Is a cooker next to the wall a fire risk?

[Guest SamanthKl]

Hi

I need some advice on electric cooker installation.

My landlord is planning on fitting a cooker in my kitchen, I live in a pub and the kitchen is for upstairs in my flat. He is saying he is going to fit the cooker into a space which means the cooker will have one side against a partition wall that joins onto my bedroom, if he leaves a space then the cooker will be partly underneath a cupboard. I have read on some manufacturer sites that there needs to be 150mm space away from the side wall and the cooker and 650mm height space from the cupboard or 150mm space away from the side. Is it law to follow the installation instructions if so what can i do?

[Tom Sutton]

It depends on which type of cooker is being installed, if it is gas, the gas regulations apply http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/2451/regulation/26/made if it is electric then the wiring is covered by the electric wiring regulations. http://www.diyfixit.co.uk/safety-and-regulations/electrical-regulations.html

As you said the the prescribed distances should be provided, with a gas cooker I cannot see a corgi installer not abiding by the safety rules as he/she has to sign it off when completed, as for an electric cooker only the wiring appears to be covered by regulation.

http://www.callde.co.uk/safety_regulations.asp

[Guest Siobhan]

ive been told that my housing association is breaking the law with the layout of my kitchen i have no gaping on either side of my cooker and the sides of the cupboards are burnt quite badly. as we as this i have cabinets hanging in the kitchen and contributing to this just the overall condition of my kitchen is below expectations but they refuse to give me a new kitchen. Can they do this?

[Tom Sutton]

You need to contact the manufacturer of the cooker and get an installation manual to check if it has been installed correctly. You should also check your tenancy agreement to find out what is expected of your landlord and yourself which may help. You should also contact the landlord and keep copies of all correspondence explaining your concerns. You could also contact the local housing authority who administer the housing act which covers all housing but the fire safety legislation does not cover domestic dwelling. Finally you could contact the local fire and rescue service and get a home risk assessment visit. http://www.firesafe.org.uk/uk-fire-rescue-services-details/