What do I need to consider for Kitchen Electrics?
When having a new kitchen installed, it is vital to consider your electrical needs in the new design. As your local electrician in Harlow, we are experts in kitchen wiring installations.
Wine fridges, dishwashers, fridge freezers and other appliances will require electrical supply and, in most cases, for aesthetic reasons the plug sockets should be hidden.
Despite hiding the electrical points for built in appliances, its important to ensure that they are still accessible should the appliance need to be replaced or maintained. Electrical sockets for appliances should ideally not be installed directly behind the appliance in case there is a problem.
Moving a heavy washing machine full of water is no fun when you need to access the socket behind.
You will also need to ensure that you have enough electrical sockets for all the appliances that you plan to use on a regular basis up on the work surfaces. When rewiring the kitchen, it is best to have more sockets than you need at first to allow for later appliance purchases.
Kitchen Lighting Requirements
Before the new kitchen goes in, have a good think about the kind of lighting that you may want installed. Downlights / spotlights in the ceiling, under counter kitchen lighting and other mood lighting are best thought out so the cables can be installed before the kitchen is fitted.
Nearly any type of lighting scheme is now possible with enough planning and even the most stunning installations from social media can be planned and installed. Instagram and Pinterest can be great places to get ideas for your new lighting projects.
Other Kitchen Electrical Requirements
Check that your new electric cooker has a sufficient supply. Many electrical cookers require a large cable installed. Electric hobs are no exception. Some modern hobs ‘claim’ to operate on a plug top but in reality, boiling two pans at the same time can be impossible.
Where there is insufficient electrical supply to the kitchen, a new cable may need to be installed from the mains fuse box or consumer unit to ensure that the powerful cooking appliances have the correct power.
Other Wiring Needs
Have you considered if you would like a television or sound system installed in the kitchen area?
For larger kitchens, a wall mounted television is really handy to view recipes and how to videos for cooking on YouTube. The TV will need a hidden socket for that neat look. A great ceiling mounted speaker system is practically vital for enjoying cooking time and what about great WIFI? Ask us about installing data cabling to hard wire TV and DATA points in your new kitchen.
Decorative Sockets and switches?
There are so many different stunning finishes for electrical accessories these days that almost any design is possible. Flat plate chrome, brushed steel or other finishes can really add to the wow factor of a new kitchen.
Unfortunately, there are many substandard and dangerous products available on the market from overseas that it’s a real minefield when purchasing over the internet.
We only supply great quality products that are approved for use in the UK and safe for installation. If you are in any doubt as to the safety of your electrical accessory choices, just get in touch with us and we will help you.
How capable is your current electrical system?
Its easy to overlook an aging electrical system in favour of allocating the household renovation budget to a kitchen or bathroom but there could be problems if the electrics need altering or changing. Under the electrical wiring regulations, electricians HAVE to ensure that the existing electrical system is safe to work on, has no existing faults and is sufficient for any changes that are planned.
Stressful?
Don’t worry, at JJB Electrical as your local electrician in Harlow we have you covered for any Kitchen wiring projects. We are able to assess the suitability of the current electrical system for you and tackle any repairs that are necessary.
Involve us as early as you can in the kitchen planning process so we can advise on lighting installations, the latest lighting products on the market and any other great features you want installed in your kitchen.
Get in touch today and let us help get your new kitchen looking great.
