What height should sockets be above worktop?

How high should sockets be from floor UK?

UK Building Regulations state that wall mounted sockets should be positioned so they can easily be reachable in the given room. Whilst there are no specific regulations that need to be followed. As a general rule of thumb sockets should be installed at least 450mm to 1200mm up from the floor level of any room.

What is the distance between floor and socket?

Standard Height for Outlet Boxes The standard height for wall outlet boxes is about 12 inches from the top of the floor covering to the bottom of the receptacle box (or 16 inches to the top of the box).

How high should sockets be above skirting?

Guest. I always put the sockets on rewires at 2 to 3 inches above the exiting height of the skirting boards.

Is there a height requirement for electrical outlets?

The Code of Federal Regulations 28 Part 36 (American Disabilities Act) in Section 4.27. 3 states that electrical and communications system receptacles on walls shall be mounted no less than 15" above floor.

What is the height of electrical switches from floor?

Typically, light fixture wall switches in standard residential construction are set so that wall switch boxes are somewhere between 48 and 52 inches above the floor.

Why are plug sockets so high?

- If it were a brand new house then the building regulations specify a height for sockets and light switches so that the house can be both suitable for able bodied and disabled persons.

Where should plug sockets be positioned?

Socket outlets are to be conveniently positioned in close proximity to the TV aerial and telephone outlets, thus allowing for electrical equipment including TVs and DVD players.

Are plug sockets without switches illegal UK?

Unswitched sockets are not illegal, but they are not commonly used in homes for a variety of reasons. As the socket is always 'live' this can cause safety concerns if for any reason it needs to be quickly disconnected. The main reason that we have switched sockets is to isolate power to a circuit.

How far does a Socket need to be from a sink UK?

In the UK, the NICEIC states that: “Electrical sockets or switches should be fitted at a safe distance (it is recommended at least 30cm horizontally) from a sink to avoid the chance of water coming into contact with electricity. Sockets should also be easily accessible.

How many sockets can a ring main have?

There is no limit on how many sockets you can install on a 32-amp ring main. However, the maximum load for a circuit at any given time should be 7,500 watts. Thus, while the number of sockets is not limited, the number of appliances and electronic devices you use at the same time could be limited.

Are 8 socket extension leads safe?

Are plug extension leads safe? Overall, yes. When used properly, extension leads are safe for use around the house.

How many 13A sockets can be on a ring circuit?

The IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) permit an unlimited number of 13A socket outlets (at any point unfused single or double, or any number fused) to be installed on a ring circuit, provided that the floor area served does not exceed 100 m².

How high should sockets be above worktop?

What height should the sockets be? Generally, it's good to install sockets that are at the worktops, about 10-15cm above the surface. If you have a kitchen/diner with a table and want to have an outlet for easy access for chargers and laptops, position it 45cm above the floor.

Why do electricians install outlets upside down?

Electricians may position the outlet in an upside-down position so that you can quickly identify the switch-controlled receptacle. Since it stands out visually to most people right away – it provides convenience to the occupants to easily remember which outlet is switch controlled.

What is the best height for light switches?

For a majority of rooms, builders tend to place the bottoms of light switches 48 inches above the floor. This is a comfortable height for most home dwellers when sitting or standing, plus it makes it easier to install switches during construction.

What is the correct height for light switches?

While the NEC doesn't specify the height of switches, most follow a standard procedure. Typical placement puts them at 48″ on-center. Exceptions exist for homes where wheelchair-accessibility is a major concern. In this case you can place them around 40-inches high off the floor.

What is the code for electrical outlets?

The US National Electrical Code, Section 210.52, states that there should be an electrical outlet in every kitchen, bedroom, living room, family room, and any other room that has dedicated living space. They must be positioned at least every twelve feet measured along the floor line.

Are plug sockets illegal on skirting boards?

There is no legal requirement to replace sockets if they are positioned on skirting boards in an older property but given that the wiring installation is likely to be old, it is advisable to get a registered electrician to carry out an inspection of the electrics.

