A comprehensive kitchen electrical upgrade incorporating decorative brass socket outlets and grid switches, alongside the installation of a new induction hob connection. The work involved temporarily removing existing outlets to accommodate stone splashback templating, before reinstalling the electrical accessories with bespoke brass finishes throughout the kitchen and utility areas.
When homeowners invest in high-end kitchen finishes like stone splashbacks and premium appliances, standard white plastic socket outlets can look distinctly out of place. Decorative electrical accessories transform these functional necessities into design features that complement rather than compromise the overall aesthetic.
This project centred around replacing existing white socket outlets and switches with brass decorative accessories throughout the kitchen and utility areas. The brass finish would sit beautifully against the planned stone splashbacks, but the work required careful coordination with the kitchen fitters. All electrical outlets needed temporary removal before the stone could be templated and fitted.
Stone templating requires precise measurements, and socket outlets protruding from the wall prevent accurate templates being taken. We removed all countertop outlets before the stone specialists arrived, terminating the cables safely with appropriate connectors and sealing everything to maintain safety during the templating and installation work. Once the stone splashbacks were positioned, we returned to reinstall the electrical accessories in their brass finish.
Stone splashbacks add considerable thickness to wall surfaces, which means original faceplate screws become too short to reach the mounting boxes behind. We used extended 75mm screws specifically designed for situations where additional depth has been added. Without these longer fixings, socket outlets would sit proud of the stone surface or fail to secure properly.
The decorative brass accessories included a comprehensive selection of sockets, switches, and grid systems. Grid switches offer particular flexibility in kitchens because they allow multiple functions within a single faceplate. Rather than having separate switches dotted around, a grid system consolidates everything into neat banks of controls. We fitted two 8-way grid switches, each containing individual fuse carriers and switches for specific appliances.
Kitchen appliances draw significant power, and being able to isolate each one individually makes maintenance considerably easier. If your dishwasher develops a fault, you can isolate just that appliance without affecting anything else. The grid switches controlled everything from the heater and tumble dryer to the washing machine, dishwasher, cooker hood, and fridge freezer. Each switch was clearly labelled so the homeowner would always know which control operated which appliance.
Beyond the grid switches, the installation included double socket outlets with USB charging built in, providing convenient charging points without needing plug adapters. A 20-amp double pole switch offered isolation for larger appliances, whilst a 13-amp double pole switch with fan designation allowed for extraction control. A single gang light switch finished in the same brass maintained consistency across all electrical accessories in the space.
The induction hob connection formed another component of the work. Induction hobs draw substantial current, far more than a standard socket outlet can safely provide. The existing single socket behind the hob location needed replacing with a properly rated hob outlet, connected using heat-resistant cabling capable of handling the appliance’s power requirements. We upgraded the circuit protection from a 32-amp to a 40-amp RCBO to accommodate the new hob’s electrical demand whilst maintaining proper protection.
The brass finish creates a warm appearance that suits both period and contemporary settings. Unlike chrome or stainless steel, which can feel quite clinical, brass brings richness and character to a space. It’s particularly effective in kitchens that blend modern appliances with classic styling, providing that bridge between old and new. The finish also ages beautifully, developing a patina over time that adds to its character.
Whilst decorative accessories cost more than standard white plastic equivalents, they’re one of those details that elevates a renovation from functional to exceptional. When you’ve invested in stone worktops, high-end appliances, and bespoke cabinetry, finishing with builder-grade white plastic outlets undermines the whole effect. The finished installation provided the client with a fully functional kitchen and utility electrical system that met all current regulations whilst matching their design vision.
