Kitchen Electrical Safety: How Far Should Sockets Be from the Sink?

At 786 Electricals Ltd, your safety is our top priority. As trusted electricians in Leicester and Leicestershire, we ensure all electrical installations meet the highest safety standards—especially in high-risk areas like kitchens.

One common question we hear is:

"How Far Should a Socket Outlet Be from a Kitchen Sink?"

While BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) doesn’t specify an exact distance, the IET Electrician’s Guide to the Building Regulations (5th Edition) recommends keeping sockets at least 300 mm (30 cm) horizontally from the edge of the sink.

This guideline helps prevent:

• Water splashes reaching electrical outlets (reducing shock risks).
• Damage to sockets from steam and moisture.
• Potential fire hazards caused by wet conditions near electricity.

Is Your Kitchen Socket Too Close to the Sink?

If you have a socket within 300 mm of your sink, it may not be inherently dangerous—but it does increase risk. Older homes, in particular, may have sockets installed before modern safety recommendations.

What should you do?

• Avoid using appliances near wet surfaces.
• Consider relocating or modifying the socket for better safety.



Need a Safety Check or Modification?

At 786 Electricals Ltd, we can:
✔ Inspect your kitchen sockets for compliance.
✔ Relocate or replace sockets to meet safety guidelines.
✔ Install splash-proof covers for added protection.

Don’t take chances with electrical safety—get in touch today for a professional assessment!

Stay safe in the kitchen—trust 786 Electricals Ltd for reliable, compliant electrical work in Leicester & Leicestershire!

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