How many sockets can be on a spur?

How Many Sockets Can Be on a Spur? Only one spur can be connected to a single socket.

How far does a plug socket have to be from a cooker?

A minimum distance of 100mm, measured horizontally from an electrical accessory to the edge of a free standing cooker or individual hob (see diagram 2) is considered acceptable for the purposes of avoiding adverse eects from using a cooker or hob.

Can I have a plug socket behind a cooker?

No, a socket should not be installed behind a cooker or hob, all electrical accessories should be ideally 300mm away or at least 100mm.

How far should a socket be away from a kitchen sink?

Sockets and Switches Electrical sockets or switches should be fitted at a safe distance (it is recommended at least 30cm horizontally) from a sink to avoid the chance of water coming into contact with electricity. Sockets should also be easily accessible.

Can you put a socket behind a dishwasher?

You cannot normally put a socket behind a dishwasher, you can with some washing machines and some ff. Better to put it in an adjacent cupboard and then it can be tested easily in the future.

Can I run 2 sockets off a spur?

A spur can be connected to an existing socket, on either a ring main or a radial circuit, providing that socket does not already have a spur. That is only one spur per socket is allowed and the number of spurs must not exceed the number of sockets.

Is it OK to spur off a spur?

There is no problem in spurring off a fused spur (I think that's what you mean). The principle is you just need to protect the cable. This week I've seen a unfused spur from a socket on the ring to a single socket (in 2.5 6262Y) - then from the single socket to a FCU in 1.5 6242Y for the boiler.

Can I put 2 double sockets on a spur?

Yes you can add as many sockets as you want. Its a standard radial circuit. 16A or 20A wired in 2.5mm2 T&E. The confusion arises out of ring circuits and spurs.

Can you mount an electrical socket on wood?

It doesn't. The requirement is that the connections must be enclosed in non-combustible material and the insulation (both layers) enter the enclosure.

Can I put outlets and lights on the same circuit?

Generally a properly wired home should have dedicated lighting circuits that are apart from receptacles. Overloaded neutrals are fire hazards.

How far from the door should a light switch be?

There are no national laws on how far a light switch should be from a door frame. It's recommended that a switch should be installed at least 8 inches from the frame to leave space for the switch plate.

Why do electric plugs have 2 holes in them?

These bumps fit into the holes so that the outlet can grip the plug's prongs more firmly. This detenting prevents the plug from slipping out of the socket due to the weight of the plug and cord. It also improves the contact between the plug and the outlet.

Should outlets be installed ground up?

The outlet should be oriented with the ground pin up because this pin is longer and the plastic around the plug is meatier, so it will help to keep the plug inserted in the outlet.

What does a blue outlet mean?

The blue color outlets are self grounding outlets with alarm indication in case of loss of ground protection are used in the following applications. Hospital grade outlets in emergency rooms in healthcare buildings and hospital, industrial and commercial applications.

How many sockets can you have in a kitchen UK?

Norm's right - see table 8B of the OSG (p156). "must have 4 double plug sockets per room irrespective of the size of room" certainly isn't right though - recommendation varies by type of room - e.g. "6 to 10" for Kitchen & Lounge; 3 for dining, 2 for hall.

What height are kitchen wall units?

Common wall cabinet heights are 12, 36, and 42 inches. In standard kitchens, the wall cabinets are typically 30 or 36 inches tall, with the space above enclosed by soffits.

Can I use a junction box to extend a ring main?

Effectively you cut the wire on the ring feeding a new wire to socket via a juction box, then feed a wire from socket back to the other wire on the ring via a juntion box. Extending the ring gives you the option to extend in the future.

Are ring mains still used?

Yes, ring mains (more correctly called ring final circuits these days) were and still are the norm for most UK dwellings. A very common arrangement was two ring final circuits, one for upstairs and one for downstairs.

How many amps can a 2.5 mm ring main take?

Given 2.5mm twin and earth clipped direct is 27 amps, times two for parallel is 54 amps for a clipped direct, ring.

