But, Is it practical AND SAFE to have a washing machine in the bathroom?

QUESTION >>>

"Hi,
 
Do you think its practical to have a washing machine in the bathroom? Our bathroom is very large and there are electricity plugs. (Past owners had a tumble dryer in the bathroom).
We would like to put a dishwasher in the place of the washing machine in the kitchen, as there is not enough space for both?
Are there any complications that we should consider when putting a washing machine in the bathroom, besides the obvious plumbing that will have to take place.
A minor irritation for me would be to carry wet clothes down to the wash line, but other than that, I cant see a problem."

ANSWER  >>> 

That's all very well but did they do the installation in accordance with the regulations? 

Washing machines, tumble dryers, washer-dryers and other appliances ratedIPX4 may be sited in zone 2 if they cannot be reasonably sited in zone 3 or beyond. All such appliances must NOT be supplied by a socket, but by fixed wiring outlets and protected by a 30mA RCD.

I have been told that it is possible to have a washing machine fitted into a bathroom, is this true?
Yes it is possible but it is not as straight forward as a simple Yes. The bathroom is split onto varying 'zones'. Each zone represents an area of the bathroom as per new electrical regulations affecting bathrooms. The majority of UK bathrooms do not fall within zone 3 as they are too small, e.g. electrical appliances in zone 3 must be 2.4 m away from a water outlet and as most UK bathrooms are 8' x 6', this is virtually impossible. However, firstly you must contact the manufacturer of the washing machine to ensure that the appliance is suitable for bathroom/shower room installation. Secondly the electricity supply must be protected by a residual operating current.

Zone 1 is areas that are likely to get wet e.g. around and above baths (steam, condensation, etc) and obviously in shower cubicles. Zone 2 is area likely to get splashed (lesser than zone 1) e.g. around sinks. Zone 3 is beyond that as as previous post said, 2.4 mtrs away from water outlets.
Same zones apply for lighting which also needs to have the correct IP (Ingres Protection) rating for the zone it is cited in. Go into any DIY store and look at the information on the boxes of downlighter sets, explaines the zones and the IP ratings for the lights.
It is against the regulations to have any electrical appliance in the bathroom.
any electrical accessories.ie light switch must be positioned out of reach of any person using bath or wash basin.The only socket permitted is a special shaver socket which is not connected to  A power source.
No qualified electrician would fit a washing maching or tumble dryer,since he could end up in court, or worse if a incident might happen.
THE IEE regs are very specific about bathrooms.
A bathroom, because of water and earthed fittings and also persons may be unclothed is definitely a NO GO area for ANY supply of electricity.