Inaccessible fused spur and outlet

Question

I'm currently refitting a kitchen which a cowboy made a real mess out of, the customer is hoping to recover some of what she paid to the previous contractor. 

The fitter had installed an integrated fridge freezer unit covering two fused spurs, and the outlet for the fridge, they had also left the outlet for the dishwasher behind the dishwasher unit (which was fed from one of the two spurs behind the fridge).

I've always been told the aforementioned practise is illegal, or at very least in breach of regulations. 

Can anyone confirm if this is correct, and point me in the right direction of some literature to verify this?

There were also sockets above the gas hob, and within 300mm of the sink. 

Thanks in advance 👍🏻

Sebastian · Accepted Answer

It sounds like you're dealing with quite a challenging situation with the previous installation. To address your concerns:

Integrated Fridge Freezer Unit and Fused Spurs: You are correct that having two fused spurs behind an integrated fridge-freezer unit is not compliant with regulations. According to the 2015 IET Wiring Regulations (18th Edition), appliances like a fridge-freezer should have a dedicated socket and shouldn’t share fused spurs with other appliances. This practice could potentially be dangerous and should definitely be rectified.

Dishwasher Outlet Behind Unit: Having the dishwasher outlet positioned behind the unit and fed from a spur behind the fridge is also not compliant. Electrical outlets must be accessible for maintenance, and the wiring must be installed with proper consideration of accessibility and safety.

Sockets Above the Gas Hob: Sockets above a gas hob and within 300mm of a sink are also a breach of regulations, as stipulated in the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). Sockets should not be positioned near any water sources or gas appliances to avoid safety risks.

For further verification and guidance, I recommend referencing the IET Wiring Regulations (18th Edition) and the Part P of the Building Regulations (if in the UK), which govern electrical installations in kitchens. These documents should provide a solid foundation for understanding the legal requirements for electrical installations in domestic properties.

If you need any help in bringing the kitchen up to standard, I’d be happy to discuss how I can assist with the necessary corrections.

Thibaut · Answer

Hi there, 
This does sound like a very unwise way to fit a kitchen, and also against wiring regulations (18th edition, 2018, IET Wiring Regulations, known as BS 7671:2018) and building regulations.
1. Regarding the concealed two fused spurs, fridge outlet and dishwasher outlet.

Preventing access to electrical accessories and connections goes against wiring regulation 513.1 which states that "[...] every item of equipment shall be arranged so as to facilitate its operation, inspection and maintenance and access to each connection". 
It also goes against wiring regulation 526.3 which states "Every connection shall be accessible for inspection, testing and maintenance" with a list of exceptions which do not cover your case.
Finally, wiring regulation 132.12 states that "Electrical equipment shall be arranged to provide (i) sufficient space for the initial installation and later replacement of individual items of electrical equipment (ii) accessibility for operation, inspection, testing, fault detection, maintenance and repair".

2. About the sockets above the gas hob, and within 300 mm of the sink.

The wiring regulations do not technically forbid sockets above hob, however they do require that all electrical equipment be suitable for the environment it is installed in (called "external influences" in the regulations): regulation 522.1.2 states that "Wiring system components, including cables and wiring accessories, shall only be installed or handled at temperatures within the limits stated in the relevant product specification or as given by the manufacturer". Additionally, regulation 522.2.1 requires efficient methods be used to "avoid the effects of heat from external sources”, which arguably implies no sockets above hobs.
Similarly, the wiring regulations do not ban sockets close to sinks, but do require that sockets be suitable to withstand external influences, in this case water. Sockets within 300 mm from the sink would potentially breach regulations 522.3.1 and 522.3.2.
However, Part P of the building regulations (which apply in the whole of the UK except Scotland, which has its own building regulations) requires sockets to be at least 300 mm from the edge of kitchen sinks and draining boards, and 100 mm horizontally from the edge of a hob.

I hope this helps!

Any questions, do get in touch.

Ryan · Answer

sockets above hob and within 300mm of a sink is not right.

the fuse spures should be insight not behind accessories otherwise they no point in having them in first place.

Lucian · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the issues your customer is facing due to substandard workmanship. Addressing your concerns:

1. Accessibility of Electrical Connections for Integrated Appliances:

According to the Electrical Safety First's "Guidance on the Minimum Provision of Socket-Outlets in the Home," appliances built into kitchen furniture (integrated appliances) should be connected to a socket-outlet or switched fused connection unit that is accessible when the appliance is in place and in normal use. This means that electrical outlets should not be positioned behind appliances like fridge freezers or dishwashers, as this would make them inaccessible without moving the appliance. 
ELECTRICALSAFETYFIRST.ORG.UK

2. Positioning of Sockets Near Gas Hobs and Sinks:

Near Gas Hobs: Electrical accessories, such as sockets and switches, should not be installed directly above a gas or electric hob. The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) recommends that electrical sockets or switches be fitted at a safe distance, typically at least 300mm horizontally from the edge of the hob, to avoid heat damage and reduce fire risk. 
MYBUILDER.COM

Near Sinks: Similarly, sockets should be positioned at a safe distance from sinks to prevent water ingress. The Institution of Engineering and Technology's (IET) Electrician’s Guide to the Building Regulations recommends a minimum distance of 300mm horizontally from the edge of the sink to the socket outlet. 
ELECTRICAL.THEIET.ORG

Recommendations for Your Customer:

Document the Issues: Encourage your customer to take detailed photographs and notes of all the problematic installations.

