Dishwasher Wiring

[Oddjob]

Hello all, I need to connect a dishwasher by using a fused switch.

I understand that the fused switch is normally connected to the ring with a separate load running to a socket for the fixed appliance.

If I copy the layout for the washing machine, I will have the ring running up to fused switch and down and also down to the socket. This is three 2.5 mm cables. The FS is above worktop. The socket is below worktop.

I would prefer to have no fused switches or socket (for dishwasher) above the worktop. Does anybody know the best way to do this. The mains ring is running around the floor perimeter at the moment.

thx

[ARWadsworth]

Why do you need fused switching? Is is possible that you could put a single socket on the ring main on a plastic backbox in a cupboard next to the dishwasher and plug the dishwasher in there passing the plug through a suitably sized hole drilled into the cupboard?

Adam

[Oddjob]

I thought that an appliance like that needs to be on a fused switch.

So, if I understand - there is no need to use a fused switch if the appliance is on a normal switched socket on the ring.

Also, can you clarify that the ring main must run below the floor level - in the cellar?

thx

[ARWadsworth]

Not at all. A simple plug and socket will do just as well (they use the same fuses). A double pole switched socket is preferable to a single pole switched socket or you can use an unswitched socket. Electric cookers are a different thing with different rules as are fixed appliances such as extractor fans/hoods. Some people may argue a dishwasher is a fixed appliance in which case an accessible double pole switched socket is fine.

See above

The ring does not run below the floor level in the cellar at mine as I have no cellar only concrete floors. My sockets are mainly fed from above with just a couple of sockets powered by running cable behind the kitchen units in trunking.

Adam

[Oddjob]

Thanks Adam,

I suppose the keyword is accessible, so that local isolation can occur. Is it acceptable to pull the dishwasher out and then turn the power off?

[ARWadsworth]

A very dodgy point. Even if a dishwasher does not need emergency switching like a cooker it is still bad practice to hide a socket behind one. That is why I suggested a socket in a cupboard at the side of the dishwasher. One other point, a dishwasher may not push all the way back to the wall with a socket and plug behind it. There are other ways around this as well. Let me know how tight cupboards and space are and I will help

Adam

[Oddjob]

There will be a sink cupboard next to the dishwasher, I could put the socket at the back of that? Is that acceptable? The other side of the sink cupboard will house the washing machine and I would like to put a socket in there also. Both sockets will be on ring mains, with double pole switches.

thx

[ARWadsworth]

Yes.

That would be fine. Uswitched sockets are just as good as double pole switches for isolation purposes.

Adam