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

[Grimers]

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.

Cheers,

Will

 

[newfutile]

It’s so the flex don’t foul on the worktop someone cut it in too low

 

[DPG]

There's no way I could keep that as it is!

 

[newfutile]

I guess it’s better than not being able to use it due to the flex, and I can’t think of any reg it contravenes

 

[Dustydazzler]

As it is just one plug socket above a fitted desk I would persoanlly just leave it as is and live with it upside down

Whats to say its not the correct way up and we have just been fitting sockets the wrong way up for decades

 

[Grimers]

Thank you for your quick replies, all. Probably is best to just leave it as apparently trying to move it up and then fix the wall afterwards may look even worse! I will message the electrician we know and see what he says (he put the electrics in and is very good). Cheers!

 

[DPG]

It's going to look a bit crap with the wires coming out of the top in a loop. But that's just aesthetics.

 

[Dustydazzler]

If it really is setting your OCD off into hyper-drive , you could get the sparks to blank off the socket and cut in a new sockets directly above thus avoiding haveing to spend a hour trying to patch any damage attempting to move the old socket up 2 inches

 

[timhoward]

If it really is setting your OCD off into hyper-drive , you could get the sparks to blank off the socket and cut in a new sockets directly above thus avoiding haveing to spend a hour trying to patch any damage attempting to move the old socket up 2 inches

Another crazy idea : M2 grid frame, 2 USB charger modules, and a spur down to socket(s) under the desk.

 

[DPG]

Another crazy idea : M2 grid frame, 2 USB charger modules, and a spur down to a socket under the desk.

Nice idea. I'd do that.

 

[snowhead]

A possibility

 

[Grimers]

Great idea, snowhead. That would save blanking, moving and/or replacing. Appreciate everyone else’s thoughts, too. Would the bottom sit on the desk with the back on the wall?

 

[pc1966]

This may be a dumb question, but I'm assuming the desk is fitted? Otherwise a lower desk might be an answer to allow normal orientation!

 

[Grimers]

Yep, it was bought from Howdens and their desk heights are higher than the standard (not sure on the complete details as someone else dealt with it). We worked out the height of the socket assuming standard height, but no they didn’t tell us that the one they provided was higher! We probably should have confirmed, but it was too late once we had painted ready for the desk to be installed…

 

[Grimers]

By the way, there are plenty of sockets below the desk, so we can always use a cable hole and drop the cables down below it if it's a problem, but was just wondering if there was an easy solution to fix this (maybe snowhead's idea is the way to go). Has anyone else come across/installed sockets this way round before?

 

[snowhead]

Cheap and cheerfull option, turn the socket the right way around,
then use one (or 2) of the below, it has to have the plug low down and side sockets sideways, not all do have.
This one is from Toolstation.

 

[littlespark]

Bloody hate those cubes.

Rather use a 4 way adapter that can be hung on the wall.

 

[loz2754]

If keeping the socket upside down, I recommended putting something under it to catch the electricity that falls out.

 

[Moley]

If keeping the socket upside down, I recommended putting something under it to catch the electricity that falls out.

No need to. It'll just form a puddle on the top of the desk. If the desk wasn't there then I agree that you would need something to catch it. I would use a plastic takeaway container. Don't use one of the foil ones as you could get a shock if you didn't ground it before emptying.

 

[DPG]

No need to. It'll just form a puddle on the top of the desk. If the desk wasn't there then I agree that you would need something to catch it. I would use a plastic takeaway container. Don't use one of the foil ones as you could get a shock if you didn't ground it before emptying.

Foil containers should be grounded anyway. Surprised you aren't aware of that.

 

[Grimers]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Grimers]

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

 

[Moley]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[mainline]

you could check with an electrician for peace of mind.

There are a few of those on here

It's probably sorted by now.

 

[Teddy Lop]

I know it's an old thread but I'd maybe try to wriggle one of these in

2 x 1 Gang Accessory Service Outlet Plate | Univolt (FOBP310)