Can you put a socket next to a kitchen sink?

Socket outlets must not be placed within 300mm of the inner edge of a sink. This applies both horizontally and vertically. The 300mm exclusion zone applies to the sink basin itself, not the surrounding worktop. Sockets positioned more than 300mm from the sink are permitted. Shaver sockets complying with BS EN 61558-2-5 are not subject to this restriction and can be positioned closer to the sink, but standard 13A socket outlets cannot. The restriction reflects the risk of water ingress and contact between wet hands and socket outlets in proximity to a water source.

What cable size do I need for an electric cooker?

For a full-size electric range cooker (typically 6kW to 13kW), 6mm² twin and earth (T&E) cable on a 32A or 40A MCB is standard. For smaller electric hobs or range cookers up to 7.2kW (approximately 30A at 240V), a 6mm² cable on a 32A breaker is appropriate. For larger ranges over 10kW, a 10mm² cable on a 45A circuit may be required — always calculate the design current in accordance with BS 7671 Chapter 43. The cooker circuit should terminate at a dedicated cooker control unit with an integrated switch and socket outlet. The circuit breaker must be Type B or Type C depending on the cooker's starting characteristics.

Does a kitchen need RCD protection?

Yes. All socket-outlet circuits rated up to 32A in a domestic kitchen must be protected by a 30mA RCD under Regulation 411.3.3 of BS 7671. This is a mandatory requirement, not a recommendation. The kitchen is one of the highest-risk rooms in a dwelling for electric shock — water, wet hands, and high-load appliances are all present. Where an existing kitchen installation lacks RCD protection on socket circuits, this is typically recorded as a C2 (potentially dangerous) observation on an EICR.

Does a dishwasher need its own circuit?

A dishwasher does not require a dedicated circuit as a legal requirement under BS 7671, but a dedicated spur or radial circuit is good practice. A dishwasher typically draws 10A to 13A during the heating cycle. Running this alongside other high-draw appliances on a shared ring circuit can cause nuisance tripping. A fused connection unit (FCU) rated at 13A, connected as a spur from the ring main, provides a local isolation point and is a tidier solution than a trailing flex to a socket behind the dishwasher. The FCU should be accessible without moving the appliance.

Do I need planning permission for kitchen electrical work?

Kitchen electrical work does not require planning permission. However, it is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations in England where it involves adding a new circuit, modifying an existing circuit in a kitchen, or replacing a consumer unit. Work must be either carried out by a registered competent person (who self-certifies and notifies building control automatically) or notified to the local authority building control before work begins. Failure to obtain a Building Regulations certificate can cause difficulties when selling the property.

What is an extractor fan wiring requirement for a kitchen?

A kitchen extractor fan (cooker hood or canopy extractor) is typically wired as a fused spur from the ring main, with the FCU (fused connection unit) rated at 3A or 5A depending on the fan's rated current. The FCU should be positioned where it can be operated without reaching over a cooking hob. Integrated extractor fans in cooker hoods are often connected to the cooker circuit via the cooker control unit's socket outlet — check the fan's rated current to ensure the socket outlet and fuse are suitably rated. Humidity-controlled or timer-controlled extractors may require additional switching.

How many sockets should a kitchen have?

There is no minimum legal requirement for the number of kitchen socket outlets, but as a guide, a well-equipped kitchen should have a minimum of six double socket outlets above the worktop in addition to any dedicated appliance connections (dishwasher, washing machine, fridge-freezer, microwave). Islands or peninsulas should have additional sockets. Under-worktop or in-worktop sockets (with flush pop-up units) can supplement wall outlets where wall space is limited. All sockets must comply with the 300mm sink clearance requirement.

WIRING REGULATIONS GUIDE

Kitchen Electrical Requirements UK: Wiring Regulations and Costs Explained

Kitchen electrical installations must meet specific requirements under BS 7671 and Part P of the Building Regulations. This guide covers zone requirements, the 300mm sink rule for socket positions, cooker circuit specification, RCD protection, Part P notification, and 2026 costs for typical kitchen electrical work.

Start 7-day free trial

Free for 7 days · No charge until day 8 · Cancel anytime · Used by 1,000+ UK electricians

13 min readUpdated 2026-05-18Andrew Moore, Founder of Elec-Mate

Written and reviewed by Andrew Moore, founder of Elec-Mate, against BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, IET Guidance Note 3 and the IET On-Site Guide.

ShareX in W

1,000+

UK electricians

“Replaced three separate apps with Elec-Mate. Certs, quotes, and scheduling all in one place.”

