Replacing Blanking Plate with Socket

[terryplumb]

Fit an unswitched socket. I suspect the switch above worktop isolates the existing flex outlet plate. Pretty common set up really.

 

[Mechanic96]

Fit an unswitched socket. I suspect the switch above worktop isolates the existing flex outlet plate. Pretty common set up really.

Great, I'll nip down to B&Q tomorrow and grab one of these. I'll keep you updated. Thanks again for the assistance.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

It looks as if you have fitted the socket already - why not plug something - table light/ drill / kettle in and see if the switch above turns it off and on?

 

[SUNRAY]

Thanks guys. Unfortunately I don't have any testing equipment. I understand your reasoning behind going for an unswitched socket - would this be OK? Just to confirm, would it be a standard socket as shown above, but instead of having the standard switch beside the plug, it would have a switch operating the power of this through an isolation switch instead?

Although I cannot test, there are two switches above this countertop, one I know for certain provides power to the dishwasher (far right). I can only assume the one on the far left would be used for the other outlet which currently has a blanking plate fitted.

I'll attach relevant photo

Thanks

You will have to have some means of testing to ensure the cable is dead before doing any work on it!!

 

[Mechanic96]

You will have to have some means of testing to ensure the cable is dead before doing any work on it!!

Whoops, I didn't see this before doing the job. What sort of testing equipment would you recommend for tackling electrical jobs in the future?

 

[Mechanic96]

*Update*

Thank you to everyone that responded. Managed to pick up a cheap and cheerful unswitched single socket from B&Q, fitted it within 5 minutes. The switch above the countertop provides the power for the plug which is great.

Washing machine in place, pipes connected and works like a charm!

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Whoops, I didn't see this before doing the job. What sort of testing equipment would you recommend for tackling electrical jobs in the future?

A none contact volt-stick can be useful, but comes under criticism because they might sometimes mislead. I find them useful, but you need to be familiar with them and know when they can let you down. A decent multimeter is better, if tested before and after use. An engineer would carry a designed for the job test instrument for 240v. Decent quality, because poor quality instruments have been known to explode when testing mains voltages.