Path: ...!eternal-september.org!feeder3.eternal-september.org!news.eternal-september.org!.POSTED!not-for-mail From: Don Y Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design Subject: Re: British (european?) kitchen counter electric outlets Date: Sun, 9 Jun 2024 03:31:56 -0700 Organization: A noiseless patient Spider Lines: 93 Message-ID: References: <1quvk5k.dbn40q1ggrom8N%liz@poppyrecords.invalid.invalid> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Injection-Date: Sun, 09 Jun 2024 12:32:35 +0200 (CEST) Injection-Info: dont-email.me; posting-host="e538c31bc2fef5f240ac9a24941d7386"; logging-data="3580779"; mail-complaints-to="abuse@eternal-september.org"; posting-account="U2FsdGVkX1+WdpTIDJqtz6oshkqX4QRG" User-Agent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.1; Win64; x64; rv:102.0) Gecko/20100101 Thunderbird/102.2.2 Cancel-Lock: sha1:IZ+1UwKYNEyUa0htZDVjKMlZEvg= Content-Language: en-US In-Reply-To: <1quvk5k.dbn40q1ggrom8N%liz@poppyrecords.invalid.invalid> Bytes: 5889 On 6/8/2024 11:57 PM, Liz Tuddenham wrote: > Don Y wrote: > >> In the US, we are required (new construction) to have two dedicated 20A >> (2400W) circuits to service countertop "small appliances". In addition, >> there is also a requirement for a relatively tight spacing between >> (duplex) receptacles -- the intent to keep cords short (IIRC, < 4ft... >> we settled on 3'). >> >> SWMBO was watching a britcom and commented at how few receptacles/outlets >> were in evidence to serve the countertop. Granted, each outlet is rated a >> fair bit higher than US (each US outlet being 2400W -- the full load rating >> of the branch circuit supporting it). But, still, how do you address >> NUMBERS of appliances in use, concurrently -- where each appliance will >> likely draw only a fraction of the rated branch circuit's current so >> total load isn't an issue? >> >> E.g., we (presently) have a ~1KW microwave oven and a ~1KW toaster as >> ever-present loads. To that, it is not uncommon to add an electric >> wok, hand or stand mixer, pizzelle iron, etc. The abundance of >> outlets makes it easy to add appliances as well as providing flexibility >> over where they can be put into use. > > We tend to skimp on the number of socket outlet plates in buildings, but > they are usually doubles, each with its own switch. Yes, I've seen that. And, they are *huge* (comparatively speaking; a duplex receptacle, here, is a ~1x~3 inch device about an inch thick). Ours also reside *in* the wall; I seem to remember the ones in England were "on" the wall (?) > There are generally > fewer electrical gadgets in UK kitchens and those which are used less > often are stored away in cupboards and only brought out and plugged in > when needed, so a smaller number of outlets is usually sufficient. Any "major appliances" (stove/oven, dishwasher, refrigerator) tend to have dedicated outlets (and dedicated circuits). I suspect a microwave oven would be the most common appliance that is constantly powered in a US kitchen. Many appliances have very short power cords -- on the order of ~18-24". So, an appliance tends to be plugged into a receptacle immediately "behind" its place on the counter (even if not permanently stored there). Long cords that could cross a sink or stove(top) are discouraged. E.g., our toaster has an 18" cord as does my pizzelle iron. But, the hand mixer and stand mixers probably have 4' chords (?). A toaster *oven* would similarly have a short cord as would the electric frying pans and wok. Our ice cream maker probably has a 2 ft cord as would a rice cooker or bread maker. I intentionally arranged the receptacles serving the counter tops such that it was obvious as to which outlets were on each branch circuit and a duplex of each circuit would be available in each "prep area". > We also have socket strips which plug into wall sockets and give four or > six outlets (normally unswitched) for lighter loads. This is helpful > for temporary arrangements where more sockets are needed in a hurry - > but tends to become permanent, leading to a maze of wires behind the > furniture. The strip is plugged into a normal wall socket with a fused > plug, so if it is overloaded, the fuse will blow and protect it. We have similar strips but I have never seen one deployed in a kitchen. In general, the intent is for folks to use the in-wall mounted receptacles without introducing other "extension cords". I think newer construction deliberately increases the density of outlets in rooms as there are more and more electric (electronic) devices encountered -- esp things with wall warts (that consume an outlet without using a lot of power). > Because the UK voltage is double the US voltage, the UK current is half > the US current for the same power, so our wiring tends to be lighter > gauge but we are much stricter on preventing electric shock. The kitchen requires the use of GFCI-protected outlets (or branch circuits). The same requirement doesn't extend through the rest of the house (excepting the bathrooms/garage/outdoors), though. AFCI-protected outlets are becoming more common in bedrooms but their goal is to reduce risk of fire. My motivation for moving everything to PoE PSE/PDs was to get rid of the growing number of small power supplies/wall warts/bricks that are proliferating in homes. E.g., you can purchase duplex receptacles with built-in 5V USB power sources -- but, I don't think this increases outlet availability as you still have to mate the USB cable to the receptacle which can interfere with the plugging of a power cord.