an electricians poor siting of the accessory
It has room for an appliance and is not exactly going for a swim just yet

The only point with concern has already been mentioned by Darkwood, the possible unsuitability of the undercupboard light over the sink,but its probably ok

 

[castlon11]

As a kitchen designer i would have put a cooker switch with socket included between sink and oven instead of two separate switches as it would be appropriate to have only one appliance there. I would have also put two double sockets in the corner as it would probably draw home owner into putting all appliances there and maybe only using the cooker socket for a mobile phone charger or something like that.
Am i reading into the situation a little to much - probably !! Was this your question - no but i thought I'd point my thoughts out.