Regulations for minimum distances from water based appliances/general questions.

[ElectricOblivio]

Hi,

I have a few questions regarding the requirements for items such as meters and fuse boards and the minimum distance they can be from boilers/water tanks/washing machines.

First question, the existing fuse board is located in a pantry of size 1500mm x 1300mm. The fuse board is from 1977 and will most likely be replaced with a modern fuse box but we are looking to have a washing machine and water pressure tank along with the fuse box inside of this space, The existing fuse box is located at one end of the room. I hope that makes sense, I can upload drawings if that is any help.

Second question, Currently there is an external meter for the electrics inside of a white metal box (installed 1977), the area this is located in is to become a new kitchen, to save space I am looking to have the internal part of an air source heat pump installed above the meter as it is dead space anyway, are there any minimum requirements for distance for boilers to meter boxes?

Sorry if this is confusing, I can upload basic drawings if helpful, would I be best contacting a local electrician and having him evaluate the proposed changes? Are there any useful websites guides which could answer these questions? I had a scan of section P of building regs but couldn't find anything applicable.

Cheers

 

[Engineer54]

Post your drawing up!! A picture is worth a thousand words of trying to describe a situation. ..lol!! But you'll have to make another 5 posts beforehand (just make them short ones) to get past the minimum post restriction!!

 

[ElectricOblivio]

Post your drawing up!! A picture is worth a thousand words of trying to describe a situation. ..lol!! But you'll have to make another 5 posts beforehand (just make them short ones) to get past the minimum post restriction!!

Thanks for the reply, Please excuse the very crude drawing which follows no drawing codes, I have attached two photos also. The internal photo is of the existing fuse board, which is labelled as fuse board on the plan view drawing. The second image shows the electricity meter labelled Meter box on the plan drawing.

Upload the image directly to the thread: the simple image sharer That link should have all three images, the first is of plan view drawing, the second is the electricity meter and the third is the fuse board.

I hope that is of any help.

 

[telectrix]

can't see a problem if the new CU is mounted high level above the washing machine. it's more common sense than regulations. as long as there is fat chance of water being splashed onto the CU, there's no problem that i can see.

 

[Engineer54]

Looking at the 3 images you posted up, i like Tel, can't see much of a problem!! It's more a case of using commonsense. Alas sadly lacking these days!!

 

[Landril]

As long as both meter and CU can be easily accessed, and there is no immediate threat of water i cant see a problem.

A thought: may want to possibly place the CU within a small cupboard just incase any major water pipe leaks(spray) happen from the washer or tank , then at least it will be the cupboard that gets soaked and not your CU - which may take a while to dry out as i doubt it will be IP rated to allow water sprayed all over it.