Wiring a kettle into the wall?

[spicler08]

Hi, is it possible to wire a kettle directly into the wall? (just a normal "put the kettle on and make a cuppa" kettle). My extractor hood and hob in my kitchen are both wired up this way (fused spurs), and my oven come to think of it, so I was just wondering if you could do the same with a kettle? And if not why not? Reason being is that I can't stand the black kettle lead trailing along the worktop and into a plug socket, so I thought why not wire it into its own dedicated fused spur and hide the spur behind the kettle so you can't see it? Any help with this would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Steve

 

[BillyTheSparks]

I dont see why not, I've seen this in hotels/b&b's with the hair dryer, and the kettle etc.

 

[Spazz]

I dont see why not - if in doubt use a fused switch (10A or 13A) that will work the same way as a plug its fused before the CU and as its in a high risk area (Kitchen) with water around.

 

[spicler08]

Thanks guys. It's reassuring to know that the idea has some legs, but because I'd never seen it done before with a kettle I thought maybe there's an obvious reason why it's not possible - but I agree, I don't see why not? If anyone else reading this thread can add anything further, that would also be much appreciated. Thanks again.

 

[Rockingit]

So long as there's a fuse in the circuit then it's absolutely fine. You wouldn't necessarily even need to have a switched outlet (though you probably would want to) as the argument could be made that it would be the same as plugging the 13A plugtop into an unswitched socket.

 

[telectrix]

if you can hide the FCU behind the kettle, why not just place the kettle in front of the socket?

 

[Spazz]

So long as there's a fuse in the circuit then it's absolutely fine. You wouldn't necessarily even need to have a switched outlet (though you probably would want to) as the argument could be made that it would be the same as plugging the 13A plugtop into an unswitched socket.

Other option spicler08
Screw the base to the worktop so it becomes part of the worktop - drill a hold under the base and connect the kettle flex into a fused outlet under the worktop or even have a switch above the worktop like you would have with a cooker, so you can turn it off.

Only downpoint is that you damage the worktop.

If you dont screw the base down and drill the cable through the worktop there is a risk of moving the base and putting excess strain on the cable which could have a negative and possible affect, at least with a plug, the plug will most probably come out of the socket before you damage the cable.

 

[Rockingit]

Well if we're now being silly, why not just route out a circle in the worktop to site the base flush, drill the cable through the bottom and connect it direct. FFS, some people have no imagination.

 

[spicler08]

if you can hide the FCU behind the kettle, why not just place the kettle in front of the socket?

Thanks for the suggestion but unfortunately the sockets are in the middle of the wall/splashback and the kettle is about a meter to the left over by the sink - hence the trailing kettle lead. I wouldn't want to move the kettle to the middle because it just wouldn't look right. Thanks anyway though.

 

[telectrix]

and if it's not a cordless kettle, fit a rubber hose to the tap on the other side of the kitchen to fill it. seems like there are some of us here with too much time to spare. LOL.

 

[a1guvner]

Have the socket in a wall unit and devise a mechanism to release the kettle from the wall unit on a counterweight when the kettle has boiled, no leads, no mess, no kettle, jobs a goodun

 

[spicler08]

Other option spicler08
Screw the base to the worktop so it becomes part of the worktop - drill a hold under the base and connect the kettle flex into a fused outlet under the worktop or even have a switch above the worktop like you would have with a cooker, so you can turn it off.

Only downpoint is that you damage the worktop.

If you dont screw the base down and drill the cable through the worktop there is a risk of moving the base and putting excess strain on the cable which could have a negative and possible affect, at least with a plug, the plug will most probably come out of the socket before you damage the cable.

I like it! An integrated kettle - Now we're on the same wavelength! If it was done right it could look very cool - especially with the blue illuminating LEDs you get in kettles these days. Is it one step too far though?... I can't help but think it could possibly have a hint of over-engineering about it!

 

[telectrix]

buy one of those instantaneous water heaters that have a 3rd tap on the sink. no waiting for the kettle to boil. or buy a bloody gas kettle to put on the hob.

 

[spicler08]

buy one of those instantaneous water heaters that have a 3rd tap on the sink. no waiting for the kettle to boil.

