Location of switches for fixed kitchen appliances.

[slpjslpj]

Hi all,

Can someone tell me what reg's there are now, that dictate the requirements for, and the positions of, switching for fixed kitchen appliances?

For example ---

Is it now acceptable or prohibited -- according to the latest reg's --, to fit the cooker switch, the hob switch, and the extract fan switch, under the worktop, and behind a deep draw? -- The bottom draw in this case, and the switches can only be reached by first removing the draw.

The draw will inevitably be filled with stuff, and in the event that someone needs to immediately kill the power to one of those appliances, they will either have to empty the draw and then remove it in order to reach the switches, or run out of the house and into the garage, and flip the circuit breaker.

Please tell me there are still reg's covering this. Are there?

Thanks in advance

 

[Octopus]

There is no definition of "accessible" in BS 7671

Anyone stating otherwise is misleading you.....so you need to apply common sense....

 

[westward10]

Lost for words.

 

[Octopus]

Lost for words.

That's a first!

 

[LankyWill]

You need to engage your brain a bit, why on earth would you want to put them behind a draw anyway? In the event of a fire how will you be able to isolate the appliance quickly and effectively?

 

[Richard Burns]

Welcome to the forum.
BS7671 is not that specific in its detail to be able to specify locations of switches. The only reference is for switching off for mechanical maintenance where the switch should be placed so that it is convenient for its use 537.3.2.4
Unfortunately the switches you refer to are generally functional switches or possibly isolators and no such regulation applies to them.
However behind a low drawer in a kitchen is just foolish, at the back of a cupboard is bad enough. I have spent many hours searching for control switches in kitchens because of poor placement.

 

[Octopus]

^^ best you don't read the thread about switched fuses hidden behind a bath panel!

 

[stummish]

Personally the isolators are functional, not a safety thing (correct me if I'm wrong). They are there to isolate for maintainence/extended periods of no use. I wouldn't put them behind a drawer, but I wouldn't mind if a customer wanted them hidden to an extent. If you need the isolator to switch something off because of fire/live then the mcb/rcd/fuse hasn't done it's job, and the problem is already too far along for electrical isolation to make a difference. I'd welcome being proved wrong though.

 

[Resu]

Drawer!!!

For me it's the practicality of it. Is there much point of even having a switch (other than a point of connection) if it's in such a position?

Just inside a door of a normal cupboard would be more suitable IMO, although this would be kitchen design dependant.

 

[slpjslpj]

Thanks for those replies. I was hoping that there was something a little more precise -- as there used to be. The IEE reg's used to be a whole lot clearer on this. They used to use phrases like "separate from" and "readily accessible". And the positional limits for the cooker switch, were clearly defined. It's depressing that they are now so vague on this subject.

Of course common sense should be employed, but that's why you need regulation in most fields, because too many people, -- so called professionals -- don't have any.

I agree, though I personally don't like it, that in a nearby cupboard, at the front so easily reached, would be acceptable. But to put them in a draw, where by no stretch of the immagination are they easily accessible, is to me, beyond stupid. Which is why I wanted to know if the current reg's has anything to say on the subject, as I could then quote that, to have them moved. I guess I'll just tell the owner my opinion, and leave it at that then.

Time was, if an electrician had done that, and been proud of it, he'd have been sacked. Time was, electricians didn't fix socket boxes to walls with structural foam too, they used plugs and screws, and a host of other things I won't bother to mention. Times have changed. Anyway, I didn't come here for a rant, just to get the answers you have provided.

Thanks all.

 

[westward10]

Why is it you were enquiring.

 

[slpjslpj]

I'm in the semi-detached next door. You might say I'm an interested party as regards the safety of the electrical wiring.

 

[Pete999]

You need to engage your brain a bit, why on earth would you want to put them behind a draw anyway? In the event of a fire how will you be able to isolate the appliance quickly and effectively?

What's a draw?

 

[LankyWill]

What's a draw?

Sorry sire drawer

 

[polo1]

Building Regulations need to be considered too, if Building Warrant is involved. They have specific requirements which are not "advisory".