Wiring kitchen fixed appliances Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[spinkox]

Can you tell me if it is acceptable to have sockets for appliances such as fridge, washing machine and cooker fixed into standard chipboard cupboards below the work top.

Also do these appliances have to be hard wired into a fused connection unit or can they just be plugged in . . .

Thanks - steve

[kbrownie]

spinkox, when appliances are fixed in to units and not stand alone appliances,
you will find the carcass is free of back board and a socket outlet is installed in/on wall behind. If it is integral/fixed appliance the socket outlet should be connected to a switched FCU above the work top, to offer isolation.
Work in kitchen needs to comply to part P of building regs or be installed by domestic installer registered electrician.
KB

[spinkox]

Thanks for your reply . . .

If they are not integral/fixed appliances - such as a washing machine or fridge which comes as standard with a 3pin plug attached - presumably they are allowed to be plugged into a socket in the normal way. Can this socket be fixed to the chipboard cubboard below the work top??

steve

[kbrownie]

It's not the best way to fix a socket-outlet, if ever the cupboard was removed the socket would be no longer secure.
Stick it on the wall, normally the backs of the kitchen units where washing machines etc.. are installed are removed for pipework and socket.
Installing any new, additional or extension to electrical circuits in kitchens comes under part p read projects or it should be done by registered electrician.
KB

[moggy1968]

also it must be possible to isolate the appliance without moving it, even if it is plugged in. so if your socket is behind your fridge you need a seperate isolator.
genrally sockets should be mounted on a permanent structure. there is a degree of interpretation as to wether that means cupboard backs!

[spinkox]

OK that all makes sense - Thanks for your help . . .

steve