Wiring a kettle into the wall?

[spicler08]

Hi, is it possible to wire a kettle directly into the wall? (just a normal "put the kettle on and make a cuppa" kettle). My extractor hood and hob in my kitchen are both wired up this way (fused spurs), and my oven come to think of it, so I was just wondering if you could do the same with a kettle? And if not why not? Reason being is that I can't stand the black kettle lead trailing along the worktop and into a plug socket, so I thought why not wire it into its own dedicated fused spur and hide the spur behind the kettle so you can't see it? Any help with this would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Steve

 

[BillyTheSparks]

I dont see why not, I've seen this in hotels/b&b's with the hair dryer, and the kettle etc.

 

[Spazz]

I dont see why not - if in doubt use a fused switch (10A or 13A) that will work the same way as a plug its fused before the CU and as its in a high risk area (Kitchen) with water around.

 

[spicler08]

Thanks guys. It's reassuring to know that the idea has some legs, but because I'd never seen it done before with a kettle I thought maybe there's an obvious reason why it's not possible - but I agree, I don't see why not? If anyone else reading this thread can add anything further, that would also be much appreciated. Thanks again.

 

[Rockingit]

So long as there's a fuse in the circuit then it's absolutely fine. You wouldn't necessarily even need to have a switched outlet (though you probably would want to) as the argument could be made that it would be the same as plugging the 13A plugtop into an unswitched socket.

 

[telectrix]

if you can hide the FCU behind the kettle, why not just place the kettle in front of the socket?

 

[Spazz]

So long as there's a fuse in the circuit then it's absolutely fine. You wouldn't necessarily even need to have a switched outlet (though you probably would want to) as the argument could be made that it would be the same as plugging the 13A plugtop into an unswitched socket.

Other option spicler08
Screw the base to the worktop so it becomes part of the worktop - drill a hold under the base and connect the kettle flex into a fused outlet under the worktop or even have a switch above the worktop like you would have with a cooker, so you can turn it off.

Only downpoint is that you damage the worktop.

If you dont screw the base down and drill the cable through the worktop there is a risk of moving the base and putting excess strain on the cable which could have a negative and possible affect, at least with a plug, the plug will most probably come out of the socket before you damage the cable.

 

[Rockingit]

Well if we're now being silly, why not just route out a circle in the worktop to site the base flush, drill the cable through the bottom and connect it direct. FFS, some people have no imagination.

 

[spicler08]

if you can hide the FCU behind the kettle, why not just place the kettle in front of the socket?

Thanks for the suggestion but unfortunately the sockets are in the middle of the wall/splashback and the kettle is about a meter to the left over by the sink - hence the trailing kettle lead. I wouldn't want to move the kettle to the middle because it just wouldn't look right. Thanks anyway though.

 

[telectrix]

and if it's not a cordless kettle, fit a rubber hose to the tap on the other side of the kitchen to fill it. seems like there are some of us here with too much time to spare. LOL.

 

[a1guvner]

Have the socket in a wall unit and devise a mechanism to release the kettle from the wall unit on a counterweight when the kettle has boiled, no leads, no mess, no kettle, jobs a goodun

 

[spicler08]

Other option spicler08
Screw the base to the worktop so it becomes part of the worktop - drill a hold under the base and connect the kettle flex into a fused outlet under the worktop or even have a switch above the worktop like you would have with a cooker, so you can turn it off.

Only downpoint is that you damage the worktop.

If you dont screw the base down and drill the cable through the worktop there is a risk of moving the base and putting excess strain on the cable which could have a negative and possible affect, at least with a plug, the plug will most probably come out of the socket before you damage the cable.

I like it! An integrated kettle - Now we're on the same wavelength! If it was done right it could look very cool - especially with the blue illuminating LEDs you get in kettles these days. Is it one step too far though?... I can't help but think it could possibly have a hint of over-engineering about it!

 

[telectrix]

buy one of those instantaneous water heaters that have a 3rd tap on the sink. no waiting for the kettle to boil. or buy a bloody gas kettle to put on the hob.

 

[spicler08]

buy one of those instantaneous water heaters that have a 3rd tap on the sink. no waiting for the kettle to boil.

I'd love to, but have you seen how much they cost?!? Last time I looked they were at least £400. Slightly out of my budget unfortunately...

 

[spicler08]

Have the socket in a wall unit and devise a mechanism to release the kettle from the wall unit on a counterweight when the kettle has boiled, no leads, no mess, no kettle, jobs a goodun

I love the imagination of it but I think this one's got health and safety risk written all over it!