Unswitched sockets

The standard arrangement for kitchen appliances would be to have a switched fused spur above the work top that controls an un switched single socket at low level that the appliance is plugged into. This allows for safe isolation and convenience when needing to turn off the appliance. Although this is common practice there is nothing in the wiring regulations to say this is necessary. Sounds like a case of poor working practice or design from the builder.

From my understanding- the builder has installed a fuse connection unit (FCU) for all appliances instead of single sockets. Which means you will need to cut off all plug heads from your appliances and wired them into these fuse connection unit. A single sockets is preferable and there is no regs that says otherwise. This is just common sense. You don’t want your warrantee on your appliances to be null and void by cutting off the plugs My builder should allow at list a photo to help explain these situations better

Hi The socket should be installed No matter what the situation Especially when is a kitchen

Did you specifically ask the builder to put them in for you?

They probably fitted what's called flex outlet plates for you to connect to. This is done so that the appliance can go fully back without being proud of the worktop. It also eliminates the risk of breaking the plugtop should the appliance be pushed back too hard. As long as the appliance has its own individual fused means of isolation. then perfectly acceptable (switched fused spur /fused grid switch).you can easily swap the plates over to unswitched /switched sockets if needed. The answer to your question is that it's not a regulatory requirement but a practical solution to appliances sitting flush. Regards Wayne soppitt

Hi Dipak, There is no regulation for that. What they probably have done is anticipated your need base on other houses. Some of the fittings can be straight change to an unswitch socket however that will depend on what the wiring. Oven, cooker or hob most of the time they need to be hard wired. You will need an electrician to access what you have and amend to your requirements. Hope this help Shafick

Not really, it is up to the design at the time of 1st fix wiring. Normally the electrician would have discussed the layout of the kitchen with you. But if you bought the house on a new build estate, then it was all agreed on the drawing board between the builder and consultant.

There are no regulation against that. Its what they thought is needed at the time of installation. Replacing connection outlets with sockets shouldn't be a problem.