Can you plug a fridge into an extension cord UK?

Yes it will be fine, as long as you keep within the current ratings of both the main socket and the extension. As the current draw of the lights is minimal this isn't going to be a problem. This is what extensions are made for, and there's nothing particularly special about a fridge/freezer.

How many plugs is too many UK?

Do Not Overload Sockets. Remember the 13 amp rule. A maximum of a total of 13 AMPS into 1 socket. Avoid block adaptors.

Can you daisy chain extension leads?

"Take a few minutes to make sure you're not daisy-chaining extension leads or overloading your plug sockets, and that you are charging your devices on hard, non-flammable surfaces." "We should all pay extra attention to electrical safety during our period of remote working."

How high does a socket have to be off the floor?

As a general rule of thumb they should be installed 48 to 52 inches above the floor. This provides a comfortable height for most when standing up. This can vary depending on the height of the individual.

Can I use 1.5 mm cable for ring main?

It depends. If a fuse spur has been installed and then a supply from that has been taken to your new socket in 1.5 then its fine as the fuse spur will limit the current to 13 amps which 1.5 can handle. If its direct off another socket then it must be 2.5 in normal domestic wiring.

How many sockets can I put on a 30 amp ring main?

There is no limit to the number of sockets you can have on a ring main but there is a limit to the number of spurs you can have from those sockets or from the wiring between them.

Can a socket be above a draining board?

Building Regulations Electrical Sockets in a KitchenAccessories should be installed at a minimum of at least 300mm away from the edge of kitchen sinks and draining boards to reduce the risk of being splashed by water.

How far should a light switch be from a sink?

National Electrical Code says that the receptacle must be within 3' of the outside edge of the basin, but not more than 12" below the top of the basin (210.52(D)). It also states that the receptacle can be installed in the countertop, but must not be in the face-up position (406.5(E)).

Are 2 pin plugs legal in UK?

The first aspect to recognise is that UK power outlets have a three-pin format for their connectors, while European countries adopt a two-pin format. Unless the appliance from Europe has a minimal amp rating (such as that found on an electric shaver or toothbrush), it's not advisable to use a standard two-pin adapter.

Are round pin plugs legal in UK?

Electric sockets – 5 amp or 13 amp The most common is the now standard 13 amp square pinned socket to fit the standard 13 amp plug. These can be used for any device sold in the UK today so why are there different sockets anyway. The 5 amp small round pin socket is now primarily only used for lighting circuits.

How many sockets can you have in a bedroom?

Kitchen / Utility – 8 outlets. Dining Room – 4 outlets. Living or Family room – 8 outlets. Bedroom (main) – 6 outlets.

Are plug sockets without switches illegal UK?

Unswitched sockets are not illegal, but they are not commonly used in homes for a variety of reasons. As the socket is always 'live' this can cause safety concerns if for any reason it needs to be quickly disconnected. The main reason that we have switched sockets is to isolate power to a circuit.

How many sockets can a ring main have?

There is no limit on how many sockets you can install on a 32-amp ring main. However, the maximum load for a circuit at any given time should be 7,500 watts. Thus, while the number of sockets is not limited, the number of appliances and electronic devices you use at the same time could be limited.

Where should sockets be placed in a bedroom?

Allow for a socket in each corner of the bedroom for other electrical items such as the TV, computers, lamps and other electrical items. If you have a dressing table or desks it's worth adding sockets close to them for easy access and avoid running cables across the room.

Why do British bathrooms have no plug sockets?

Why are there no plug sockets in British bathrooms? The reason that there are no plus sockets in bathrooms is simple – having an exposed plug socket can increase the risk of electric shock. Plugs in England generally use 240-volt power, twice the amount found in US plugs which have 120-volts.

How can I charge my toothbrush without a shaver socket?

I don't have a 2 pin shaver socket in my bathroom, what do I do? You need to purchase an 2 pin adapter, that will allow you to connect a 2 pin shaver plug such as that on your electric toothbrush to a 3 pin socket.

