Why does the UK use rings for sockets?

[Mike Johnson]

Welcome to ElectriciansForums.net - The American Electrical Advice Forum
Head straight to the main forums to chat by click here:  American Electrical Advice Forum

You are welcome, but as a "Patron" of this Forum you ought to be more tolerant of other peoples views and post's.

 

[nicebutdim]

I seem to have started a bit of a discussion on this point, with nicebutdim and his sycophant DPG, but as you become more mature you find that trays are a convenient thing to use when you wish to eat in comfort in the living room watching the TV, the children have moved out and you do what you want rather than panda to your wants or your aspiration's for them.

Flippant or not my comment re "Kitchen Designers" being an oxymoron was a genuine comment, the design of a kitchen layout is one of the easiest things to do, if you can draw and work to scale, if that is too difficult for some then so be it, be in awe of those that can.

I think you're giving me too much credit by implying that anyone might care about my opinions.

Getting back on track, the point I was making is that those guys need to turn out work to a certain aesthetic and practical standard. While customers will make all manner of requests that need to be accomodated, it's unlikely that many will request space for sockets inbetween appliances - furthermore, if this inclusion was suggested to those customers, I suspect the vast majority would dismiss the idea out of hand. I'm not in awe of kitchen designers, but simply recognise the fact that they're serving customers and, while they can suggest various ideas, can not force those customers into anything that isn't a legal requirement.

To put it another way; if I'd suggested that our recent kitchen had incorporated a tray space, I can assure you that Mrs nicebutdim would have made herself very clear in explaining that nothing of the sort would be a part of her new kitchen.

 

[pc1966]

My own view on fitted kitchens is the concern that once an appliance dies you can't get a replacement that fits the "fitted" hole. In my own case i have very limited depth for the washing machine and recently found only 2-3 models out of 100+ on most sites would fit. Same issue with the fridge/freezer, NEF stopped making that size years ago so I had to get creative with the jigsaw to fit something else

Maybe not a concern for those who feel an "upgrade" is needed every 5 years, but for a tight-wad like myself I want to use the same layout for decades!

 

[Mike Johnson]

The sliding tray space with door I have incorporated into our kitchen design in France, is also used to house the many cutting boards we have, it is so convenient I can't see us doing without it, cleans up the kitchen worktops and stops us have to search for a cutting board.

 

[nicebutdim]

My own view on fitted kitchens is the concern that once an appliance dies you can't get a replacement that fits the "fitted" hole. In my own case i have very limited depth for the washing machine and recently found only 2-3 models out of 100+ on most sites would fit. Same issue with the fridge/freezer, NEF stopped making that size years ago so I had to get creative with the jigsaw to fit something else

Maybe not a concern for those who feel an "upgrade" is needed every 5 years, but for a tight-wad like myself I want to use the same layout for decades!

Most appliances are of fairly standard dimensions in kitchens built during the last 30+ years. Integrated microwaves would be the main exception and it's basically impossible to replace them without leaving (or having to fill) gaps.

 

[nicebutdim]

The sliding tray space with door I have incorporated into our kitchen design in France, is also used to house the many cutting boards we have, it is so convenient I can't see us doing without it, cleans up the kitchen worktops and stops us have to search for a cutting board.

I'd have no issue with that design, Mike. I just don't see it being an easy sell to the average punter.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Nearly everyone I know has more than one cutting board, where do they keep them, mostly on the worktops cluttering up the usable area, most of the people I know are average punter's. (wink face)

 

[Edmond Noonan]

My own view on fitted kitchens is the concern that once an appliance dies you can't get a replacement that fits the "fitted" hole. In my own case i have very limited depth for the washing machine and recently found only 2-3 models out of 100+ on most sites would fit. Same issue with the fridge/freezer, NEF stopped making that size years ago so I had to get creative with the jigsaw to fit something else

Maybe not a concern for those who feel an "upgrade" is needed every 5 years, but for a tight-wad like myself I want to use the same layout for decades!

Yes. Unfortunately time teaches all sparks that the jigsaw is an essential tool when working in kitchens. I find replacing hobs to be the worst culprit in this regard.
Regarding kitchens in general though, two of my golden rules are..
1 get kitchen plan
2 get kitchen fitters number
After that I can usually work out the easiest wiring routes and most convenient locations for installing appliances sockets. Plus I suggest to customers where the isolators can be mounted in order to be be "accessible" but "out of sight". Don't like looking at them myself. Spoils the tiling too

 

[Edmond Noonan]

The sliding tray space with door I have incorporated into our kitchen design in France, is also used to house the many cutting boards we have, it is so convenient I can't see us doing without it, cleans up the kitchen worktops and stops us have to search for

I like this, design by the way. Works a treat in utilities where homeowners are, nt fixated on appearance.
Regarding kitchen design, I have done 2 of my own where I built what I call a"tower unit". Basically it's a converted fridge freezer unit where I place instead all the appliances you would normally use in a kitchen along with all the sockets, isolators etc. When you walk in to my kitchen you ee only 1 socket for the kettle and it's covered by the fruit bowl. Tried to get kitchen designers interested in it but zero interest I, m afraid

 

[Mike Johnson]

I like this, design by the way. Works a treat in utilities where homeowners are, nt fixated on appearance.

Nasty back handed slight.

 

[Edmond Noonan]

Nasty back handed slight.

Mike. You have made me laugh. I can see in hindsight how it could be read that way. Believe me, no slight intended. I, m not clever enough for subtle humour (or sarcasm)

 

[pirate]

I keep my chopping boards on the worktop, propped up between the toaster and the microwave oven. Once they have warped a bit from the heat, I simply turn them round...