I'd love to, but have you seen how much they cost?!? Last time I looked they were at least £400. Slightly out of my budget unfortunately...

 

[spicler08]

Have the socket in a wall unit and devise a mechanism to release the kettle from the wall unit on a counterweight when the kettle has boiled, no leads, no mess, no kettle, jobs a goodun

I love the imagination of it but I think this one's got health and safety risk written all over it!

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Or, blank socket off altogether, spend £2k on a solid fuel rayburn/aga, and get one of those huge posh chrome kettles that hold gallons, it'll be full and hot all day

 

[a1guvner]

I love the imagination of it but I think this one's got health and safety risk written all over it!

Dominate the situation and of course you would have to fit a stay upright device like an eyelet at the top side of the kettle which could be incorporated into a pouring device, :28:

 

[spicler08]

Thanks for all the input guys - but I think that's enough Dr Emmett Brown ideas for one day! Thanks for all the comments though - at least I know now that my original question can be done.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Thanks for all the input guys - but I think that's enough Dr Emmett Brown ideas for one day! Thanks for all the comments though - at least I know now that my original question can be done.

Damn. I was going to suggest yo stop drinking hot drinks, then you wouldn't need a kettle.
Seriously, the only problem I can envision, is that the lead would have to have appropriate strain relief where it is connected to the supply, or the kettle or base would have to be fixed.

 

[Dave 85]

This guys crazy. If you are really that offended by seeing leads coming out of portable appliances I would suggest you just do away with all portable electrical appliances in your house. I would also suggest seeing a doctor.

 

[wildgoose]

A kettle is a piece of portable equipment and so are the majority of household items that are wired through a fused spur (FCU). FCU fed items should be PAT tested in the same way but often they are ignored because it's beyond the capabilty of the incompetent 'PAT Label Stickers' to isolate and carry out the test.

In answer to you question: Yes no problem cutting off the plug top and feeding through a FCU - just like they do for a wall mounted water heater - which is electrically is very similar.

 

[Silly Sausage]

A kettle is a piece of portable equipment and so are the majority of household items that are wired through a fused spur (FCU). FCU fed items should be PAT tested in the same way but often they are ignored because it's beyond the capabilty of the incompetent 'PAT Label Stickers' to isolate and carry out the test.

In answer to you question: Yes no problem cutting off the plug top and feeding through a FCU - just like they do for a wall mounted water heater - which is electrically is very similar.

They still get happily stickered, that's another £1 (whatever) in the bag for 2 seconds work. :!blank:

 

[gottahugenoggin]

look guys your all missing something here......throw the kettle in the bin.......fill your cup up with water then stick it in the microwave for 1 min.....one hot cup of water ready and waiting,no ugly FCU to hide........unk:

 

[Silly Sausage]

Trouble with that is the water explodes when you put your tea bag in

 

[mackers]

would this work with a travel kettle?

 

[gottahugenoggin]

Trouble with that is the water explodes when you put your tea bag in

which is why you should drink coffee?

actually ive tried to get water to explode.I saw it on tv and thought id have a go he he.Apparently you super heat the water then when you break the surface tension it explodes.....i failed....many times....i even tried it with distilled water to no avail....has anyone succeeded in this task?

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Dominate the situation and of course you would have to fit a stay upright device like an eyelet at the top side of the kettle which could be incorporated into a pouring device, :28:

kettles already have a pouring device on em...its called Mrs.....

 

[spicler08]

A kettle is a piece of portable equipment and so are the majority of household items that are wired through a fused spur (FCU). FCU fed items should be PAT tested in the same way but often they are ignored because it's beyond the capabilty of the incompetent 'PAT Label Stickers' to isolate and carry out the test.

In answer to you question: Yes no problem cutting off the plug top and feeding through a FCU - just like they do for a wall mounted water heater - which is electrically is very similar.

Thanks wildgoose. A clear, concise answer - just what I was looking for. Thanks mate.

 

[RWJ]

We recently wired a kettle into a FCU.

The clients who have got more money than sense didn't want any sockets on show in their expensive kitchen so we duly wired their cordless kettle to a fcu, the base which had recessed in to the marble.

They also had those triple gang pop up units also recessed flush with the marble.
It did look good I will admit though it didn't look right because you couldn't see any sockets.