Under-cabinet lighting above sinks- - safety regulations?
Ian Jackson
miniature/small lights under cabinets which are above - or near - the
sink area? Presumably, the low voltage (say LED and halogen) one are OK,
but do they need to be driven by a 'proper' isolation transformer,
rather than some not-really-isolating switchmode gizmo?
And what about those running directly off the mains (say low wattage
halogens and fluorescent)? What can be used which conforms to the latest
regulations?
--
Ian
Tim Watts
For extra low voltage, you want proper SELV supply, which may well be switch
mode, but there's nothing wrong with that if it is designed for that
purpose.
--
Tim Watts
Tabby
They should be splash safe or splash proof. Halogens must therefore
not use bare capsules. smpsus for halogen lamps shouldnt be a problem.
So not much restriction in practice.
NT
A.Lee
There are no specific (afaiaa) regulations about under cabinet lights.
The only rule is that the fitting must be suitable for its intended
location. So if it is liable to be splashed, probably IP44 rated to be
safe. Of course, any new fitting should be (in nearly all cases) RCD
protected.
There is no difference in a kitchen between 12v or 230v, either can be
used, if they meet the likely specification as to fire-proofing and
water tightness, and suitability for the location.
It is the same with socket outlets close to kitchen sinks. It is up to
the designer to decide what distance from the tap is required.
IIRC, one of the building regs states 'no closer than 300mm'.
Alan.
--
To reply by e-mail, change the ' + ' to 'plus'.
Ian Jackson
<alan@darkroom.+.com> writes
>Ian Jackson <ianREMOVET...@g3ohx.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>
>> Does anyone know what the regulations are regarding the fitting of
>> miniature/small lights under cabinets which are above - or near - the
>> sink area? Presumably, the low voltage (say LED and halogen) one are OK,
>> but do they need to be driven by a 'proper' isolation transformer,
>> rather than some not-really-isolating switchmode gizmo?
>>
>> And what about those running directly off the mains (say low wattage
>> halogens and fluorescent)? What can be used which conforms to the latest
>> regulations?
>
>There are no specific (afaiaa) regulations about under cabinet lights.
>The only rule is that the fitting must be suitable for its intended
>location. So if it is liable to be splashed, probably IP44 rated to be
>safe.
So far, I've only found one which specifically says IP44 (in Wickes).
> Of course, any new fitting should be (in nearly all cases) RCD
>protected.
The consumer unit has an all-embracing 30mA RCD.
>There is no difference in a kitchen between 12v or 230v, either can be
>used, if they meet the likely specification as to fire-proofing and
>water tightness, and suitability for the location.
>
They won't really be the 'Zone 2' 0.6m above the sink. Even if they look
fairly well sealed, I think I'd feel happier with low voltage lights.
>It is the same with socket outlets close to kitchen sinks. It is up to
>the designer to decide what distance from the tap is required.
>IIRC, one of the building regs states 'no closer than 300mm'.
>
Noted. Thanks.
--
Ian
Ian Jackson
<t...@dionic.net> writes
'use with' one recommended). They all seem to be 12V. But nothing seems
to be specified as being OK for over-the-sink use.
--
Ian
Ian Jackson
<714b6133-1608-416e...@e7g2000vbw.googlegroups.com>,
Tabby <meow...@care2.com> writes
>On Jun 24, 5:05 pm, Ian Jackson
><ianREMOVETHISjack...@g3ohx.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>> Does anyone know what the regulations are regarding the fitting of
>> miniature/small lights under cabinets which are above - or near - the
>> sink area? Presumably, the low voltage (say LED and halogen) one are OK,
>> but do they need to be driven by a 'proper' isolation transformer,
>> rather than some not-really-isolating switchmode gizmo?
>>
>> And what about those running directly off the mains (say low wattage
>> halogens and fluorescent)? What can be used which conforms to the latest
>> regulations?
>
>They should be splash safe or splash proof.
Apart from one light which said it was IP44 (in Wickes), none of the
others seem to give any warnings about mounting directly above sinks, or
make any claims about their splash resistance.
> Halogens must therefore
>not use bare capsules. smpsus for halogen lamps shouldnt be a problem.
>So not much restriction in practice.
>
I note that, in the show rooms, none of the displays have lights in
cabinets which are above sinks. In fact, hardly any HAVE any cabinets
above a sink (which is something I can't really avoid).
--
Ian
ARWadsworth
As long as you follow the 30cm rule then I would not be too bothered about
the IP rating of the lights. This is after all for a kitchen not a bathroom.
--
Adam