Under Kitchen Worktop Socket Question

[Youngster]

Hello, I wonder if you can help me out.

I have an existing Double Socket above a Worktop in my Kitchen. This double socket is on a spur from the Ring (which runs around a shallow loft void above my flat)

I am giving my kitchen a small makeover, but preferably dont want to go cutting into walls to bring new spurs from the mains.

In the space under the Worktop (Below the Worktop) I wish to place a new undercounter fridge freezer.

To tidy things up, I want to replace the existing Double Socket with a Single Switched FCU, and run this down to a new Socket Under the Worktop .

My Question is this - Is it Allowed to Have a Single Switched FCU above a Worktop, running to a Double Socket Under the Worktop? Or must I use a Single Socket ?

Also, I am unsure how strict the new rules (Part P) are on DIY'ers making changes like this are in the kitchen ? I notice that they mention that even if it is 'minor work' in the kitchen, that I must notify the local authority.

This small mod I am proposing is in the kitchen, but is not on a wall that contains any water/gas outlets. Where do I stand on doing this?

 

[sparky40]

Hello,
There is nothing wrong with doing what you suggest. A double socket is fine.

As for the Part P bit, and the testing I will let others advise you !

 

[Steve]

you need to notify. using an electrician will mean you dont have to.

 

[paulmassam]

only one switched fused spur for one appliance. So only a single socket under the worktop. Please all that have replied look at the 16th edition regs and loading conditions ie. maximum sized fuse is a 13a ,so one 13a fuse will go into the spur yet two 13a fuses can go in plug top whicch will go int the double socket in theory causing overload

 

[securespark]

How on earth can it cause an overload if it is protected by a 13A fuse in the spur?

Please, look at the OSG, never mind the regs (BS7671 to you). You can have as many outlets as you like on a spur, as long as they are fused down to a maximum of 13A.

Conversely, you cannot have more than one outlet on a non-fused spur, to avoid overloading the cable.

 

[JohnD]

only one switched fused spur for one appliance. So only a single socket under the worktop. Please all that have replied look at the 16th edition regs and loading conditions ie. maximum sized fuse is a 13a ,so one 13a fuse will go into the spur yet two 13a fuses can go in plug top whicch will go int the double socket in theory causing overload

Paul, I have a feeling you are not familiar with the concept of the Fused Spur.

 

[securespark]

only one switched fused spur for one appliance. So only a single socket under the worktop. Please all that have replied look at the 16th edition regs and loading conditions ie. maximum sized fuse is a 13a ,so one 13a fuse will go into the spur yet two 13a fuses can go in plug top whicch will go int the double socket in theory causing overload

Paul, I have a feeling you are not familiar with the concept of the Fused Spur.

Further, Paul, how do the 16th Edition Regs prevent overloading of a 13A 2 gang socket under normal circumstances (ie when wired directly to a ring final)?

A. They don't. A 2G 13A socket on a ring final can, in theory, be loaded up to 26A.

But not when protected by a 13A fuse.

 

[sm1thson]

you need to notify. using an electrician will mean you dont have to.

as long as the electrician is registered, many arent so check first!