On Mon, 24 Nov 2003 20:32:58 +0000, Andy Hall wrote:

On 24 Nov 2003 08:22:50 -0800, (Zymurgy)
wrote:

(phigham) wrote
"Ed Sirett" wrote in message
In the UK hot should always be on the left.

That's a 'should' not an 'is'.

Yes, the bathroom hot taps are on the right (and on the left in the kitchen).

Hmm,

The one i've just plumbed is on the left, but more by good luck than
good judgement ;-)

Where did this convention originate ?

P.

Probably with the Romans who had plumbing long before Sir Twyford
Adamant and Lord Vitreous of China were on the scene.

The theory was, like driving on the left, that the right hand would
always be available for the sword.

In the case of bathroom plumbing, my theory is that since the majority
of the population are right handed, they will grab first for the right
hand tap if they are not paying attention. With the hot on the left,
they will not scald themselves.

If you believe that, you'll believe anything :-)

I think there may be more truth in that. What I heard was that when there
were only cold taps they were on the right for the reason you stated so
the hot went on the left when H&C became the standard.

--
Ed Sirett - Property maintainer and registered gas fitter.
The FAQ for uk.diy is at www.diyfaq.org.uk
Gas fitting FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/GasFitting.html
Sealed CH FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/SealedCH.html