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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> Flex outlet question https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1259623391 Message started by Rodden Shaw on Nov 30^th, 2009, 11:23pm

Title: Flex outlet question
Post by Rodden Shaw on Nov 30^th, 2009, 11:23pm

Hi all,

I am a complete ignoramus when it comes to how the electrical wiring in my house works. I can wire a plug, but that's where it ends.

So. I have a 'flex outlet' for a heater that was never installed in a place where I have no electrical sockets. Can I lop the plug off of the flex on a multi-socket extension and wire that into the flex socket? Will the output be 240v? I obviously don't want to blow anything up!

Thanks for your patience with an idiot. :)

Rodden

Title: Re: Flex outlet question
Post by The_Trician on Dec 1^st, 2009, 12:08am

Right,

Where is this flex outlet? Is it in a bathroom? If so, then no - do not do as you suggest.

If the outlet is elsewhere in the house, then why not just change it for a single socket front instead?

It's best not to chop plugs off, and hard-wire ( directly connect ) extension leads into flex outlets. They are there for fixed electrical appliances and not extension leads.

TT
TT

Title: Re: Flex outlet question
Post by Rodden Shaw on Dec 1^st, 2009, 10:05am

Thanks for the advice. The flex outlet is in my living room, sandwiched between two doors. Because of the doors it's awkward (though not impossible) to run an extension to the area, thus why I was looking at using this outlet.

So, theoretically I should be able to put a new face place on and have a functioning three prong socket? Obviously I know about breaking the circuit, etc, before hand.

Again, thanks for the advice.

R

Title: Re: Flex outlet question
Post by CWatters on Dec 1^st, 2009, 12:26pm

I generally recommend turning of power to the whole house when doing something like this. Less risky than trying to turn off just one circuit when there is nothing on it to confirm it's off.

Would be nice to know that there is an RCD or RCBO in the consumer unit feeding this socket.