Is there any way I can legally put a washing machine in my bathroom?

Question

At present I've got an airing cupboard containing an immersion heater next to my bath. I'm considering replacing the bath with a shower and a washing machine. I know about zones in bathrooms and is is probably not legal to put a washing machine next to a shower. However, if I were to partition off the washing machine by building a cubicle, would this be legal.

This is in the UK. Please don't answer this unless you know something about building regulations and zones for electrical appliances in the bathroom. And please no dumb suggestions like "try google" or "put it in your kitchen".

Answer 1

The cubicle idea is fine - separate it fully from the bathroom enclosure - ie make it a little lobby:  and then do what you like. If you are going to end up within in the bathroom protect it with an RCD. The problem with white goods like this is the outside chance that the cabinet becomes live - which would not arise if properly protected.

Answer 2

not really,the only lawful plug allowed in a b/room is a shaver socket,a washing machine in b/room would cancel out any insurance you have,because its a fire risk,and a fllood risk.

Answer 3

No way man. Unless you install it yourself and keep it a secret you're not going to be able to legally pull this off.

Answer 4

If you owned your own home and you have a shower room and want to put a washing machine in the bathroom i suggest you remove the bath and then get it plummed in, they dont really like it has you know electric and water dont mix.

Answer 5

Changes to the wiring regulations make this possable (17th edition), as an electrician qulified in this I can tell you, Yeah it can be done, you may need the partition, and the wiring in you bathroom may need bringing up to 17th edition standard. Without seeing your property it's not easy to tell you exactly what you need to do, so I'm sorry your going to have to seek professional advise on this, you can do the work yourself, but you will need a Test and Inspection qualified electrician to check your work and Issue a certificate. You must also notify building control about any electrical work that has been done. This will be fine If you have a test and inspection certificate.

If the work is done by a Part P regesterd Electrician he will issue a certificate and Takes care of the building control side of things.

Note to yogi972. I know it's design, Install, Inspect while you Install (if you doing the installation) and then Test! I'm an Electrical Engineer.

Answer 6

The object of the zones restrictions is to prevent accidental electric shock - for instance dropping a hairdryer into a full bath.

So it is the SOCKET which is the issue.

I would build in a socket with a "fused-spur" outside of the room ( same as the extractor fan power over-ride idea). I am sure you have seen them before.

Then enclose your washer in a mini-cupboard as you describe, and use a waterproof (outdoor type) socket in case of dripping/condensation.

You will not be totally in line with building regulations - but boy, you will be mighty close!

The other option is to get a long lead on your washer and pass the power lead either downstairs or into the  next room, so that it is plugged-in in a different room. This would be  within the regulations.

Answer 7

No, Unless you're the queen or gordon brown, however it's illegal for a reason

Answer 8

NOTE TO ST JOHN

its inspect THEN test, if you are an electrician you should know this, it is a basic principle

Answer 9

I think a certified electrician could help you install it with an isolator switch or fused spur. I've seen it a few times. It should only be the power supply that needs special attention as all the plumbing requirements will be in the bathroom already. The machine uses water so a damp enviroment shouldn't be a problem. I would build it into a cupboard though, just to look better.

Answer 10

You can have a washing machine in a bathroom provided that it is wired into a non-switched outlet. In other words, there is no socket. The switch to switch it off and on must be outside the bathroom.

Answer 11

Not if you are selling the house but if you are going to use it yourseklf then who the h*ll is going to know.

Answer 12

You are right. You need it where it can't be touched by anyone in the bath or shower. It must be RCD protected and plugged in outside of the bathroom.

Answer 13

i used to have a washing machine in my bathroom when i lived in my old house, mainly because there was no where else to put it i didn't even know it was illegal to do so. my land lord never said anything to me about it and he is a chartered surveyor (draws building plans for new houses/extensions  etc) for a living and runs an estate agents. the washer wasn't plugged in the bathroom we had to drill a hole through the wall to the kitchen (there was no anti space) and plug the washer in there.

Answer 14

Put a door on the airing cupboard with a security bolt

http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/sp-3-... and by definition in the Regulations; It's not even in the bathroom.

Same as for behind the bath panel, that's not in the bathroom either (as one needs a tool to access it).