can anyone help with regs re a socket which is fitted at a 90deg angle please?

[electric ian]

good afternoon all

I need some help urgently regarding a reg please.

During a PIR inspection I have encountered a single socket outlet mounted on it's side at 90 degree angle (the earth pin entry is on the left as you look at it) in a washing machine space , it's been fitted in this way as a plastic pipe is too close to it to allow a plug to be inserted in the usual way.

During my 17th ed college update this scenario was discussed, the course tutor stated that the regs don't specify that a socket must be fitted in the usual way and as long as no excessive/abnormal strain would occur to the cable of any plug to be plugged into it that a socket can technically be mounted on it's side at a 90 degree angle

does anyone know the regulation number that states this please?

this info will really help me out with a situation at work so any help would be very much appreciated

thanks a lot in advance

a fellow sparks

 

[Risteard]

If the Regulations do not specify this then I'm not sure where you would expect to find a Regulation to confirm this.

Incidentally, does the manufacturer's data prohibit the mounting of a socket outlet in such a way?

 

[Des 56]

I have seen me straining my neck to see them mounted on ceilings before now
In a cofined space for an appliance,the socket in the cupboard may lessen the chances of the flex being tugged on by being mounted in that position,because, it can be clipped or trunked without a loop hanging down

 

[robsparky1975]

no reg to say that you cant do this,even had an assesment ny niceic inspector on a re-wire and he said i could have put the kitchen sockets all at 90 degree angles because the worktop and tiles did not have much space,i said that would look a bit funny and he laughed so no problem there.see them mounted sideways in units all the time.

 

[electric ian]

thanks a lot for the replies guys

manufacturers instructions don't state you can't either

got asked to go back and change the socket in question anyway for "aestetical purposes".. even though it's under a worktop in washing machine space and is going to be out of view behind the appliance!!

all the best

 

[Risteard]

manufacturers instructions don't state you can't either

Exactly. Unless the socket outlet has "TOP" marked on it then there is surely no possible argument that it is wrong to do it. (Although I'm sure we'd all agree that it's not ideal in terms of aesthetics!)

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EDIT Just read the rest of your post and noticed you were asked to change it for aesthetic purposes! Coincidence!

Given that it's hidden away not sure what their issue is although I probably wouldn't want a socket like that in my house.