i want advice on electrical installation inmy new fitted kitchen?

Question

i have had sockets installed under my base units behind the plinths with fused spur sockets installed at worktop level. is it legal to have these sockets under the plinth lying on the floor.

Answer 1

I do not know where your located at but from what I can take in about this it's not good news
Good Luck

Answer 2

It is unusual and dangerous to have sockets trailing on the floor especially in a kitchen where there is an increased risk of flooding.

I assume if they are behind a plinth and unuseable, if they were meant to be used then certainly it is totally outside of the installation criteria laid down and potentially lethal.

If they are not useable and are being used soley for feeding spur outlets then I would ask why a junction box wasn't used instead and fixed to the unit or wall, to use sockets for this purpose is totally un proffesional and again in contravention of the laid down installation criteria.

You don't say but I take it this work was done by outside fitters, if I were you I would call them back in to rectify what is a potentially dangerous situation. Ask them for a copy of their P form certification.

If you have any problems then consult an approved elctrician and ask him for a written opinion which you can take to the installers.

Answer 3

In a word, no.
Those sockets are meant to be there so that you can plug your appliances in, such as your dish washer or washing machine.
They need to be at an acceptable height so that you can get reasonable access to them, and not likely to be in danger should your washing machine overflow and cause a flood.
You can then operate them via your fused spur above worktop height.
Who ever did the work is supposed to give you a certificate to comply with regulations.
The best thing to do is to contact whoever did the work tell them you are not satisfied with the work and get them to put it right.
If they argue then report them to your local authority's Building Control Department or even the Citizens Advice Bureau who can advise you further how to take the most appropriate action.