UK Upside Down UK Plug Socket - Is This Normal/Ok?

Grimers · Oct 24, 2023

Joking aside (thanks I did LOL at some of the jokes). Is this really ok? I’m concerned that if we use it then there could be issues. I think the best thing is to cover it but not sure!

pc1966 · Oct 24, 2023

Grimers said:
Is this really ok? I’m concerned that if we use it then there could be issues.

Provided no cables are strained, etc, it is fine, just unconventional. FYI the sockets on some trains are that way for the same sort of reasons, just labelled to explain it!

If it worries you then a lower desk, or some spacer so it is not hard against the wall, would allow a conventional solution.

Grimers · Oct 24, 2023

pc1966 said:
Provided no cables are strained, etc, it is fine, just unconventional. FYI the sockets on some trains are that way for the same sort of reasons, just labelled to explain it!

If it worries you then a lower desk, or some spacer so it is not hard against the wall, would allow a conventional solution.

Thanks, unfortunately we can’t lower the desk as it’s fixed. We will sort it one way or another!

westward10 · Oct 24, 2023

If the back box is metal you can replace it with a dual box and two one gang sockets, they will be on their sides but not upside down.

Grimers · Oct 24, 2023

westward10 said:
If the back box is metal you can replace it with a dual box and two one gang sockets, they will be on their sides but not upside down.

Thank you also. Can you link to what this is? Sorry, I’m in the IT not electrical trade!

pc1966 · Oct 24, 2023

Grimers said:
Thank you also. Can you link to what this is? Sorry, I’m in the IT not electrical trade!

Made4Trade Metal Back Box

Adjustable fixed lug. BS4662.

www.toolstation.com

Then two single sockets on their (opposite) sides, linked through (probably you have cable in to one, link to next, out to rest)

Also please get a socket tester of some sort for any work!

Grimers · Oct 24, 2023

pc1966 said:
Made4Trade Metal Back Box

Adjustable fixed lug. BS4662.

www.toolstation.com

Then two single sockets on their (opposite) sides, linked through (probably you have cable in to one, link to next, out to rest)

Also please get a socket tester of some sort for any work!

Thanks. I definitely wouldn’t attempt anything other than rotating what’s currently there myself!

pc1966 · Oct 24, 2023

Grimers said:
Thanks. I definitely wouldn’t attempt anything other than rotating what’s currently there myself!

You will struggle. You have a double socket, that takes 2*single!

Grimers · Oct 27, 2023

Well, the socket seems to work fine and have actually found that there is less strain on the cables with the socket orientated this way. The socket is hidden by a PC monitor now, so at least we don't have to look at it!

telectrix · Oct 27, 2023

only problem could be that the electriccs leak down through grVITY TO THE EARTH PIN, THUS CAUSU=ING YOUR rcd TO TRIP.

Grimers · Oct 27, 2023

Right... So, if it starts tripping we have an excuse to sort it then?

Moley · Oct 27, 2023

telectrix said:
only problem could be that the electriccs leak down through grVITY TO THE EARTH PIN, THUS CAUSU=ING YOUR rcd TO TRIP.

You been sniffing the wine gums again?

OnlQQker · Oct 28, 2023

Grimers said:
Hi all,

Just recently moved into a renovated house in the UK where a desk is quite high, so the plug socket above it has had to be put in upside down! Other than a bad case of OCD, is this normal/ok?

Please see attached photo.

View attachment 111188

Cheers,

Will

Grimers · Nov 16, 2023

Hi all, so quick update on this. I rotated the socket earlier (making sure the circuit was isolated). Some plugs fit fine (like a Lenovo tablet charger for example), but obviously some don't due to there being next to no clearance between the desk and socket (see image). For the plugs that don't fit, what is the safest way to get around this? Is it best to use a cube or something like a T plug extension? Thanks for your help!

DPG · Nov 16, 2023

Grimers said:
Hi all, so quick update on this. I rotated the socket earlier (making sure the circuit was isolated). Some plugs fit fine (like a Lenovo tablet charger for example), but obviously some don't due to there being next to no clearance between the desk and socket (see image). For the plugs that don't fit, what is the safest way to get around this? Is it best to use a cube or something like a T plug extension? Thanks for your help!

Cube adaptors are best avoided. And I'm not a fan of the t-type ones either. Use a good quality 4 way strip type one with a lead.

littlespark · Nov 16, 2023

DPG said:
Cube adaptors are best avoided. And I'm not a fan of the t-type ones either. Use a good quality 4 way strip type one with a lead.

problem with that is the flex lead coming out the plug being squashed against the worktop there.

a cube adaptor for this situation, propping it up underneath so its not falling out the socket due to gravity.

DPG · Nov 16, 2023

littlespark said:
problem with that is the flex lead coming out the plug being squashed against the worktop there.

a cube adaptor for this situation, propping it up underneath so its not falling out the socket due to gravity.

Good point. I'd forgot what the original problem was!!

Yeah cube type is ok if it's supported as littlespark says. Make sure it's a fused one though.

Garrypyton · Mar 10, 2025

Sockets can be installed either way up, but most are fitted with the switch at the top. If it’s a concern, you could check with an electrician for peace of mind.