Last week a user of my website www.mylocalelectrician.co.uk posted a comment in my forums about the distance a socket should be installed from the edge of a kitchen sink. Since then I have done some research online about this question and there seems to be confusion in the trade with regards to the minimum distance a socket or switch can be from the edge of a sink or hob and I would like to let everyone know how I see it.
In the current IET 17th edition wiring regulations there is no reference to the position of an electrical outlet in a kitchen, the only reference is “sockets and accessories are suitable for the environment they are to be used in”, vague I know, but isn’t most of the regs? Lol
The “ electricians guide to the building regulations” book mentions this and even have a nice diagram showing a minimum distance of 300mm ( 30cm / 12” ) from the edge of a hob and sink.
So to put things clear to everyone as I see it, the minimum distance for an electrical outlet in a kitchen should be 30cm. That is the width of two 6” wall tiles or three 4” wall tiles.
This rule is NOT an electrical regulation but it IS a building regulation. Part P building regulation to be precise.
