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View Full Version : Electric fuse box and outside taps together... safe?!


mo173
Oct 15, 2012, 02:46 AM
I have recently moved into a new property and have noticed that my mains electric fuse box is situated in storage cupboard outside, but directly next to the fuse box is the outside tap. Surely this isn't safe? Is it?


Surely this should have been picked up in a home report?

Can you help, is this normal for both to be situated together?

Many thanks :)

tkrussell
Oct 15, 2012, 02:47 AM
Any chance you can provide a photo of what you have?

mo173
Oct 15, 2012, 02:54 AM
Yes, I will get a photo to show you what I mean.

tkrussell
Oct 15, 2012, 04:52 AM
That will be helpful.

Also, provide where your located.

By the terms that you use, my instinct tells me your located in the UK.

mo173
Oct 15, 2012, 10:04 AM
Please see link for photo... sorry if you get a sore neck, I can't get the pic to rotate.

Yes, I am from UK, Aberdeen

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EqF4-C8ddKMFbl_jAOSCLg3hWVmJH9EFmzMuLyGrkrk/edit

tkrussell
Oct 15, 2012, 12:02 PM
Awesome, thanks for the photo. No problem, I just turned my monitor on its side.

USA electrician here, I get the words, but I do not understand the equipment. Looks foreign to me.

Oh wait, I think I just figured it out, the water pipe outlet, here we call it, among other names, spigot, sillcock, (hey, I don't make these up, plumbers do).

If what your referring to is the water outlet, and if OK so close to the electrical, I do not think it is a safety hazard.

However, while your electrical equipment seems to be well designed for outdoor use, close to watertight, more than raintight, I can see your concern. I would think if there was a glaring issue, someone would have detected the problem.

I will need to refer you to a local expert familiar with your electrical equipment, clearences from water outlets, etc.

stanfortyman
Oct 15, 2012, 02:25 PM
Yes, "tap" is a UK term for faucet, spigot, etc.

I see nothing glaringly wrong. Not unsafe at least. I have never heard of a UK code requiring separation between taps and mains, but then again I don't know the UK code well at all. Just what I read here and other places.


I am curious as to why you say "Surely this isn't safe?".
What makes you think this?

mo173
Oct 16, 2012, 08:41 AM
Thank you for your answers!

Just assuming not safe, as didn't think water and electricity a good combo ;@)