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Electrics and dishwashers....

9 replies

Badvoc · 27/01/2014 12:59

....the integrated dishwasher in our kitchen has finally broken.
The kitchen was installed by the precious owners (don't get me started) and when we took it out the power supply is basically wires held together by electrical tape :( Angry
I suppose nothing should surprise me anymore...
Anyway, at our old house I seem to remember we had a socket on the wall for the dishwasher? Does that sound right?
Do we need the same again?
We are intending to get a freestanding one but need the plumbing looked at too first :(
Any advice?

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PigletJohn · 27/01/2014 14:21

If you are getting an electrician in (you obviously need to) ask which Competent Person Scheme he is in, and how long he has been a member (you can check on their website) before making an appointment.

Opinions differ, but IMO in kitchens it is best to have plenty of switched sockets every metre along the wall 150mm above the worktop, and at every position where you have, would like, or one day might possibly consider having, an undercounter appliance, put a 20A DP switch feeding an unswitched 13A socket, under the counter, behind where the appliance will go. The switches can have indicator neons if you want, and can be labelled with the appliance name if you feel like it.

Dishwashers are unusual; they are made so big that there is often no room for a plug behind them. In that case it is possible to use a flex outlet, and have a switched fused spur above the worktop. This is less convenient because you can't just pull out the appliance and unplug it.

The fact that the fused plug is behind the appliance is of no consequence, because appliance fuses blow approximately zero times per hundred years, and when they do the appliance usually has to come out to be repaired or scrapped.

HauntedNoddyCar · 27/01/2014 14:25

We have the flex outlet PigletJohn describes (with the fused switch) which is fine. With one exception. If you buy a new appliance you may have to get it wired in by someone competent as the appliance companies won't hardwire it in to the outlet.

PigletJohn · 27/01/2014 14:32

it is possible to have a short extension lead (with rubber training socket) wired to the flex outlet, and the plug and socket push into the "skirting" area.

I do not think I should recommend it as it is not a very elegant solution, and could be clumsily misused, so ask your electrician for his opinion.

Badvoc · 27/01/2014 15:55

We will be getting someone in, yes.
In fact I am toying with idea of ripping the whole kitchen and and just starting again tbh.

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Badvoc · 27/01/2014 16:07

Tell me it's not hard to fit a freestanding kitchen!? :(

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PigletJohn · 27/01/2014 16:30

not really. You need to be a strong and active woman. You will need someone skilled to cut and fix the worktop, but putting in the units, adjusting them, fixing them to the wall and each other, is easy. BTW changing the worktop later is also quite easy and can be inexpensive, unless it has been trapped in by tiles.

Plumbing, electrics, extractor duct and patching the plaster first, then paint all the walls and ceiling and lay the floor before any cabs or appliances go in.

Fit the wall cabinets last or they will bang your head.

Look for cabinet hanging rail which is better and easier than individual hangers. You lift and hook on the cabs, and can slide them sideways if you wish.

Badvoc · 27/01/2014 17:10

It's freestanding PJ so no worktop fitting and no tiles except where sink will be :)
I am quite good at wall tiling but worried about fitting floor tiles - did want Lino but they are ceramic tile ATM and obv will leave lots of crud when we take them up.
We are hoping to do it all ourselves except plumbing and electrical work.
May also need re skimming which we won't do either.
Is skirting board a Necessity?

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wonkylegs · 27/01/2014 17:45

Skirting board isn't a necessity but it there to hide the cruddy bit of wall at the bottom from wet plastering - it's a neatening up device really as are historically architraves round doors. You can with good workmanship and modern finishes do away with them in theory. But as well as aesthetic finishing you will find they allow bikes, hoovers, kids, toys etc to bash against the edge of your wall without destroying it so I think in most situations they have a practical purpose too.
The only place in my house where we practically don't have them is the bathroom as it's got tiles to the floor which already serve this purpose.

Badvoc · 27/01/2014 18:43

Yes I can see that, thank you.
Dh and I currently trying t measure up....

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