Plug availability behind built in fridge freezer

[Mike H]

Hello. We’ve moved into a relatively new house (4 years), and want to get a water softener fitted. However, it needs to go in a cupboard next to a built in fridge freezer. The softener will need a power supply. The fridge freezer has an isolation switch above the counter. My question is, is there likely to be a double traditional socket behind the FF, or is there likely to be another way to get power to the softener? I’m not keen to take out the FF in advance unless I have to!

 

[DPG]

I would say it is very unlikely that the freezer isolator feeds a double socket. But either way you are presumably going to have to remove it to check and/or to sort power for the softener.

 

[telectrix]

or fit anotherisolation switch next to existing, then drop a single socket from there.

 

[naylorpd]

That's quite a big water softener if it needs mains power - there are plenty that run just on mains water pressure.

Benefits of Soft Water - Compass Water Softeners

The benefits of soft water include softer skin, hair & clothes plus cheaper bills on shampoo, detergent & appliance repairs - cleaning is much easier too!

www.compasswatersofteners.co.uk

[the link is right despite typo]

 

[robd]

Probably had the plug chopped off and wired into a plate to make it go back and fit the door on, if it's integrated (especially if it's neff) you will wish you had never started if you take it out to see what's behind.
[automerge]1572764879[/automerge]
Following on from the last one get an electrician in he will soon hatch a plan where to get power from
[automerge]1572764938[/automerge]
And compared to what you will be paying for a water softener install he will probably look like a bargain ?

 

[Mike H]

Probably had the plug chopped off and wired into a plate to make it go back and fit the door on, if it's integrated (especially if it's neff) you will wish you had never started if you take it out to see what's behind.
[automerge]1572764879[/automerge]
Following on from the last one get an electrician in he will soon hatch a plan where to get power from
[automerge]1572764938[/automerge]
And compared to what you will be paying for a water softener install he will probably look like a bargain ?

Yep I’m not keen to take it out if I can help it. All the units also have back panels built in so not easy to see what’s behind without undertaking a ‘hack’ job. However not sure if I need to get the built in FF and dishwasher out before I can get the electrician around or their might not be much for him to see.
Photo shows built in FF on right, and cupboard to the left in which we’ll need to fit the softener which has the FF isolation switch above the counter.
Interesting previous post about some not needing a power supply?! I’ll look into this at it may be an option if the mains connection is a mare!

 

[littlespark]

Normally the FF units don’t have a full back on them, and relatively easy to slide out the appliance once the doors are off.
Is there a cupboard above the FF? You may find the socket in there rather than behind.

 

[Mike H]

Normally the FF units don’t have a full back on them, and relatively easy to slide out the appliance once the doors are off.
Is there a cupboard above the FF? You may find the socket in there rather than behind.

Thanks. No cupboard above the FF.

 

[picturevalve]

Pity the kitchen fitter didn't put the mains skt. in the cupboard below the isolator. That's what I'd have done.

 

[Dan]

That's quite a big water softener if it needs mains power - there are plenty that run just on mains water pressure.

Benefits of Soft Water - Compass Water Softeners

The benefits of soft water include softer skin, hair & clothes plus cheaper bills on shampoo, detergent & appliance repairs - cleaning is much easier too!

www.compasswatersofteners.co.uk

[the link is right despite typo]

Why choose Minimax water softeners from Compass?

Minimax water softeners are the UK's number one choice, featuring cutting-edge innovative design and made from the highest quality materials.

www.compasswatersofteners.co.uk

Wow I didn't know these existed! I am currently going through the process of arguing with the water supplier to my house who have sent me two valves to put on the feed to my dishwasher, and washing machine (nothing for my drinking water tap!!!!!) when I complained. Which is clearly pointless.

My fridge says it does it. But it doesn't, and takes ages to fill a glass. And by the time it has filled one, I need a pee from watching it for so long, and don't want a drink anymore.

I'll look into this wizardry you link to. Seems to be the way to go for me.

 

[littlespark]

I’m so glad I live in a country that doesn’t need these gizmos... and no water meter either.

 

[pirate]

Big fridge/freezers should have their plugs put into an extension lead plugged in above the units.
Agree with littlespark, it's great to have lovely fresh water from the tap!

 

[James]

Looks like you need to wash you T-towels!