Hair-raising Bathroom Electrics

A space saving design solution UIL utilised back in 2018/2019 was to install a washing machine in a bathroom.

This is a common design tactic utilised in Europe and America and really it does make sense – after all, why would a washing machine be in a food area (kitchen)? If you don’t have a utility room then a bathroom (with all it’s lovely cleanliness and plumbing) is the obvious place for a washing machine.

Read the original post that UIL wrote on MyBuilder here :

"i know its a very old question (7 years ago) but i thought I'd give an answer anyway as regs do change and it could be useful for someone else - a washing machine is allowed in a bathroom as long as the manufacturer (of the machine) says it's ok in a bathroom!

It MUST be fitted to a fused connection unit (in laymans terms, it looks like the connection for your boiler - a wire from the boiler, hardwired into the wall. inside that little box is a fuse). i.e you cannot just have a socket and plug the machine in. Any electrician will hardwire it in for you. That is according to IET 17th edition regulations so to answer the question - yes you can have a washing machine in a bathroom.... I'm currently doing exactly this in my renovation project im working on ps both previous posters incorrectly state the 3m rule, regs have probably changed since they stated those rules. IET 17th ed says "Current-using equipment The 16th Edition made a clear division between equipment permitted to be installed in zone 1 and equipment permitted to be installed in zone 2. In the 17th Edition no requirements are stated for zone 2. This is because all circuits of the location now require RCD protection. The term “current-using equipment other than fixed current-using equipment” no longer appears in the 17th Edition.

Current-using equipment, such as washing machines and tumble dryers for example, continue to be allowed to be installed beyond zone 2, subject to manufacturers’ approval similar to the 16th Edition. Such equipment must be supplied by means of a fused connection unit within 3m horizontally from the boundary of zone 1. Beyond 3m they may be supplied by means of a plug and socket-outlet."

NB it is always important to remember that building regulations and electrical regs. are constantly changing and professional advice should be sought at the start of each and every project.

Guidance and advice should also be taken from each individual washing machine manufacturer.

Putting a washing machine in a bathroom is not a DIY task and should not be attempted at home without employing and consulting professional experts.

As an example the ‘3 meter rule’ has been changed since the post of MyBuilder was written, as of 30th March 2022: “Amendment 2 distance of a socket from a bath = 2.5m.”

To book a professional consultation click here to get in touch or contact UIL on 01305 584459