domestic kitchen - customer wants a floorsocket in worktop ....

[BELEC]

good day got 5 minutes of work so need a question answered.

new extension onto existing kitchen. kitchen island coming of far wall. the customer has bought a standard chrome floor socket and wants it mounting onto worksurfce - flush.

im aware of the pop up ones i use in offices but my cocern woould be for spillage using this. im tryin to pursuade them otherwise as not sure if it complies with Regs...

it will be on a rcd and was going to fuse spur it of the ring so it could be isolated / removed under fault condition.

ps. i informed the customer im not a old school kitchen fitter and im tryin to restore some pride back into our tade so will enquire 1st

cheers boffin's . baz@ BELEC

 

[Octopus]

I concur with your caution, but is there a reg that says you can't do it? I'm not sure.

 

[malcolmsanford]

I would say even with shutters, and unless you sealed it completely, this would still give rise for problems.

Would they consider a proper floor socket with a a flap that can be fitted into a floor box?

 

[Des 56]

I would say even with shutters, and unless you sealed it completely, this would still give rise for problems.

Would they consider a proper floor socket with a a flap that can be fitted into a floor box?

Like these Malcolm ?
Double or twin floor socket satin chrome / stainless steel - Cheshire Electrical Decor secure online shop

Even with lids,the items will be dodgy when in use
I think he will have to persuade her,either pop ups or angled surface mounted

 

[SPARTYKUS]

AGREE ^^^^^^^ Just a bad idea! Best will in the world, when it goes wrong it will be your fault Baz..... or at least it will suddenly become your fault!

 

[Octopus]

If she insists on the original type I'd be writing a comment on the certificate to CYA!

 

[Richard Burns]

I would say that it does comply with the regs, but I agree that there are major worries with installing such an item in this location and it may not comply with the manufacturers instructions.
You would need to ensure that the box could not get filled with water/conductive liquid and this would be very difficult, especially if it is in use.
Possibly the requirement that an accessory must be suitable for the location and external influences may prevent safe installation.

 

[amckay]

your customer is obviously clueless to the danger, if this was me i would refuse to do the job as if and when someone gets a shock its your neck on the line ( 6 months for corporate manslaughter ).
its an office type socket, not intended for kitchen use. i suggest you ask your client to use one of these:Pop Up Socket - 3 x 240V Sockets - Aluminium and Black Finish

its still a bit dodgy but at least its designed for the job, looks great and practical.

and dont forget to locate it at least 1meter away from source's of water ie sink etc.

 

[malcolmsanford]

I was thinking more on the lines of this type Des that have a beveled edge that can be sealed and raise the Unit off the surface

Note:These type may not be available to BS 1363 standards so forget that

 

[Des 56]

That is much better than the socket I looked at Malc

I thought it was only my Mrs who can come up with stupid ideas and stick to her guns no matter what
Its "my kitchen" she would tell me and the dispute would end there and then,guess who would win