Sink and Hob Proximity

PasturesNew

Is this legal? http://media.rightmove.co.uk/6k/5133/18650808/5133_000037897_IMG_02_0000.jpg

It seems to me that if you're washing up then the water's all going to splash over the hob ... and if you empty out a bowl of water there's the chance it'll even swamp that top.

So, is it legal? Or dangerous?

Innys

I'm not impressed by that. The fact that it appears to be an electric, rather than gas, hob doesn't make things any better.

Unless the kitchen consists of three units, there MUST have been somewhere else the sink or hob could have been located.

If wouldn't consider renting that place as it makes me wonder how many other bodges there are to be unearthed.

PasturesNew

It makes you wonder if that shower's safe to get into then. "Newly refurbished" it says....
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-18650808.html

Innys

I guess it depends on how desperate you are.

If it is being rented out, it should be subject to an electrical safety test (I think it's called a PAT) before the agent deems it fit to be rented. Assuming it passes that test, the shower SHOULD be safe, but there are no guarantees.

PasturesNew

Innys wrote: »

I guess it depends on how desperate you are.

If it is being rented out, it should be subject to an electrical safety test (I think it's called a PAT) before the agent deems it fit to be rented. Assuming it passes that test, the shower SHOULD be safe, but there are no guarantees.

The electrics have to be safe, but nobody has to test them, so if Mr Bodgitt says "they're OK" that's enough. Agents don't check as there's nothing to check, no formal testing. LL phones up an agent and agent takes photos and bungs it on a site. Only thing agent would want to see is the EPC for energy efficiency.

Doozergirl

I can't be bothered to check but I'm sure Part P says 30cm.

PasturesNew

Doozergirl wrote: »

I can't be bothered to check but I'm sure Part P says 30cm.

Ah, so it's an illegal death trap, waiting for some unfortunate poor person to kill themselves on.

I'll not be phoning for that one then.

dave82_2

From the interweb

"
The hob must be installed in accordance with the IEE Wiring Regulations (Current Edition). Detailed recommendations are contained in the British Standard Codes of Practice BS 6172 / BS 5440, Par 2 and BS 6891

There is no fixed minimum given between a hob and a sink. At least 400mm is recommended each side of a hob to give room for pan handles and so there is a useful worktop space next to the hob. To avoid water coming into direct contact with electricity it is recommended that sockets or switches are fitted at a safe distance, at least 300mm horizontally from the sink. Sockets and switches cannot be fitted behind a hob. The switch for the hob should be fitted at least 100mm away from the hob on the opposite side to the sink.

A hob is classifed as a "Class Y" appliance according to Fire Risk Regulations. Minimum distances are given from adjacent units for fire safety rather than electrical safety.

There must be a minimum distance of 55mm between the rear edge of the hob and the wall. The minimum distance combustible material (other kitchen units) can be fited above the hob in line with the edges of the hob is 400mm. Below 400mm, a space of 50mm must be allowed from the edges of the hob. The minimum distance combustible material can be fitted directly above the hob is 700mm."

PasturesNew

He must have read that then thought ... "oooooh, I'll stick it here then".

Do modern hobs have "switches for the hob"? I'm not familiar with modern stuff like hobs (never had/used one, only ever seen pictures of them on the internet).... so many are built in, so do they have a wall panel like other ovens etc do?

anotherbaldrick

There may be nothing specific in regulations but there can be no doubt that the arrangement shown is hair raisingly dangerous . Should be condemned. Have a few saucepans in the bowl and turn the mains cold tap on, the jet hits the pans and ZAPPO

PasturesNew

What about if you're elbow deep in suds and something needs turning down, so you reach over to the control... easily done from there, without a 2nd thought.