Socket under Kitchen Sink?

Multiplex · 11 Nov 2004

Wondering if this is good practice or not...

We've just moved into a brand new home by Fairview Homes, and we have a special 'socket' under our sink that has no switch, but a small hole in the middle for a wire to enter. It's installed as a spare and has a switch above the kitchen worktop.

My next door neighbour's new house on the other hand doesn't have a special socket, he just has a normal socket, albeit switchless with the switch above the kitchen worktop.

Just a bit surprised that they installed a three pin socket under his kitchen which I thought wasn't allowed? Does it make a difference that it's switchless?

Simon.

Driller · 12 Nov 2004

Multiplex.

I think what you have in your house is designed for connecting a waste disposal. The plate with the hole is for connecting it up and the switch above is probably a double pole 20A type to control it.

Your neighbour's should be the same. Are you sure he hasn't changed it.

In a new build I would have expected these things to be labelled.

Hope this helps.

Hugh

Multiplex · 12 Nov 2004

Ahh ok. So there's no problem fitting a 3-pin socket under the kitchen sink.

Thanks for the info.

Simon.

plugwash · 12 Nov 2004

i don't think there are any regs forbidding it

it wouldn't be my prefered place to have a socket though

ChrisRogers · 12 Nov 2004

we have two sockets under the sink here by a mass of pipework. Its acceptable in the eyes of the regs, just isn't the best way of doing this things. somthings you have to live with!

JerryD · 12 Nov 2004

Unbelievably the regs also allow you to have a socket within 300mm (one foot) from the kitchen sink!

Just close enough for you to fill the kettle without unplugging it.

Just close enough to get well splashed when washing up.

Just close enough for the plugged in kettle to fall in a sink full of water.

ryanj · 12 Nov 2004

Unbelievably the regs also allow you to have a socket within 300mm (one foot) from the kitchen sink!

Regulations so no such thing.

JerryD · 13 Nov 2004

Well according to the latest CITB study notes for the IEE 16th Edition Regs this is allowed. See a scan of the page....... See paragraph 2

JerryD · 13 Nov 2004

does anyone have an opinion on this stupid rule?

Driller · 14 Nov 2004

Plug is right. there's no reg preventing it, but at the end of the day you have to consider external influences. CITB isn't the regs, only their interpretation.

I cetainly wouldn't want a socket under the sink. What could you use it for?

Either fit a waste disposal or blank it off and forget about it. There must be other sockets in the kitchen you could use for whatever.

That's my 10 pence worth anyway

Lectrician · 14 Nov 2004

Read your scan again.....It says a generall guide.

There are NO regs dictating socket possitions in kitckens. Only the good old 'external influence' That covers the proximity to sinks etc.

dingbat · 14 Nov 2004

Socket under sink? No problem, so long as the sink/drainer is adequately sealed. Socket 300mm from edge of sink/drainer is, I believe, a NICEIC recommendation; as has been mentioned, there are no specific regulations. In small kitchens (and many are tiny) you have to have a a balance between practicality and safety... and guess which will win every time!

john_uk · 14 Nov 2004

the guild also says anyt socket outlet should be 150mm away from a cooker hob. as from under a sink i would say if you have to have a socket under a sink for a dishwasher are whatever i would keep it away from the waste pipe, bends and anything else on them lines

plugwash · 14 Nov 2004

john_uk said:
the guild also says anyt socket outlet should be 150mm away from a cooker hob. as from under a sink i would say if you have to have a socket under a sink for a dishwasher are whatever i would keep it away from the waste pipe, bends and anything else on them lines

i would say do it properly: put the socket behind the appliance and the switch above the worktop.

its not so hard is it?

Lectrician · 15 Nov 2004

plugwash said:
john_uk said:

the guild also says anyt socket outlet should be 150mm away from a cooker hob. as from under a sink i would say if you have to have a socket under a sink for a dishwasher are whatever i would keep it away from the waste pipe, bends and anything else on them lines

Click to expand...

i would say do it properly: put the socket behind the appliance and the switch above the worktop.

its not so hard is it?

It is when the customer has paid thousands on a new kitchen with granite tops and splashbacks, and only wants the sockets on show, not a multiude of switches

diynot

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Socket under Kitchen Sink?

ryanj

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