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From: Martin Brown <'''newspam'''@nonad.co.uk>
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design
Subject: Re: British (european?) kitchen counter electric outlets
Date: Sun, 9 Jun 2024 17:11:33 +0100
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On 08/06/2024 23:53, 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?

That may be a side effect of stage sets not reflecting real life.

Historically you would have to go back to the 1960's or earlier to have 
as few as two mains sockets in a UK kitchen. My kitchen has 4x2 outlets 
above the bench and about 6 under it for fridge/freezer/washer/oven etc.

There certainly was a time when kitchens typically had only one high 
power socket outlet on the (hard wired in) main cooker switch. But we 
are talking of an era before rectangular plugs back when they were round 
pin. BS546 round pin was the more recent and before that Wylex which was 
-o- a regional abberration in the region where I grew up.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets:_British_and_related_types

> 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.

That is no different in most of the UK. Sitcom sets don't always 
represent real life. That said you can find older UK kitchens with too 
few mains sockets. New build has to have a certain number. Those in 
regions prone to flooding also have to have them above a certain height.
(historically most were on the skirting board)

It has become more of a problem now that everyone has an iToy that needs 
charging on a daily basis. Trivial loads but many sockets needed.

-- 
Martin Brown