Daniel Palmer — DP Electrical

Key Takeaways

1Socket outlets must not be installed within 300mm of the inner edge of a sink, including sinks set into worktops. This is specified in BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 Section 703 (Rooms Containing a Bath or Shower) as adapted for kitchen installations and is widely recognised in industry practice for areas containing a sink.
2A cooker circuit for a full-size electric range (7.2kW to 13kW) typically requires 6mm² twin and earth cable on a 32A or 40A circuit breaker, with a dedicated cooker control unit and isolator switch.
3All kitchen socket circuits must be protected by a 30mA RCD under Regulation 411.3.3 of BS 7671. This is one of the most commonly missed requirements in kitchen installations and one of the most common C2 findings on domestic EICRs.
4Kitchen electrical work that involves adding new circuits, replacing a consumer unit, or fitting a new cooker circuit constitutes notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. Always use a registered competent person or notify building control.
5A full kitchen rewire for a medium-sized kitchen typically costs £800 to £2,500 depending on the number of circuits, socket and switch upgrades, and whether the consumer unit needs replacing. These costs should be incorporated into any kitchen refurbishment budget.

01 · Wiring Regulations Guide

Kitchen Zone Requirements Under BS 7671

BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 (the Wiring Regulations) does not define kitchen zones in the same way it defines bathroom zones under Section 701. However, specific requirements apply to kitchen installations, particularly in relation to socket positions near sinks and RCD protection on all circuits. Kitchen electrical work must also comply with Part P of the Building Regulations.

No standard socket within 300mm of a sink — socket outlets (13A BS 1363 type) must not be installed within 300mm measured horizontally from the inner edge of the sink bowl. This requirement is widely referenced in industry guidance and competent person scheme technical guidance. The restriction reflects the risk of water contact with socket outlets in close proximity to a water source.
RCD protection on all socket circuits — Regulation 411.3.3 of BS 7671 requires 30mA RCD protection on all socket-outlet circuits in domestic premises. The kitchen is a particularly high-risk location due to the presence of water, conductive work surfaces, and frequent use of portable appliances.
Heat detectors not smoke detectors — kitchens should be fitted with a heat detector rather than an optical smoke detector. Steam and cooking particles cause persistent false alarms from smoke detectors positioned in kitchen areas.
Gas appliances and bonding — where gas appliances are present, main protective bonding of the gas service pipe is required under Regulation 411.3.1.2 of BS 7671. The bonding conductor must be connected at the main bonding point, not at the appliance.

Free download

Get the BS 7671 A4:2026 Cheat Sheet — free

Every key change in the 2026 amendment on one page. AFDDs, TN-C-S protection, new schedule columns, model forms. Pinned on your van dash.

Every regulation change summarised
New model forms (EIC + MEIWC)
Free PDF — no subscription

02 · Wiring Regulations Guide

Socket Positions — The 300mm Sink Rule

The 300mm exclusion zone around kitchen sinks is one of the most frequently discussed requirements in domestic kitchen electrical installations. Understanding what the rule covers — and what it does not — is important for designing kitchen electrical layouts.

Measurement from the sink basin edge — the 300mm is measured horizontally from the inner edge of the sink bowl. For sinks set into a worktop, the measurement starts from the inner rim of the sink cutout in the worktop, not from the outer edge of the worktop unit.
Applies in all directions — the exclusion zone applies in all horizontal directions from the sink edge. A socket directly to the side of the sink, directly in front, or at a diagonal must all be at least 300mm from the basin edge.
Above the worktop and below — sockets above the worktop (the most common position) must still comply. Sockets below the worktop (for under-counter appliances) must also be positioned at least 300mm from the sink basin edge measured in plan.
Shaver socket units are exempt — BS EN 61558-2-5 shaver supply units (which are isolated from the mains supply) are not subject to the 300mm restriction. Standard 13A socket outlets are the subject of the exclusion.
In-worktop pop-up sockets — pop-up socket units installed in the worktop surface must also respect the 300mm clearance. Flush-mounted worktop sockets near a sink are a common non-compliance found during kitchen EICR inspections.

In practice, a standard double socket outlet positioned 300mm or more from the sink edge means the nearest socket on a typical kitchen run will be positioned at least one socket width beyond the sink unit edge. Plan the kitchen electrical layout before finalising worktop and unit positions.

03 · Wiring Regulations Guide

Cooker Circuit Specification

A cooker circuit is one of the highest-load circuits in a domestic installation. Incorrect sizing is a safety and compliance risk. Always calculate the design current in accordance with BS 7671 Section 434 and Appendix 4 before selecting the cable and protective device.