Obtain a Professional Assessment: A qualified electrician should inspect the work to identify all areas where the installations do not comply with regulations. This assessment should be documented in a formal report.

Seek Legal Advice: With the evidence gathered, your customer can consult with a legal professional to explore options for recovering costs from the previous contractor. This may involve mediation or legal proceedings, depending on the severity of the issues and the contractor's response.

Ensuring that all electrical installations comply with current regulations is crucial for safety. Addressing these issues promptly will help mitigate potential hazards in the kitchen.

Matt · Answer

Hi warren

All sockets must be 150mm from hob left or right. 

No isolating switches should be covered as they point of isolation.

Andrew · Answer

You're right. 513.1 of BS7671 covers the requirement for accessibility and 300mm is the recommended minimum distance from sinks but I don't know the reg number.

David · Answer

The spurs for appliances can be behind units, as they can be pulled out to gain access but its normally good practice to have sockets fitted in adjacent units to unplug appliances, No sockets are allowed above the hob or near to the sink as you say

Joe · Answer

In the United Kingdom, electrical installations in kitchens must adhere to specific regulations to ensure safety and accessibility. The practices you've described raise several compliance concerns:

1. Accessibility of Electrical Connections:

Integrated Appliances: Positioning fused spurs and outlets behind integrated appliances like fridge freezers contravenes safety guidelines. Such outlets should be placed in adjacent accessible units to allow for safe isolation and maintenance without moving the appliance. This practice aligns with recommendations from Electrical Safety First, which advises that integrated appliances be connected to a socket-outlet or switch fused connection unit that is accessible without moving the appliance. 
Information on this can be found at: ELECTRICALSAFETYFIRST.ORG.UK

2. Proximity of Sockets to Water Sources and Heat:

Near Sinks: Installing sockets within 300mm of a sink increases the risk of electrical hazards due to potential water exposure. Guidance from the National House Building Council (NHBC) specifies a minimum distance of 300mm between electrical accessories and sinks to mitigate this risk. 
Information on this can be found at: NHBC.CO.UK

Above Hobs: Placing sockets directly above gas hobs is discouraged because of the dangers associated with heat and rising steam. While specific distances may vary, it's essential to ensure that electrical outlets are positioned to prevent exposure to excessive heat and moisture.

3. Legal Recourse for Substandard Workmanship:

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, services must be provided with reasonable care and skill. If a contractor's work is substandard or breaches safety regulations, the customer has the right to request that the work be redone or to receive a price reduction. Citizens Advice recommends contacting the trader to address the issues and, if necessary, seeking further assistance to resolve the dispute. 
Information on this can be found at: CITIZENSADVICE.ORG.UK

For comprehensive guidance, consulting the latest edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) is advisable, as it provides detailed standards for electrical installations in the UK.

By ensuring that all electrical work complies with these regulations, you can uphold safety standards and support your customer's efforts to seek redress for any substandard workmanship.

Russell · Answer

your description is a little vague.Are the sockets above the gas hob now,as this contravenes buiding regs( ?300 mm from the sink is correct reg 5.2.3 building regs).Although the appliance spurs arent ideally suited behind,it is common practise and bs7671 does not specify that isolation to kitchen appliances is needed anyway,suggesting isolation could come straight from the circuit breaker

Iulian Andrei · Answer

I’m sorry to hear about the challenges you’re facing with the previous contractor’s work. Addressing your concerns:

1. Concealed Fused Spurs and Appliance Outlets:

While there isn’t a specific regulation outright prohibiting the placement of fused spurs or outlets behind integrated appliances, standard practice emphasizes accessibility for isolation and maintenance. The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) recommends that appliances built into kitchen furniture should be connected to a socket-outlet or switched fused connection unit that is accessible without moving the appliance.  ￼

This guidance ensures that in the event of a fault or for maintenance purposes, the appliance can be safely and quickly isolated without the need to dismantle or move heavy units. Therefore, placing fused spurs or outlets behind appliances, making them inaccessible, is contrary to best practices and could be considered non-compliant with the intent of the regulations.

2. Sockets Near Gas Hobs and Sinks:

The National House Building Council (NHBC) provides clear guidance on the placement of electrical accessories in relation to potential sources of water and heat:
	•	Proximity to Sinks: Electrical accessories, such as sockets and switches, should be installed at least 300mm horizontally away from the edge of sinks to prevent water ingress and reduce the risk of electric shock.  ￼
	•	Proximity to Hobs: Similarly, a minimum distance of 300mm should be maintained between electrical accessories and the edge of hobs to prevent exposure to heat and potential damage.  ￼

Installing sockets within these zones increases the risk of electrical hazards and does not align with safety recommendations.

Recommendations:

Given the described installations:
	•	Accessibility: Ensure that all isolation points for appliances are readily accessible without the need to move the appliance. This may involve relocating fused spurs or outlets to adjacent cabinets or above countertops.
	•	Safety Distances: Relocate any sockets or switches that are within 300mm of sinks or hobs to comply with safety guidelines.

By addressing these issues, you’ll enhance the safety and compliance of the kitchen’s electrical installation.

Inaccessible fused spur and outlet

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