New, rewired and similar installations

This section incorporates questions relating to:

• New or rewired domestic and similar installations
• Alterations and additions in domestic and similar premises

You may notice that some numbers are missing from the Q&A. This is deliberate. The regulations are constantly updated and as questions become out of date, we remove them but do not renumber, as we are aware that visitors to the site will note specific numbers for future reference.

If you have any queries, please contact enquiries@electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk with "Wiring Regulations" as the subject line of your message.

1 FAQs for your term 'splashing'. Clear search

Q1.54 How close can an accessory and/or consumer unit or distribution board be installed to a sink or to a wash basin to protect from splashing?

BS 7671 does not specify a minimum height or horizontal distance.  However, Regulation 512.2.1, relating to external influences, requires that equipment shall be of a design appropriate to the situation in which it is to be used or its mode of installation shall take account of the conditions likely to be encountered.

Regulation 522.3.1 requires a wiring system to be selected and erected in such a way that no damage is caused by condensation or by ingress of water whilst being installed, used or maintained.

When installing standard accessories, good practice would be to install them at least 300 mm horizontally from the extremity of the sink bowl (excluding drainer) or wash basin opening. 

For commercial premises, the same principle applies.  However, the designer may consider it appropriate, due to the increased risk of splashing or the use of water jets, to install equipment that has a degree of protection of at least IPX4 or IPX5 respectively, as appropriate.

If an accessory is encountered closer to a sink than this during a periodic inspection, engineering judgement will need to be applied to determine whether this is safe. An accessory so located for a considerable time that had not suffered any perceptible water ingress or damage would not warrant a classification code or comment on the Electrical Installation Condition Report.

General guidance is to avoid positioning a consumer unit immediately above or alongside a sink.

Regulation number(s):

• 512.2.1
• 522.3.1