Black plugs and flexes on everything

[astorsback]

Why?

Is it cheaper? Is it just 'the way things are?'

I'd love it if they came in clear plastic, light grey or white.

Surely that makes sense as most houses are decorated neutrally?

I think it really spoils the look of my house having black plugs and leads everywhere. They're just so unsightly as they stand out like a sore thumb.

I appreciate that some people decorate like Caroline Ahern but not the majority.

They are not difficult or expensive to change, tho' many options will be off-cream not bright white.

Personally, I prefer black, especially for living areas. Less clinical.

I think you mean Abigail Ahern

I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about . I said what I meant; nothing more about any brands or indeed anything else.

@astorsback clear plastic? So you could see the coloured wires inside (blue, brown, yellow & green stripes) and the copper terminals and screws inside the plugs?

OP do you mean Abigail Ahern? But yes, I agree with you

Black plug sockets? Really? Everywhere? Where are you looking?

Abigail Ahern! Yes! I thought something about the name looked off!

So just me then, not liking the black leads. OK.

I think a frosted clear flex would be nice (so you cant see the red/black/copper wires). Most of my plug-in items have black flexes:

Standard/tall lamp
Table lamp
TV
Digital Radio

not to mention things like:

PCs/laptops
hair dryers
microwaves
Kettles

@scottishnames I wouldnt know where to begin replacing all my appliance leads. Most are welded in! Surely thats dangerous?

My dh hides all wires where he can! Tvs on the wall with wires hidden and built into the wall, lamps etc wired through the back of cupboards so they are not on show.
If they cant be hidden then coiled up neatly and secured so they dont flap about and are less obtrusive.

I agree clear frosted wires would look loads better on things!

I can't say it bothers me but why not just cover with cable tidies?

Only kitchen appliances, slow cooker, kettle, bread maker, and fryer, coffee grinder are black along with my craft room electrics. Everything else is white except my small freezer and washing machine which are grey.

@TulipsGarden

I think you mean Abigail Ahern

That totally threw me. Was trying to think of a Royle Family episode I'd missed

Looking around my hairdryer is grey, straighteners black and I assume the tv and gubbins are black too. Fridge freezer, table lamp, heated throw are white.

Cattitudes

I can't say it bothers me but why not just cover with cable tidies?

You mean those black articulated tubes? No thanks!

I do agree OP, I think clear plugs and flex are much nicer and easier to hide/live with.
I have changed most of table and floor lamp to braided flex with clear plugs, looks far nicer IMO.

I agree, so many lovely products have back wires and plugs...kitchen aid products. Very annoying against my cream walls.
Don't even get me started on the bloody white seals on the bloody SMEG products. poor design choices on premium products.

Thankfully all the apple goodies are white.

At least they all match. I think it would look much messier if they were all different colours.

But no, it's not dangerous to change a plug. How old are you? Did you not learn how to do this at school? I did and I'm not that old!

White plastic needs uv stabiliser otherwise it will go yellow in sunlight. Even with uv stabiliser it will gradually yellow over time (years not months). This is added cost, so plugs and cables will be black to keep the cost down. Manufacturers will also assume most cables are hidden and if the cable colour isn’t something that will affect your choice of product then why would they either reduce their profit or make their product’s uncompetitively priced.

Just change them in they annoy you.. its not hard, quick YouTube video it.

I know how to change a plug, but is it really that simple to change the flex too?! I like the fabric wrapped ones.

I would guess you do the same at the other end. Probably depends how easy the manufacturer has made it to get to the insides.

Or you could chop the cable halfway and graft another on, I suppose.

@trickyex

I do agree OP, I think clear plugs and flex are much nicer and easier to hide/live with. I have changed most of table and floor lamp to braided flex with clear plugs, looks far nicer IMO.

Now you're talking. I love braided flex.

@BertieBotts yes, i can change a plug but never considered changing a flex before. Off to Google.

I agree about SMEG products.