Washing machine in Bathroom (IPX4 rating)

Spir4L

Hi everyone,

I found some previous topics about IPX4 requirements for a washing machine to be put in zone 2 in a bathroom and the fact that while this is a normal practice over most Europe, it seems a bit tricky here in the UK.

I have several reasons why I would like the put the washing machine in the bathroom:

- the kitchen is pretty small and having a dishwasher is a comfort I don't wanna lose
- the bathroom has a window so it's pretty easy to keep it ventilated

I could use a switched FCU instead of a plug, or actually have the plug connected in another room (using a box in the plaster wall). I would also isolate it putting it into a cupboard.

In theory I would rather move the boiler as well in the toilet to gain some space in the kitche.

I am currently struggling to find available machines on the market that can be considered IPX4 or higher rated as the information is not available in the datasheets.

Has anyone got any clue? Thanks 

SaverRate

Can you not build a cupboard or like a separate room in the bathroom which would possibly solve the IPX4 issue?

Rodders53

Have you googled this question?
It has been asked an answered in various forums, including the IET.

FCU is essential, as is RCD protection.

Look at German brands for bathroom use?  But a damp atmosphere cannot do metal box washers long term good. Probably.
You may need to call a few to ask about IP ratings and if warranty would be affected if located in a bathroom (especially if relatively small).

Boiler in a toilet with wash hand basin is also likely doable if not necessarily ideal (same fcu rcd applies).  Less damp atmosphere.  Ask installers or your service person to their view.  Flue location and pipework may dictate a yes or no.

Spir4L

SaverRate said:

Can you not build a cupboard or like a separate room in the bathroom which would possibly solve the IPX4 issue?

I would definitely build a cupboard, but I am not sure if that would make it become Zone 3.
A separate room in the bathroom wouldn't be possible cause it's not such a big bathroom.

Rodders53 said:

Have you googled this question?
It has been asked an answered in various forums, including the IET.

FCU is essential, as is RCD protection.

Look at German brands for bathroom use?  But a damp atmosphere cannot do metal box washers long term good. Probably.
You may need to call a few to ask about IP ratings and if warranty would be affected if located in a bathroom (especially if relatively small).

Boiler in a toilet with wash hand basin is also likely doable if not necessarily ideal (same fcu rcd applies).  Less damp atmosphere.  Ask installers or your service person to their view.  Flue location and pipework may dictate a yes or no.

I have googled and yes, FCU and RCD protection came up as suggestions, but also I read a lot of contradictory things.

I just googled for washing machines "data labels" and it actually seems many of them have IPX4 rating, I didn't think about doing this before. I guess going to the shop and checking on the label attached to the door is gonna be the trick to find the right one.

Honestly washing machines are not very expensive so even if they would last slightly less it doesn't sound like the end of the world.
I would expect boilers to be IPX4 at least cause they are sometimes installed in balconies and terraces in the south of Europe.

Jonboy_1984

We had a tumble dryer in a cupboard (with sliding doors) in a bathroom, one electrician happily installed a socket behind the appliance whilst doing other work (I had left an FCU for fitting, but he fitted a socket as it was already a fused spur), another unrelated electrician happily signed off an EICR without issue 10 years later.

Spir4L

Jonboy_1984 said:

We had a tumble dryer in a cupboard (with sliding doors) in a bathroom, one electrician happily installed a socket behind the appliance whilst doing other work (I had left an FCU for fitting, but he fitted a socket as it was already a fused spur), another unrelated electrician happily signed off an EICR without issue 10 years later.

Thanks!
I guess if the electrician is in the competent person scheme they should be able to sign everything off straight away.

Of course I am thinking about it in terms of compliance with building regulations in order to avoid risking the building insurance to turn down an eventual insurance claim.

Yorkie1

Some years ago now, admittedly, but consider servicing / repairs.

My parents had a small room in which there was a shower one side of the door, and the washer dryer the other side of the door.

When the washer dryer needed to be serviced or repaired, Dad had to move the machine all the way up the hall into the kitchen as the tradesmen wouldn't deal with it in the original location.

Spir4L

Yorkie1 said:

Some years ago now, admittedly, but consider servicing / repairs.

My parents had a small room in which there was a shower one side of the door, and the washer dryer the other side of the door.

When the washer dryer needed to be serviced or repaired, Dad had to move the machine all the way up the hall into the kitchen as the tradesmen wouldn't deal with it in the original location.

interesting