Mounting Socket upside down - is it OK?

[Mick Sulley]

I need to install some sockets where space is at a premium. I am considering installing a double socket as normal but then installing a second double socket directly above but the upper socket upside down. Is there any reason why I should not do that?

 

[ferg]

If you put a rewireable plug in the upside down socket, theoretically it would not meet the required IP rating.

Maybe put them on their side?

 

[Baddegg]

What are the sockets for?

 

[Bellendian]

If you put a rewireable plug in the upside down socket, theoretically it would not meet the required IP rating.

Maybe put them on their side?

So what do we all do about our 4 outlet extension reels? Make sure it's exactly oriented so outlets are 'side by side'?
Or do they just get kicked over so crap falls in the sockets, and invariably only 3 of the 4 ever work!!
I'm more surprised that if the space is that tight, that inverting the top outlet actually helps? For a given amount of space you can either have the cables running down and over the bottom outlet, or hard up against some kind of obstruction and having to go through 90 degrees as well?
Sounds like just the scenario for 1 double socket and a multiway extension bar if I'm honest!

 

[ferg]

So what do we all do about our 4 outlet extension reels? Make sure it's exactly oriented so outlets are 'side by side'?
Or do they just get kicked over so crap falls in the sockets, and invariably only 3 of the 4 ever work!!
I'm more surprised that if the space is that tight, that inverting the top outlet actually helps? For a given amount of space you can either have the cables running down and over the bottom outlet, or hard up against some kind of obstruction and having to go through 90 degrees as well?
Sounds like just the scenario for 1 double socket and a multiway extension bar if I'm honest!

I meant the plug top rather than the socket.

 

[FatAlan]

If you put them on upside down the electricity could fall out

 

[Mick Sulley]

It is for a home office, so for computers, screens, printers, etc. It is in a log cabin, surface mounted with round plastic conduit. I need to keep it all fairly narrow to prevent interference with desk legs, cupboards etc.
From what has been said I assume that it doesn't break any rules, correct?

 

[andyb]

I meant the plug top rather than the socket.

Clear for all Ferg, you even said rewireable plug.

 

[DPG]

I personally don't like it, mainly because on some plugs the opening where the flex goes in is quite wide open, and over time dust and debris could drop in. Not a problem with moulded plugs admittedly.

 

[telectrix]

why not install some dado trunking above desk level?

 

[ruston]

I don't like the idea because of the strain and leverage on the stiff type moulded cables and shrouds on moulded plugs .

 

[telectrix]

you can get triangular dado. back of desk. no strain on plugs or cables.

 

[Bellendian]

I meant the plug top rather than the socket.

Indeed....but how do you propose to put the plug 'the right way up' into a socket 'the wrong way up'...? Think 4 way reel not on it's side...

Back to OP, if it's home office then likely lots of small loads and the very reason trailling 4 or 6 ways were invented! Forget upside down sockets and get a nice surge protected extension bar. Good ones normally have keyholes so you can fix nicely behind/under the desk somewhere instead of kicking it all day!

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Surge protected extensions are a cause of RCD trips and don't protect against big surges (lightning). We don't get small surges in the UK generally.