Flex and trailing leads/sockets in kitchens

[Lazlo]

Having a discussion with someone about installing flex with trailing lead socket for integrated kitchen appliances. Run from unfused 13A DP isolator as spur from ring.....

I always thought these type of sockets were designed for extension leads not for long term/permanent use??

 

[Richard Burns]

I think you would need to clarify things a little bit.
How can you have a 13A unfused double pole isolator? if it is 13A presumably it is fused at 13A. However it could be a DP switch rated at 13A, not very common, or it could be a 20A DP switch.
A trailing socket is a socket that is designed to be free moving, so long as it has suitable cable retention and strain relief then it should be OK for fixed wiring so long as it is connected with flex and not rigid cable and the flex is suitably supported from the switch point.

 

[Lazlo]

Scolmore Click mini grid DP 13A Isolators 'Washing Machine' 'Cooker Hood' etc is what we normally use or 20A should the load/circuit dictate.....

 

[Andy78]

Who is suggesting the hard wired trailing lead option ? Is it a kitchen fitter by any chance ?

 

[Lazlo]

No, it came up when we had an integrated appliance with nowhere sensible to locate a socket outlet.

 

[Andy78]

I tend to fit unswitched sockets behind integrated appliances and control them from elsewhere. Your DP isolator would do this job. I can't see any reason why you couldn't achieve this if you are in on first fix.
I wouldn't personally contemplate using trailing flexes, but regulation wise I'm not sure if it would be prohibited.