Water pipes near electrical socket

Busy body washing machine fitter. There is nothing against fitting sockets next to pipes. There is a misguided concern that somehow water is going to splash all over the socket. Water is contained within the pipe, it's not a shower head or a sieve. In the event of a leak all that would happen is the socket may get a little water inside and trip the mcb or RCD. It's really not a problem. The leak would get repaired and all is well. Are plumbers really that poor at their job? I don't think so. Edit: Why do people who don't have knowledge or expertise in a particular field get involved with giving advice? A washing machine is an appliance. It is fitted with a plug. All he needs to do is attach it to the relevant water pipes and plug it in. He should NOT comment on things he is not qualified to comment on. This sort of thing is rife amongst the trades. Unless the person giving you advice is qualified to give it, ignore it.

Hello, I personally don’t think there is cause for concern, assuming ADS is present. How long has that socket been there? Has there ever been a leak affecting it? Has anybody suffered injury or death? Is it a great location for a socket? Probably not.. Will it be a risk to you? Probably not, given how long it has been there, and the landlord has a Satisfactory EICR right? Have you been given access to it? Have you asked? Regards, Carl

Although its not the ideal location for a socket , it doesn't break any electrical regulations.

‘Had a background in fitting kitchens’ is not the best recommendation for an electrical problem that he thinks might exist. If he was that sure he was right he would not have fitted it, would he?

Building Regulations Part P 5.3.2 location of accessories in kitchens state, (e),Socket outlets supplying washing machines should be positioned so that water that may drip from plumbing is unlikely to affect the socket outlet. I cannot pass opinion without seeing the installation, however being located next to a water pipe alone does not necessarily make it dangerous. Prior to moving in your landlord would have had to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report carried out. If done diligently this would have confirmed the presence of protection such as water pipe bonding, and additional protection of RCDs. That said, if you can see the pipes are dripping on the socket outlet, report it to your landlord, otherwise, the socket position alone does not make it dangerous.

XF Electrical hit the nail on the head. The most important word being UNLIKELY. It doesn’t have to be impossible, if that were the case most kitchens in the UK would be in breach of the regs.

Ask your landlord for a copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report. It's law now for landlords to have one done and you should be able to see a copy. If he hasn't had one you may as well take the washing machine mans word for it as he is the next best thing to an expert in this situation!