Shelf Under Power Sockets

TheRealM

Hi, I currently have my BT HUB and Philips Hue bridge plugged in under my stairs but they're both untidy and resting on a box. I'd like to put a small shelf in (for Hub etc) but it would be either just under or very close to the power socket, is this a bad idea?

fenwick458

as long as you don't put a screw in directly below, above or to the sides of the socket you should be ok

https://www.google.com/search?q=safe+zones+electrical&sxsrf=ALeKk01jdoUk3g8-XhySjpTy1qcgGUz2OA:1591703848442&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=x9bHPXienqTn0M%253A%252C2OM9nKTwuPr4dM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kSC2qJkwmal8VwmHmme4Q8W9s1IcA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwikguXz1vTpAhXBmFwKHRsZB9IQ_h0wAHoECAgQBA&biw=1581&bih=788#imgrc=x9bHPXienqTn0M:

shaun_from_Africa

I would suggest either taking off the socket yourself (after turning the power off at the mains) to see if you can determine the direction that the cabling is coming from before you start any drilling or if you're not happy to do this, get someone in to have a look.
There is a good chance that the cable is coming in vertically or horizontally but if the socket was added by a previous householder who didn't know (or care) what they were doing, you might find that it's coming in from a totally unexpected direction.
The other option is something like this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stick-Small-Shelf-Satin-Finish/dp/B06ZYDHRKQ
Similar ones in black are also available.

FreeBear

Going to be doing the same for my hub+NAS - As long as there is a couple of inches between the shelf and the socket you should be fine. But as above, do check where the cables run before drilling any holes.

My cabling is in surface mounted conduit, so it is obvious where the wires are.