Standard electric range (6kW to 13kW) — 6mm² twin and earth cable, 32A or 40A Type B MCB (or RCBO), terminated at a dedicated cooker control unit. The cooker control unit must be positioned within sight of and accessible to the cooker, not concealed behind or above it.
Large range cooker (over 10kW) — 10mm² SWA or T&E cable, 40A or 45A MCB. Some large range cookers (Aga-style, commercial-grade domestic) can draw up to 20kW at full load. Always check the cooker's rated current from the manufacturer's data sheet.
Separate hob and oven — where a separate hob and oven are used rather than a range, each can typically be connected to a single 6mm² circuit if the combined assessed load (calculated using BS 7671 diversity allowances) is within the circuit's capacity. A separate connection unit for each appliance is safer and allows independent isolation.
Cooker control unit with socket — most domestic cooker control units include an integrated 13A socket outlet. This socket is protected by the control unit's switch and is useful for a kettle or toaster in the immediate vicinity. The socket must comply with the 300mm sink rule.
Induction hob considerations — induction hobs have a high starting current (inrush current) compared to their rated running current. For hobs rated 7.2kW and above, a Type C MCB may be appropriate to prevent nuisance tripping on start-up. Confirm with the hob manufacturer.

04 · Wiring Regulations Guide

Dishwasher and Washing Machine Electrical Connections

Dishwashers and washing machines are high-draw appliances (typically 10A to 13A during the heating cycle) that benefit from dedicated electrical connections rather than sharing a ring main with other kitchen appliances.

Fused connection unit (FCU) recommended — a 13A FCU, wired as a non-fused spur from the ring main, provides a local isolation point and a permanent connection that avoids the appliance being accidentally unplugged. Position the FCU where it can be reached without moving the appliance, typically at a height of 800mm to 1,000mm above finished floor level in an adjacent unit or on the wall beside the appliance space.
Socket outlet as an alternative — a socket outlet behind the dishwasher is a common alternative to an FCU. This allows the appliance to be unplugged for maintenance. Where a socket is used, ensure it is accessible (the appliance can be moved) and positioned to respect the 300mm sink rule if the dishwasher is adjacent to the sink unit.
Washing machine in a kitchen — same requirements as a dishwasher. Where a washing machine is positioned in the kitchen, an FCU or socket behind the appliance is appropriate. The connection must be on an RCD-protected circuit under Regulation 411.3.3 of BS 7671.

05 · Wiring Regulations Guide

Fridge and Freezer Circuits

Fridge-freezers and standalone freezers have a practical consideration that affects their electrical connection: they must never be accidentally switched off. This influences the best approach to their connection.

Unswitched socket or FCU — connect a fridge or freezer to an unswitched socket outlet or an FCU without a switch. A switched socket risks the appliance being accidentally turned off. An FCU with a pilot light and no accessible switch is ideal.
Dedicated circuit for a chest freezer — a dedicated radial circuit for a large chest freezer (particularly one used for food storage in a utility room or garage) provides protection against nuisance tripping from other appliances on the circuit. A 13A radial circuit on 2.5mm² T&E is more than sufficient.
RCD consideration for freezers — a fridge or freezer on an RCD-protected circuit risks food loss if the RCD trips due to another appliance on the same circuit. Individual RCBOs (one per circuit) allow the fridge circuit to remain live if another circuit trips. This is a good reason to specify individual RCBOs rather than a dual-RCD split board in kitchen installations.

06 · Wiring Regulations Guide

Extractor Fan Wiring in Kitchens

Kitchen extractor fans (cooker hoods and canopy extractors) require a permanent electrical connection rather than a plug and socket, as they are fixed appliances. The wiring method depends on the type of extractor and its position.

Fused connection unit (FCU) — the standard connection for a cooker hood extractor. A 3A or 5A FCU (depending on the fan's rated current), wired as a spur from the ring main, provides a local isolation point. The FCU should be within reach without requiring the user to lean over or near the hob.
Connection via cooker control unit — many cooker hoods are connected to the integrated socket in the cooker control unit. This is acceptable where the fan's rated current is within the socket's fuse rating. Check the fan specification — most kitchen extractor fans draw less than 2A.
Timer and humidity control wiring — extractor fans with built-in timers or humidity sensors that run after the control switch is turned off require a permanent live supply in addition to the switched live. Confirm the wiring requirements from the fan's installation instructions before connection.
Building Regulations Part F — kitchen ventilation is regulated under Building Regulations Part F (Ventilation) as well as Part P (Electrical Safety). Where a new extractor fan or replacement is installed in an existing dwelling, ensure the ventilation rate complies with Table 1.2 of Approved Document F (minimum 60 litres per second adjacent to the hob or 30 litres per second elsewhere in the kitchen).

