Socket near sink, to blank or not to blank!

Bobster · Apr 12, 2019

Risteard said:
It's probably best to keep socket-outlets below 6,500 feet alright.

Funny you should mention this. I've had to redesign what VSDs I am using on a job in Albuquerque as the city is around 6000ft above sea level. (Higher than Ben Nevis anyway)

Many manufactures have de rating factors on components once you get over around 2000ft above sea level.

Not that this is ever really applicable in the UK.

rolyberkin · Apr 29, 2019

I have a toaster from a major manufacturer which has a lead on it of 90cm. So if the socket was over 300mm away from the sink say 400mm, would this make it any safer? #justsaying!

Charlie_ · Apr 29, 2019

I don’t think that measurement is there to prevent stuff being chucked in the sink but to prevent the accessory from being excessively splashed with water

stevethesparks · Oct 9, 2019

Oldish thread I know.
Going by the electricians guide to the building regs - what with the adjacent hob, you're never going to get a socket on that wall.
I generally stick to the 300mm guidance for hobs and sinks, but in this instance as per the image, there's not a lot else could be done. A kitchen needs to be functional and practical.

bill01803 · Oct 9, 2019

From the guide

[ElectriciansForums.net] Socket near sink, to blank or not to blank!

telectrix · Oct 9, 2019

blank it or turn sink through 90 degrees so it's under window. benefit of more worktop space FOC,

Intoelectrics · Oct 9, 2019

bill01803 said:
From the guide
View attachment 52980

My issue with this is that the guides states that no socket shall be installed above an electric or gas hob yet there is no mention of above a sink. Obviously no one designing an install would put a socket above either but what if a socket was over 300mm above the sink. Technically it would then be 300mm away from the sink edge. I realise the diagram show adjacent to, but I'm just imagining the scenario being played out in a court of law with some fancy lawyer picking up on the lack of defined detail.

Zerax · Oct 9, 2019

A mate of mine with a rental property had a tenant who called him out 3 times because the lamp in out outside light failed. On the first two occasions he explained that lamp breakage was the tenants responsibility... on the the 3rd occasion he just took the light off. No more call outs.

Jurassic Sparks · Oct 11, 2019

Through crimp the cables, tape them over and fit a 2G blank plate
simples

Lister1987 · Oct 14, 2019

Spoon said:
Remove all 'Safety Socket Covers' from every socket. Check to see that they haven't damaged the sockets.
Lots of organisations have banned these, as they can be dangerous.

Spoon said:
There is a thread on here somewhere.

NHS issues safety alert on socket covers requiring removal from NHS premises! - https://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/nhs-issues-safety-alert-on-socket-covers-requiring-removal-from-nhs-premises.111253/

More organisations have followed suit, like OFSTED...

I honestly don't get why these aren't just banned outright, complete legislative ban i.e. criminal to supply or use. They're a PITFA, I get the argument for them but the sockets should be intrinsically safe as per standard.