Electrical Accessory Clearance Elevation Detail

300 mm

Elevation diagrams specify the minimum 300mm horizontal separation required between electrical accessories and the edges of sinks or wash basins

Elevation diagrams specify the minimum 300mm horizontal separation required between electrical accessories and the edges of sinks or wash basins. These details clarify safe placement to prevent water splash reaching electrical components, ensuring compliance with electrical safety standards.

Basis in regulation

BS 7671
Read the source

How to check it on site

Verify, using a tape measure, that electrical accessories maintain the specified horizontal clearance from wet areas.

Common failure

Poor planning of electrical outlet locations relative to plumbing fixtures during the design and first-fix stages.

Last updated 23 August 2026. This is our editorial summary of publicly available regulation, not building control approval or a warranty determination.

Related dimensions at this stage

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A hearth may not be necessary if an appliance's flame or incandescent material is positioned at least 225mm above the floor

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Soundproofing Measures for Soil Pipes

25 mm

Sound insulation for soil pipes involves either encasing them in boxing made from a material with a minimum mass of 15kg/m², or wrapping them with at least 25mm of unfaced mineral wool, typically 10kg/m³ density

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Electrical Accessory Clearance from Water Diagrams

300 mm

Diagrams illustrating the required 300mm minimum horizontal clearance for electrical accessories from water sources, such as sinks and wash basins, are commonly used in guidance documents

exact

Conditions for Pipe Freezing Calculations

6 °C

Calculations for pipe insulation to prevent freezing are based on specific assumed conditions, typically including an external air temperature of -6°C and an internal water temperature of +7°C

Minimum

Water seal depth at appliance traps

75 mm for baths, basins, sinks and showers on a branch; 50 mm for a WC trap

Appliance trap on a branch discharge pipe

Minimum

Stair Handrail Height and Clearance

600 mm

A handrail is mandatory for flights of stairs where the rise exceeds 600mm