Try Elec-Mate free for 7 days

16 certificate types, 70+ calculators, RAMS, quoting, invoicing, AI agents, and 46+ training courses — from £6.99/mo.

Start free trial

07 · Wiring Regulations Guide

RCD Protection for Kitchen Circuits

RCD (Residual Current Device) protection on kitchen circuits is a mandatory requirement under BS 7671, yet it remains one of the most common deficiencies found during domestic EICR inspections, particularly in properties with older installations.

Regulation 411.3.3 requirement — all socket-outlet circuits rated up to 32A in domestic premises must be protected by a 30mA RCD. This requirement has been in successive editions of BS 7671 since the 17th Edition (2008) and is non-negotiable in a compliant kitchen installation.
How RCD protection is provided — in a modern kitchen, RCD protection is typically provided by the RCDs or RCBOs in the consumer unit. A split-load consumer unit with dual RCDs provides RCD protection on all circuits. Individual RCBOs provide protection per circuit, which avoids an entire side of the board tripping if one appliance faults.
Upgrading existing kitchens — where an existing kitchen ring main has no RCD protection (common in pre-2008 installations), a consumer unit with RCDs must be installed, or the ring main circuit breaker must be replaced with an RCBO, to achieve compliance. This work is notifiable under Part P.
C2 observation on EICR — absence of RCD protection on kitchen socket circuits is classified as C2 (potentially dangerous) on an EICR under BS 7671 Section 631. This makes the EICR Unsatisfactory and requires remedial action within 28 days for landlord properties.

08 · Wiring Regulations Guide

Part P Notification for Kitchen Electrical Work

Part P of the Building Regulations (England) requires that certain electrical work in dwellings is either carried out by a registered competent person or notified to the local authority building control before work begins. Kitchen electrical work commonly triggers Part P notification requirements.

Notifiable kitchen electrical work — adding a new circuit (cooker circuit, dedicated appliance circuit), replacing a consumer unit, modifying a circuit in a kitchen, bathroom, or outdoors. These are designated special locations under Schedule 4 of the Building Regulations.
Non-notifiable kitchen electrical work — replacing a like-for-like socket outlet, switch, or fixed luminaire in a kitchen is not notifiable, provided no new wiring is required. Replacing a socket with a different type (e.g., adding USB outlets) is also non-notifiable.
Competent person schemes — electricians registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or other approved competent person schemes can self-certify notifiable work and notify building control automatically. The homeowner receives a Building Regulations completion certificate at no additional cost.
Consequences of non-notification — failure to notify kitchen electrical work that should have been notified is a breach of Building Regulations. When you sell the property, the lack of a completion certificate will be identified by the buyer's solicitor. Retrospective regularisation is possible but requires an EICR and may require remedial work.

Always use a registered competent person for kitchen electrical work. The certificate they issue is a permanent record of compliance that will be required when you sell or let the property.

09 · Wiring Regulations Guide

Typical Costs for Kitchen Electrical Work (2026)

Kitchen electrical work varies widely in cost depending on the scope of works, the age of the existing installation, and your location. Use these 2026 indicative prices when budgeting for a kitchen refurbishment.

New cooker circuit (6mm², 32A RCBO) — £300 to £600 including materials, labour, and certification. Higher cost if the consumer unit does not have a spare way.
Consumer unit replacement (standard domestic) — £400 to £900 including the unit, labour, and Building Regulations certification.
Additional socket outlets (per double socket, surface chase) — £100 to £200 per double socket outlet including materials, chasing, and making good. First fix (before plastering) is significantly cheaper.
Dishwasher or washing machine FCU — £80 to £150 per FCU including materials and labour.
Extractor fan wiring (FCU spur) — £80 to £180 depending on cable run length and access.
Full kitchen rewire (new circuits, sockets, switches) — £800 to £2,500 for a medium-sized kitchen. This includes all new socket outlets, cooker circuit, appliance spurs, lighting circuit, consumer unit, and certification. London and South East prices are typically 20 to 30 per cent higher.
EICR after kitchen refurbishment — £150 to £300. Recommended after significant kitchen electrical works to confirm compliance and provide a record for future sale or rental.

These prices exclude VAT (5% applies to residential electrical works), redecoration after chasing, and any associated plumbing or gas work. Always obtain two or three written quotes from registered electricians before proceeding with significant kitchen electrical works.

