Is it OK to box in white goods?

Question

We want to box in our white goods to make them look nicer, but are there any building regs or issues such as access and airflow that we need to consider? I think there is with boilers but not sure about electricals like fridges and washing machines?

James · Answer

"The easiest and safest way to install mains powered external lighting is to call a qualified electrician who is a member of a competent persons scheme. Ask them to quote for the work you require & instruct them to complete the work if you’re happy with their quote

Tadeusz · Answer

There's no electrical law to stopping you to box your machines,  only code of practice suggesting to have cooling ventilation for fridge

Joffrey · Answer

You need to check if your appliance need a vent, for example for fridges, freezer, winecooler,...

Nick · Answer

There is no specific regulation for white goods, but its always good practise to refer to the manufactures guide on clearance around a white good.  Try to avoid locating a fridge or freezer next to an oven or hob, as they will start competing for the same local air.
Sockets cant be located within 30mm of the sink or draining board. 
All appliances need an accessible isolation switch so they can be turned of easily in case of a fault or emergency problem, they also need to be protected at the fuse board by an RCD or RCBO.

Ovidiu · Answer

Hi, the appliances need ventilation, if you can achieve this somehow, then it should be alright. Regarding the access question, you need to make sure you have isolator switches to interrupt the supply because they practically became built-in appliances by boxing them.

Keith · Answer

Your fine as long as you leave air gaps around appliances. It’s basically the same if you have all your appliances integrated

Christopher · Answer

Fridges & washing machines, dishwashers etc are fine to box in as long as you have access to them yourself. Boilers should always be accessible for maintenance purposes.

Chris · Answer

items should always be made so future maintenance is easy

Ian · Answer

A fridge or freezer will require ventilation to allow efficient cooling and should be designed to be built in as thier cooling systems are designed for this purpose.

A washing machine can go underneath worktop with cupboard next to it without issue, but remember machine will need a little wiggle room. 

Boilers can have cupboards built around them as they get their air from the flue.

Mick · Answer

Always refer to the manufacturers instructions. Some instructions may give guidance as to air gaps and tolerances.

It is good practice to have readily available access to sockets/plugs/switches that control the appliances, in case of emergencies when you need to isolate the appliance quickly or when pushing them in or out.
Likewise for the washing machine tap, don't fit it directly behind the washing machine where you can't get to it if there is a leak.

Is it OK to box in white goods?

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