Anyone know if we can chnen this socket to a plug socket..(pics included)?

macman

Unlikely that it was for an appliance if it's in the hallway? I would agree it's probably intended for storage heaters. Take the faceplate off (power off first of course) and see if it's actually been wired or not. If it has, check what your metering is as already advised. And have a look on the consumer unit to see if there is a circuit marked 'storage heaters'.
If you do have Economy 7 metering, do check that you are not still on an E7 tariff now you have gas CH. Lots of horror stories on here recently about people who have their storage heaters removed or switched off, yet remain on E7 tariffs for years in blissful ignorance!

ginvzt

We had one looking like this in our living room - it was a switch to operate fireplace (if we were ever to put it in, which we didn't have). But isnce it is in the hallway, then I don't think it would be for the fireplace!

andrew-b

Could be for all sorts of appliances..and not just in the hall. What's the other side of the wall as it may also be relevant?

gabyjane

Hi thanks for the replys. I'm not sure where the storage heaters have come into it tbh as it is a new build and has radiators so the storage heaters are a no no!..the ones that look the same in the kitchen are of course wired up to dishwasher, washing machine etc but are named as so..the one on the second floor and lounge are blank and the one in the hall is also blank so assuming it is not connected to anything?
When i get back home i will get dh to take a look (after turning the elctric oif first of course!) If it is not connected to anything is it safe to wire it to a plug socket cover?
Thanks

gabyjane

andrew-b wrote: »

Could be for all sorts of appliances..and not just in the hall. What's the other side of the wall as it may also be relevant?

Hi it is just the outside of the house..so nothing!

Inactive

gabyjane wrote: »

Hi thanks for the replys. I'm not sure where the storage heaters have come into it tbh as it is a new build and has radiators so the storage heaters are a no no!..the ones that look the same in the kitchen are of course wired up to dishwasher, washing machine etc but are named as so..the one on the second floor and lounge are blank and the one in the hall is also blank so assuming it is not connected to anything?
When i get back home i will get dh to take a look (after turning the elctric oif first of course!) If it is not connected to anything is it safe to wire it to a plug socket cover?
Thanks

Why not ask the builder or a neighbour to be certain?.

They may well have been installed as an alternative means of heating if they are specifically for storage heaters.

If you change the one in the hall for one with a neon light on, that will certainly confirm if they are off peak or not. ( after switching all power off before changing it).

waynehayes

Do you have a security light outside? It could be for that if you have one. Or possibly an extractor fan in a downstairs loo?

ormus

you just need a 240v screwdriver tester to test it for live. remove the FCU fuse and test the (both sides) the terminals.

gabyjane

waynehayes wrote: »

Do you have a security light outside? It could be for that if you have one. Or possibly an extractor fan in a downstairs loo?

Well i thought that but the security light is currently on and the switch isn't..doesn't that mean it isn't for that?!..apart from that there is nothing else..and actually surely if it is switched off at the wall it isn't used for anything?
Thanks

phill99

This is nothing to do with Storage Heaters. It is a standard 13amp fused spur outlet. As identified it is the same kind of thing that is used instead of a plug in the kitchen to power appliances. If iot is in the hallway it may have been installed to provide power to a Burglar Alarm panel that may not have been installed by the builder. If you undo it and see a set of cables going into what is known as the 'Supply' and nothing coming out to the 'appliance' (which is known as the 'load') or whatever it is intended to provide power to, then there is reason why it can't be turned into a single 13amp socket. If it has a 'load' cabre coming out of it then it is powering something and you need to find out what. If the house is only 2 years old you should have been given an owners manual by the builder and it may tell you in there.