Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This one, concerning BS7671 and the installation of a washing machine in a domestic bathroom, is answered both by SELECT and the ECA:
ECA answer: The socket outlet or fusespur should be 3m from the bath and washing machine, and to be rated to IP54 minimum.
SELECT answer: Section 701 of BS 7671 requires equipment in Zones 0, 1 and 2 of the location containing a bath or shower to be suitable for installation in the particular zone. You therefore need to be aware of the zone dimensions - Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower, Zone 1 is the area immediately above Zone 0 to a height of 2.25m, and Zone 2 is the area adjacent to the bath 2.25m in height and 0.6m from the edge of Zone 1.
Outwith the zones, the general requirements of BS 7671 apply. All equipment in a bathroom or shower room now requires to be protected by a 30mA RCD. The only suitable area for installation of a washing machine is possibly Zone 2, but the equipment would need to be IPX4 rated, which is unlikely, therefore, and installation outside the zones is a more likely proposition.
Consideration should still be given to the suitability of the equipment for the area with regard to ingress of moisture or water - probably this means siting this type of equipment as far from the zones as practicable, and ensuring that the manufacturer's recommendations for the equipment are followed - if in doubt as to the suitability do not install!
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