Dishwasher installation - daft question about electricity supply

Jennifer83

I want to get a new slimline dishwasher installed in place of a kitchen cupboard (no dishwasher currently). An electrician who came round for something else said this would be the best place as it's next to water supply/waste water (it's on one side of the sink and washing machine is on the other).

I want to get a handyperson to install the dishwasher while removing the cupboard (and putting some new doors on others). But have a question about the electrical supply for the dishwasher.

There are a couple of sockets hidden under the counter but they are both in use for the washing machine and oven and none spare. Is it right to assume I can't use an adaptor to convert one to multi-socket for this purpose because of the wattage of these appliances? I would avoid running the washing machine and dishwasher at same time but is it still a bit dodgy/putting someone in a difficult position to ask them to install it like that? Or is it fine?

If I can't convert a hidden socket, there are some a few inches above the counter, directly above where the dishwasher would go so that's the next option. It might look a bit weird to have the cable and plug coming round the top of the worktop but only a bit will be visible so think I can live with that. But is that ok safety wise? I think you don't normally see applicances plugged in like that but is that for aesthetic rather than safety reasons?!

Any advice MUCH appreciated.

Thank you

Ebe_Scrooge

What you've said is all pretty much correct.  Yes, it would be unwise to use a multi-block adaptor - quite apart from the risk of overloading, you'd probably find it would be too bulky, meaning the diswasher wouldn't fit in flush.  There's no reason from a safety point of view why you couldn't use the socket above the counter - but it's purely down to aesthetics.

The simplest and neatest solution would be be to ask your electrician to simply add another socket spurred off the existing one.  This is actually something you could do yourself if you're OK with basic electrical DIY, but an electrician wouldn't charge much if you're not confident about doing it yourself.

grumbler

Ebe_Scrooge said:

The simplest and neatest solution would be be to ask your electrician to simply add another socket spurred off the existing one.  This is actually something you could do yourself if you're OK with basic electrical DIY, but an electrician wouldn't charge much if you're not confident about doing it yourself.

It's possibly simpler to replace a single socket with a double one.

I think these sockets have accessible switches above the worktop. Not sure if the regulations allow switching on/off two appliances with one switch.

Jennifer83

Ebe_Scrooge said:

What you've said is all pretty much correct.  Yes, it would be unwise to use a multi-block adaptor - quite apart from the risk of overloading, you'd probably find it would be too bulky, meaning the diswasher wouldn't fit in flush.  There's no reason from a safety point of view why you couldn't use the socket above the counter - but it's purely down to aesthetics.

The simplest and neatest solution would be be to ask your electrician to simply add another socket spurred off the existing one.  This is actually something you could do yourself if you're OK with basic electrical DIY, but an electrician wouldn't charge much if you're not confident about doing it yourself.

Thanks very much - that's really helpful

FreeBear

grumbler said: I think these sockets have accessible switches above the worktop. Not sure if the regulations allow switching on/off two appliances with one switch.

Pretty sure only one appliance per switched fused spur is recommended. Any switch or socket should be at least 300mm from any sink/drainer, preferably 1m. It is (or was) permissible to have a switched socket inside a cupboard as long as it is easily accessible. That would avoid having to run a cable up through the worktop and plug in to a socket in plain sight. Always looks ugly, the hole is a pain in the butt to seal, and it means having to remove the plug from the cable every time you need to pull the appliance right out.

Personally, I favour a fused switch above the worktop and a single socket directly below for each appliance.

Note - The regulations in Wales is slightly different to England. Unless things have changed recently, electrics in a kitchen is a "notifiable work" and either needs to be done by a certified electrician or signed off by Building Control.

daveyjp

If one will fit swap the double gang socket for a triple.