If you are looking to fit a new kitchen soon, here are some useful things to consider before making any major decisions regarding the choice and location of your appliances and units:
Ovens and Cookers
Considering upgrading your oven/cooker? Some single built-in ovens can be fed via a 13A socket, however a double oven cannot and requires its own dedicated supply. A cooker likewise may require its own dedicated supply. These supplies will likely need a much higher amperage of 30 amps or even up to 50 amps. Therefore, you may need a new, dedicated supply from your consumer unit.
Appliances
If you are planning to move the location of your appliances such as a dishwasher or washing machine, you will need to assess whether the electrical cables will be able to reach the existing sockets.
It may be that the existing sockets might need to be relocated or you may need to add additional sockets in place so that the appliances can be plugged in from their new locations.
Counter sockets
It is always best to have plenty of sockets above the counter to plug in portable kitchen equipment such as food mixers, toasters, slow-cookers etc.
Ensuring that you have enough sockets is important, but there is a fine line between having enough and having too many that the kitchen looks cluttered.
It is advisable to work out beforehand where you will want to have your kettle, toaster and things that you may want permanently plugged in.
Electrical safety
When siting new plug sockets in your kitchen, it is essential that you do not allow the wires of any electrical appliance to cross over a hob as the plastic coating on the wires can melt, exposing the live wires underneath.
A professional electrician will be able to advise you of where best to site your sockets and the manufacturer of your hob will give guidance on this.
