Where to put sockets?

[JLeague]

As part of a kitchen refit I am trying to work out where to put the electrical sockets for my freestanding appliances.

If I have the sockets directly behind the appliance then they will just out.
If I have them in the unit next to the appliance, I will have to get the back of unit cut out.

I will be having a grid switch installed, but that doesnt solve the problem of where I place the sockets.

Is there any other way where I can get the appliances to sit flush to the back wall but be plugged in thats still accessible?

 

[JLeague]

Look at the rear of the appliances, where possible site the socket where you can obtain the greatest clearance. There might be an indentation rear of appliance. Most appliances not really an issue.
Washing machines, tumble driers etc have pipework and flexible waste pipes

That's a very good point.

Is it against regulation to have a socket recessed into the wall? I mean to have the socket set deeper into the wall if possible.

 

[driverman]

Not too sure about any reg number, but.....if done as you propose, not done to MI instructions. Not good workmanship nor practicable really

 

[ipf]

Means always having to call out an electrician to change appliances though.

Why D.... can just unplug 'em.
….and plenty room with the piping.

 

[pirate]

Have you put the worktops in yet? How much space have you in the kitchen?
I use 700mm or wider over washing machines etc. OK, it's more expensive, but it makes life a lot easier.
If that is too expensive, space the units and worktops out by 100mm or more and construct an upstand with facing to match the worktop, leaving tons of space for cabling etc.

 

[richy3333]

Am I missing something but I've never had an issue with an outlet in the wall behind an appliance. Domestic appliances are designed to facilitate this?

 

[JLeague]

Have you put the worktops in yet? How much space have you in the kitchen?
I use 700mm or wider over washing machines etc. OK, it's more expensive, but it makes life a lot easier.
If that is too expensive, space the units and worktops out by 100mm or more and construct an upstand with facing to match the worktop, leaving tons of space for cabling etc.

The kitchen is narrow but long - galley kitchen. At the design stage, have the plans drawn and now looking at findins out as many issues before we start the actual work.

Standard worktops so 630mm deep I believe.

 

[telectrix]

you can get worktops which are wider than standard. this will allow room behind appliances for sockets.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

This is/was quite common practice, a fused switched unit supplying a non switched socket outlet for the appliance to plug in.

And is stupid as well. Two fuses in series!!

 

[GeorgeCooke]

I will be having a grid switch installed,

What on earth for? If you can get at the plug as you want that is the best isolation possible.

 

[DPG]

Why D.... can just unplug 'em.
….and plenty room with the piping.

Ah, I thought the reference was to flex outlet plates.

 

[pirate]

As Tel and I have both said, use a wider than standard worktop. 600mm are fine for integrated appliances.
630 or 635 are used, for example, by Ikea, as their "standard" size. 700 and wider are readily available.
Building out a "standard" size with a "dashboard" at the back gives you tons of service space and can take socket outlets etc if designed correctly, and gives a raised ledge for your spice bottles and ashtray...the top or lid can be retained with magnetic catches...it's the way forward!

 

[pirate]

delete "ashtray"...I meant "soap-dish", obviously...

 

[JLeague]

What on earth for? If you can get at the plug as you want that is the best isolation possible.

Thats what the electrician quoted for when I showed him the kitchen plans from Howdens. Grid switches if I recall correctly for hob, washing machine, dryer, hood I think.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Thats what the electrician quoted for when I showed him the kitchen plans from Howdens. Grid switches if I recall correctly for hob, washing machine, dryer, hood I think.

Completely unnecessary. Just a modern fad. If all these are connected to the ring at the same point could cause overloading in one leg.

 

[JLeague]

Howdens deepest worktop is 620mm.

Completely unnecessary. Just a modern fad. If all these are connected to the ring at the same point could cause overloading in one leg.

As a know nothing consumer. Wouldn't the grid switches just be extra way to turn off the appliances?