Reducing effective size of plug / socket behind dishwasher

[geojay]

I've recently replaced an old free-standing dishwasher with a new semi-integrated model and I have a slight problem because the combination of the socket and plug (which are positioned behind the dishwasher) are causing the dishwasher to stand proud of the adjacent cupboard by about 1cm. Of course, because it's a semi-integrated dishwasher and has a front panel to match the other cupboards, it needs to sit flush. I'm trying to work out what options I might have to get the dishwasher deeper into the space. I've attached a photo showing the space in which the dishwasher needs to fit and also detail of the panel to the right of the dishwasher which fills the few cm gap between the right of the dishwasher and the kitchen wall. I figured an option might be to relocate the socket into that space but given that the socket is fed from the left and the controlling switch is some distance away, that would need extra cable to be joined on...

The wall behind the dishwasher and behind the panel on the right are both plasterboard, on a party wall behind and on an external wall to the right.

All fairly sensible suggestions will be welcome, if there's something I can do myself then that would be great!

Thanks in anticipation...

 

[JohnW2]

.... I figured an option might be to relocate the socket into that space but given that the socket is fed from the left and the controlling switch is some distance away, that would need extra cable to be joined on...

That sounds like a viable solution. You could remove that socket and replace it with a blank plate, and then have the join in the cable in a connector block/whatever in the box behind that blank plate.

Kind Regards, John

 

[333rocky333]

Is there an isolation switch for it elsewhere, as that increases your options

EDIT
Just see in Johns quote you have a controlling switch , can you expand on that.

 

[333rocky333]

That sounds like a viable solution. You could remove that socket and replace it with a blank plate, and then have the join in the cable in a connector block/whatever in the box behind that blank plate.

Kind Regards, John

Would it not need a fuse, are you asssuming its a Fcu

 

[geojay]

Is there an isolation switch for it elsewhere, as that increases your options

EDIT
Just see in Johns quote you have a controlling switch , can you expand on that.

Thanks, the controlling switch is in a wall unit some meters away. It's a four gang switch controlling the various appliances in that area of the kitchen. I've attached a photo...

 

[JohnW2]

Would it not need a fuse, are you asssuming its a Fcu

The fuse would be in the plug (plugged into the new socket connected to the end of the new bit of 'joined' cable).

Kind Regards, John

 

[terryplumb]

Change the socket for a fused connection unit and hard wire the dishwasher into it.

 

[geojay]

Change the socket for a fused connection unit and hard wire the dishwasher into it.

Is that an allowable DIY job or would it need to be certified?

 

[terryplumb]

You can do it yourself ,no certificate required. But you need to know what your doing !

 

[Adam_151]

Its a simple change of accessory, so its non notifiable

 

[Astra99]

You don't need a fused connection unit, as the fuse in the plug will limit the current. My suggestion: Buy a 20A flex outlet plate (Toolstation part no 79185 - made by MK - £3.70) and, using 1.5mm² flex (or 2.5mm² T&E) connect to a single 13A 45mm deep pattress box (Toolstation part 24531 £1.14) and mount the single socket on this box. It can sit under the adjacent units and the dishwasher will plug in as before. The reason for the 45mm deep box is that it has an integrated cable clamp. (Note that other suppliers are available). This is not notifiable in England, nor in Wales as it is essentially, as Adam151 said, just a change of accessory. Whether or not it is notifiable in Scotland, I do not know.

 

[JohnW2]

You don't need a fused connection unit, as the fuse in the plug will limit the current.

He would (need an FCU) if it did as terryplumb suggested, replacing the socket with an FCU and hard-wiring the DW to it (hence no plug).

Kind Regards, \john

 

[geojay]

You don't need a fused connection unit, as the fuse in the plug will limit the current. My suggestion: Buy a 20A flex outlet plate (Toolstation part no 79185 - made by MK - £3.70) and, using 1.5mm² flex (or 2.5mm² T&E) connect to a single 13A 45mm deep pattress box (Toolstation part 24531 £1.14) and mount the single socket on this box. It can sit under the adjacent units and the dishwasher will plug in as before. The reason for the 45mm deep box is that it has an integrated cable clamp. (Note that other suppliers are available). This is not notifiable in England, nor in Wales as it is essentially, as Adam151 said, just a change of accessory. Whether or not it is notifiable in Scotland, I do not know.

i like the sound of this suggestion, I assume your use of flex and the pattress box containing a cable clamp means that this is effectively creating an extension lead which doesn’t need to be fixed to anything and can be laid out with the cable and the box sitting loose?

 

[Adam_151]

I'm not that keen on that idea, sockets loose under the units always seem a little rough to me, plus if you used 1.5mm flex, you'd effectivly have this conencted to the ring before fusing down, yes overcurrent protetcion is downstream and you could prove fault protection by the 32A breaker, but again, seems a little rough.

If you wanted an accessible socket outlet (always good for if you have to work on the machine), then blank plate, bit of YT2 (25x16mm mini trunk), butt the trunking upto the blank plate, cut a small bit out the back and chip away plaster slightly so a bit of 2.5mm twin and earth can enter through one of the side knockouts in the box (fit grommet), joint the cbales throuygh, remember to earth the back, have the trunking run to behind an adjacent unit, then have the 2.5 comming out, through the back and mount socket in the unit. Either drill large hole for plug to pass through, or drill a small one and take the plug off and pass cable through before refitting plug (or more likely snip off moulded plug and fit new)

 

[Jackrae]

You may find the dishwasher stands about 4" off the floor which may give you sufficient room to extend the socket down onto the skirting board. Mount the new socket on its side to permit the plug to enter without bending the cable strainer.