10 · Wiring Regulations Guide

For Electricians: Kitchen Electrical Work and Certification

Kitchen electrical work is among the most common and consistent domestic installation work. A kitchen refurbishment project regularly involves new circuits, a consumer unit upgrade, and certification under Part P — all within a single visit.

Certify Kitchen Work on Site

Kitchen circuits require an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or a Minor Works Certificate depending on scope. Use the Elec-Mate certificate app to complete and issue the certificate on the day of completion. Customers expect same-day certification — and it keeps your Part P obligations clear.

Quote the Full Kitchen Scope

Kitchen enquiries often expand from a single cooker circuit to a full consumer unit upgrade, new socket layouts, and appliance spurs. Use the quoting app to quickly price the full scope and present a professional written quote that wins the whole job.

Certify kitchen electrical work faster with Elec-Mate

Join 1,000+ UK electricians using Elec-Mate for on-site EIC and EICR completion, Part P certification, and instant quoting.

Try it free for 7 days

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Electrical Regulations

What electricians say

Verified reviews from the UK App Store.

One App for Everything!

Elec-Mate is my go to app for business and electrical work. It's feature rich without feeling cluttered. A true all in one app for quotes, certs, calculations, RAMS, EICRs, and more. I use it every day without fail, and it makes my workflow much smoother since I'm not jumping between apps anymore. The price-to-feature ratio is excellent. Any issues I've had, the developer responds within the hour and usually fixes them the same day. 100% recommend.

Fantastic app for electricians

I've used the app and the web based version for a while now and it's well worth the investment. If you're an apprentice or experienced Spark give it a go, you won't be disappointed.

Absolutely amazing

I've been using Elec-Mate for a while now, and honestly, it's one of the best apps I've ever downloaded. Every aspect of it feels thoughtfully designed, from the clean and intuitive interface to the powerful features that make everything so easy to manage. It's clear that a lot of care and attention went into building this app, and it shows in every detail.

Trusted by electricians across the UK

Real feedback from real sparks

“Replaced three separate apps with Elec-Mate. Certs, quotes, and scheduling all in one place.”

Daniel Palmer

Sole Trader · DP Electrical

“I've won two contracts this month because I could turn quotes around same-day with the AI cost engineer.”

Nathan Perry

Electrician · NP Electrical Services

“The study centre got me through my AM2. Mock exams and flashcards are brilliant.”

Jake Pizey

3rd Year Apprentice · Apprentice

7-Day Free Trial — Cancel Anytime, No Hassle

Certify Kitchen Electrical Work on Your Phone

Join 1,000+ UK electricians using Elec-Mate for on-site EIC and EICR completion, instant PDF export, and same-day quoting. Issue Part P certificates before you leave the job. 7-day free trial.

“Replaced three separate apps with Elec-Mate. Certs, quotes, and scheduling all in one place.”

Daniel Palmer, DP Electrical

From £6.99/mo after trial — less than a coffee a week

or download the app

7 days free, then from £6.99/moCancel in one tap — no calls, no hassleiOS, Android & WebBS 7671 compliant

Kitchen Electrical Requirements UK: Wiring Regulations and Costs Explained

Key Takeaways

Kitchen Zone Requirements Under BS 7671

Get the BS 7671 A4:2026 Cheat Sheet — free

Socket Positions — The 300mm Sink Rule

Cooker Circuit Specification

Dishwasher and Washing Machine Electrical Connections

Fridge and Freezer Circuits

Extractor Fan Wiring in Kitchens

Try Elec-Mate free for 7 days

RCD Protection for Kitchen Circuits

Part P Notification for Kitchen Electrical Work

Typical Costs for Kitchen Electrical Work (2026)

For Electricians: Kitchen Electrical Work and Certification

Certify Kitchen Work on Site

Quote the Full Kitchen Scope

Certify kitchen electrical work faster with Elec-Mate

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Electrical Regulations

Can you put a socket next to a kitchen sink?

What cable size do I need for an electric cooker?

Does a kitchen need RCD protection?

Does a dishwasher need its own circuit?

Do I need planning permission for kitchen electrical work?

What is an extractor fan wiring requirement for a kitchen?

How many sockets should a kitchen have?

Continue reading

Home Office Electrical Guide

New Home Electrical Checklist

EICR Observation Codes Explained

EICR for Landlords

EICR Certificate App

What electricians say

One App for Everything!

Fantastic app for electricians

Absolutely amazing

Trusted by electricians across the UK

Certify Kitchen Electrical Work on Your Phone