Bathroom & Kitchen Electrics
Introduction
All electrical work in kitchens and bathrooms is ‘notifiable’, which means that you should employ the services of an electrician who is a member of an authorised competent person self-certification scheme, or notify your Local Authority Building Control department.
Extractor fans
Extractor fans should be fitted in all kitchens and bathrooms to satisfy the Part F: Ventilation Building Regulations. For more information use the link below:
Lighting & sockets
IEE Regulations state that all bathroom lighting must be encased to ensure that steam cannot enter and short the electrical circuit. If operated from within the bathroom, the light must be pull-switched.
Standard electrical socket outlets are not permitted in a bathroom. The only permitted power outlets are those specially designed for electric razors that meet British Standard 3535.
Electric showers require their own dedicated circuit, using 10mm˛ two-core-and-earth cable. It should be protected by a 45amp fuse or MCB for showers up to 10300W, or a 50amp MCB for a 10800W shower unit. If controlled from inside the bathroom, the power to an electric shower must be switched on using a 45amp or 50amp double-pole pull switch with a neon indicator. 
Electric cookers require their own dedicated circuit, using 6mm˛ two-core-and-earth cable. It should be protected by a 45amp fuse or MCB for appliances up to 10300W, or a 50amp MCB for a 10800W unit. The power supply to the cooker must be controlled using a 13amp fused connection unit, not a standard plug.
- Sockets in a kitchen must be positioned at least 600mm (24in) from a sink.
Remember that any gas cooker installation must be performed by a Gas Safety Register installer.
Further information and useful links
- Find an Electrical Merchants near you
- Find an Electrical Switches & Sockets supplier near you
- Find an Electrician near you
Site Pages
Featured Articles