Do built-in and under counter appliances need fused spurs?

Question

Hello
In the past I have used fused spurs for any and all appliances that are built-in to work tops or under the counter, but I had been told recently that this wouldn’t be necessary and that I could just run these appliances via sockets in adjoining cupboards. 
Should this be what I am doing instead nowadays or am I fine to continue as I have been? 
I want to be sure that I am installing appliances as safe as I can.

David · Accepted Answer

With built in dishwashers and washing machines that are integrated the problem is that if you have a 3 pin plug behind the appliance you will find that when you push the appliance back there is very little room indeed behind and it is often the case, especially with dishwashers, that you will not be able to push the appliance all the way back to the wall because of the drainage hoses. The space behind really is that tight because of the plug. The best thing to do is have a a chased in metal back box that does not protrude from the wall and a flex outlet plate for the flex. This will give maximum space behind. Above the kitchen worktop it is best to have a switched 13 Amp fused connection unit where you can isolate the appliance. This is the way I do it.  Alternatively you can have a socket in an adjacent cupboard providing that it is not underneath waste pipes or plumbing which could possibly leak onto the socket. Its the way I do it. Do the job right and you will sleep better.

Craig · Answer

The regulations state that the appliance needs to be fused, either with a plug or a fused spur. It also states that the appliance needs to be able to be turned off in an event of a breakdown without touching the appliance. 

So as long as the plug sockets are accessible without touching the appliance to turn it off then this is fine, but also a fused spur is fine too.

James · Answer

It can be either so long as you can isolate the appliance without removing it .

John · Answer

Either is fine. I generally fit all appliances to a main grid plate. 
Much easier having one place to switch all off.

Jamie · Answer

Hi yes this is what I do, i would put the socket in the cupboard next to the appliance that way it Is easy accessible to disconnect if there is a problem or for maintenance issue.

David · Answer

The way you have been doing this is definitely still the right way how to go about the job. 
You are probably getting confused with having all the fused spurs in one location in a cupboard perhaps (for neatness)

Paul · Answer

Depends on the appliance but generally as long as all the appliance sockets RCD protected and installed competently  it should be ok.

Aron · Answer

I'd stick to putting fused spurs in ... Makes it more convenient for clients ..

Benjamin · Answer

Hi there.

The reason for using fuse spurs is purely for isolation purposes in emergency situation.. so as long as the socket is accessible then using a cupboard is fine.

I hope this helps.

Kind regards

Ben

Do built-in and under counter appliances need fused spurs?

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