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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> Kitchen sockets for integrated appliances https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1402413527 Message started by Gary on Jun 10^th, 2014, 4:18pm

Title: Kitchen sockets for integrated appliances
Post by Gary on Jun 10^th, 2014, 4:18pm

I'm installing a new kitchen and need to put some sockets in for an integrated dishwasher and washing machine.

Putting them directly behind does not look an option from a space perspective.

I don't particularly want to fix them to kitchen carcasses, I think that's a bit rough (or certainly the ones I've seen have looked this way)

I was thinking of sinking a backbox into the wall for 1st fix (all cables are going in 20mm conduit sunk in the wall). Then mounting a 1G pattress over the top to the take the socket past the service cavity. I was planning on cutting an appropriate sized hole in the back of the cabinet for this to then pass through

Anyone got any other suggestions, what do others do. ?

I think getting the appliance plug up the service cavity might be a bit tight.

My mums 30 year old Magnet kitchen has a service void you can reach from the sides, but modern kitchens seems to close it off/have narrowed it

Thanks

PS: the sockets are going to be un switched and controlled via 20 DP switches from worktop height.

Title: Re: Kitchen sockets for integrated appliances
Post by Lectrician on Jun 12^th, 2014, 6:36pm

If you are surface mounting to the wall, no need to flush a box in.

Clipped direct is fine behind units.

It is standard practice, and perfectly acceptable to fix to the cabinets. Most fix to the side panels, or the back on stronger cabinets. The NICEIC see a fixed kitchen as just that - fixed. So fixing to it is fine. I much prefer to see this than a hole cut in my cabinet! It also makes access for maintenance and testing easier (if you can't gain access to the socket once the cabinets are in place, you wont be complying with the regs).

The gap behind most machines will accomodate a flush plug and socket.

Title: Re: Kitchen sockets for integrated appliances
Post by scotspark on Jun 12^th, 2014, 10:20pm

I dont like a plug directly behind an integrated appliance

I never used to like sockets in units but its standard practice now.

we often bring them to the front of the side panel to make it easier to get access to sockets for customers.

I hate sockets behind units with a hole cut to see it.

see a lot of sparks screw them to floor before units go in, absolut nightmare for testing / faults / alterations.

Title: Re: Kitchen sockets for integrated appliances
Post by woodsmith on Jun 13^th, 2014, 7:58am

Most kitchen units still have a service void behind the cabinets, normally about 50mm, if your units have no void then they are probably from IKEA. It is possible to batten them off the wall and fit a wider worktop, perhaps you could do that?

Title: Re: Kitchen sockets for integrated appliances
Post by CWatters on Jun 14^th, 2014, 6:48pm

Our electrician said that plugs had to be accessible (so the user can disconnect them quickly in the event of a fault) which meant they weren't allowed directly behind the appliance. He was happy to fix them to the back of an adjacent cabinet (eg where they will be hidden by 100 tins of beans).

Title: Re: Kitchen sockets for integrated appliances
Post by Natedog on Jun 30^th, 2014, 5:37pm

When we had our kitchen fitted, the spark doing the work fitted unswitched sockets behind the unit next to the dishwasher and fridge, and then put an isolating switch inside a dummy cupboard thay covers part of the old chimney. The cupboard is only 4" deep, so not really much use for anything. We've got switches for the kitchen appliances in it, along with the timer for the heating. Nice and discreet, but very easy to get to