In article ,
Andrew May writes:
I am sure that it has been mentioned in this group that there is some
minimum distance electrical sockets, switches etc. can be positioned
from a kitchen sink. If so, where is this codified? Unlike the bathroom
the 17th Series Wiring Regs do not include the kitchen as a special
location so the zoning distances defined do not apply. So, is this
minimum a regulation of some sort or just best practice?

I am particularly interested in any regs that relate to pendent lights
hanging above a sink to provide task lighting where there is no under
cupboard lighting available because the sink is by a window.

This is one of the few circumstances where a recessed downlighter is
the correct light for the job. Use at least two to reduce shadows,
and choose ones which can take compact fluorecents, such as the GU10
mains type. Consider having them separately switched from other lighting.
Where you have separately switched task lighting for the sink, you
might think about using a pull cord switch as it may get operated
with wet hands. You can fit this under a nearby cupboard with a short
(4") cord.

Another option (which is what I did in the most recent kitchen I've
done) is to use a wall mounted uplighter by the side of the window,
which in conjunction with a brilliant white ceiling, gives a nice
light. I found one which takes a 26W compact fluorescent with
separate control gear. If you try to use a retrofit compact
fluorescent in one designed to take a standard bulb, you will often
find it can only fit the lowest power ones, which aren't good enough.

--
Andrew Gabriel
[email address is not usable -- followup in the newsgroup]