The house I own was built in 1938. The fuse box is in the basement bathroom, that has a shower. Should I move the box or replace the shower with a sink. What are the guidelines?? I want to sell the house and need the cheapest way to fix the problem! Please help!!
2007-01-08 02:56:02 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
According to the National Electrical Code Book section #240-24(E), fuse boxes are not allowed in bathrooms for dwelling units. Section #312-2 prohibits istalling electrical boxes in damp locations unless the box and cover are designed and rated for that purpose.
2007-01-08 05:04:50 · answer #1 · answered by Peachfish Whiskerbiscuit 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Please disregard the answers from the USA. Their regulations and wiring standards are very different from ours and you could be in serious trouble, or even danger, if you follow their advice. Electrical work is not something that the unqualified should handle; especially at the supply side of the consumer unit. It's not the gas meter that's the main issue. It's your legal qualification to do the job. As you have had to ask the question it is apparent that you don't know the latest regulations therefore you are not qualified and must not attempt the work. Mains electrical wiring is covered by Part P of the Building Regulations. This is a legal requirement that specifies the standards of electrical installation and certification required of the installer. Moving the fuse box/consumer unit definatley comes under the scope of "Part P" and BS7671, the Wiring Regulations. (follow the links below for details). You would also have to isolate the incoming supply, which means removing your supply company's fuse (if you did not do this then you would be very foolish). Unless you are 100% certain of the type of earthing system in use (this is very rarely apparent from looking at the fuse box) then you could be creating a dangerous situation within the house. There are three main types of incoming supply earth and you must NEVER guess which is yours. When the job is done it will mean liaising with the supplier for a "test and connect" - which would be expensive. Also, to comply with the regulations you would have to have a safety inspection and certificate issued by a registered electrician, or your local council. This will cost about £300-£400. If you do not get this certificate then you will have committed an Offence and your domestic property insurance will automatically become invalid (they won't pay up if you make any claim at all for any reason). If you have a mortgage then this could be affected by the lack of insurance. Also, the work would have to be declared when you sell the house (if you don't declare it then the buyer's survey would spot it and it could become a criminal matter) and the lack of a certificate could affect the sale value. In other words, get your local friendly registered sparks to do it. He'll certify the work properly and probably charge you less than the council would for just inspecting it. Check your Yellow Pages.
2016-03-29 16:01:29 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get the water away from the electricity. The simplest way is to move the shower. The safest way is to get the fuse box out of the bathroom. I'm surprised no has been hurt yet.
2007-01-08 03:09:11 · answer #3 · answered by the old dog 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Panel boxes are not allowed in a shower. Check with your local code rep to determine if you can remove the shower and have the panel in the vacinity of a sink. Keep in mind that most codes dictate that you have adequate clearances in front and to the sides of the box, so a sink in front would not work.
If you are planning on selling the house, you will most likely have to do something. Good luck.
2007-01-08 03:45:28 · answer #4 · answered by tim r 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as it is a decent distance away from the shower, you should be ok.
2007-01-08 03:03:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