How close can a socket be to a sink UK?

(SOURCE: DCLG; Fire Statistics, Great Britain April 2013-March 2014). Electrical sockets or switches should be fitted at a safe distance (it is recommended at least 30cm horizontally) from a sink to avoid the chance of water coming into contact with electricity.

Can I have a plug socket behind a cooker?

No, a socket should not be installed behind a cooker or hob, all electrical accessories should be ideally 300mm away or at least 100mm.

Can you put a socket behind a dishwasher?

You cannot normally put a socket behind a dishwasher, you can with some washing machines and some ff. Better to put it in an adjacent cupboard and then it can be tested easily in the future.

Is 2.5 mm cable OK for sockets?

2.5mm is commonly used for behind sockets, while 1-1.5mm is most often used for lights (depending on how many lights you have in a circuit).

Can you use 3 core cable for sockets?

Yes, 3 core is required for 2 way lighting circuits. Personally i always use 1.5mm t&e for lighting, but either 1mm or 1.5mm is ok.

How many times can you spur off a socket?

Answered by Rupert, Electrical Safety Expert You can have one unfused spur per socket-outlet on a ring main or one fused spur per socket-outlet, you can have as many sockets as you like off of a fused spur.

Can I put 2 double sockets on a spur?

Yes you can add as many sockets as you want. Its a standard radial circuit. 16A or 20A wired in 2.5mm2 T&E. The confusion arises out of ring circuits and spurs.

Can you use an RCD with an extension lead?

It is essential to ensure that any extension lead used outside is protected by an RCD. We would always recommend having an RCD as part of the extension lead unless it is 15m or shorter and you are absolutely certain that any sockets to which it will be connected are already RCD protected.

Can you plug a kettle into an extension cord?

Using extension leads safely Power-hungry appliances such as kettles, toasters and microwaves shouldn't be on the same extension. Always use a fused 'inline' type – not the plug-in cube type – but be really careful not to overload it.

Can I run a double socket from another socket?

You can either run this from an existing socket, or from a junction box that's connected into the cable run of a suitable ring circuit. The circuit must have RCD protection.

Is it OK to plug an extension into an extension?

If you connect two or more extension leads together (sometimes known as 'daisy-chaining), the resistance of the extension leads increase. This can lead to overheating and fires. Only use one extension lead per socket and never plug an extension lead into another.

Can I plug an electric oven into a 13 amp socket?

Yes, 13 amp plug-in electric ovens are available on the market. Although there is more choice than there used to be, there is still a much smaller choice compared to their higher amp rated counterparts.

Can you spur a light off a socket?

You need the neutral to make the light work but you can take a spur from the socket underneath the desk for a light, you could place a FCU next to socket underneath desk then run cable to light switch and then on to light fitting .. you cannot run spur to spur with sockets incase of over load of cable but a light is ...

Can two Spurs be off one socket?

Only one fused spur may be taken from any socket on a ring. From that fused spur you can have as many electrical outlets as you like, as they are then protected by the fuse.

Can you wire a plug socket from a light switch UK?

Lighting cable in the UK is normally 1.5mm diameter, suitable to carry 15Amps. Cable for electric sockets is normally 2.5mm diameter, suitable to carry 20Amps. All single sockets must be capable of taking 13Amps. Therefore a single socket on a 15Amp cable would take up most of its capacity.

How many sockets can you have on a ring main UK?

There is no limit on how many sockets you can install on a 32-amp ring main. However, the maximum load for a circuit at any given time should be 7,500 watts. Thus, while the number of sockets is not limited, the number of appliances and electronic devices you use at the same time could be limited.

Can I use 2.5 mm cable for sockets?

2.5mm is commonly used for behind sockets, while 1-1.5mm is most often used for lights (depending on how many lights you have in a circuit).

Can I run a double socket from another socket?

You can either run this from an existing socket, or from a junction box that's connected into the cable run of a suitable ring circuit. The circuit must have RCD protection.