A homeowner in Saltash needed their under-counter kitchen sockets replaced with a recessed installation, alongside a new weatherproof exterior socket for outdoor power access.
Working in a Saltash property, we handled a two-part electrical project that addressed both internal kitchen convenience and outdoor power requirements. The homeowner had identified specific improvements they wanted, focusing on making better use of the limited space beneath their kitchen counter whilst adding practical outdoor electrical access.
The kitchen featured two separate single socket outlets positioned under the counter behind the washing machine. This arrangement wasn’t working well for the homeowner’s needs. Having multiple single sockets in such a confined space can create issues when you’re trying to plug in several appliances, and the surface-mounted fittings were taking up valuable room. The solution involved removing both single sockets and replacing them with a single recessed two-gang socket outlet.
Recessed socket installations offer several advantages in tight spaces. By setting the outlet into the wall rather than mounting it on the surface, you gain back precious clearance that matters when you’re working in the cramped area behind kitchen appliances. For this installation, we positioned the new double socket as far to the right in the under-counter space as possible, giving the homeowner flexibility in how they arrange their appliances and making cable management easier.
The cabling work required careful planning. We clipped the cables directly to the surface where this was suitable, which is often the most practical approach in kitchen installations where concealment isn’t always possible or necessary. However, where the cable needed to enter the recessed outlet, we cut into the masonry to accommodate the fitting properly. This type of work requires precision – you’re creating a neat channel that houses the outlet securely whilst maintaining the structural integrity of the wall.
The second part of the project involved the exterior wall of the same room. The homeowner wanted an outdoor socket on the other side of the wall from the internal kitchen sockets, which made perfect sense given the proximity of the existing power supply. Rather than running new cables from the consumer unit, we extended the existing internal socket circuit to supply the new outdoor outlet. This approach is more efficient and keeps the electrical installation tidy.
Outdoor socket installations demand different considerations compared to internal work. Weather resistance becomes the priority. We installed an IP67-rated two-gang socket outlet, which provides robust protection against water ingress. The IP67 rating means the socket can withstand temporary immersion in water – far exceeding what’s needed for normal outdoor exposure but giving excellent peace of mind during Cornwall’s heavier rain.
Preventing water ingress isn’t just about choosing the right socket outlet. The way you route cables, seal entry points, and mount the fitting all contribute to how well the installation will perform over time. We took all necessary precautions to create a weathertight installation that will maintain its integrity and remain serviceable for many years. The mounting location and cable entry were carefully selected to minimize exposure to driving rain, and all penetrations through the external wall were properly sealed.
This kind of project highlights how small electrical modifications can significantly improve how you use your home. The recessed kitchen socket gives the homeowner more usable space under the counter whilst providing adequate power points for their appliances. The outdoor socket opens up possibilities for garden equipment, outdoor lighting, or entertainment systems without the need for extension leads trailing through doorways.
Kitchen electrical work often involves working around existing appliances and cabinetry, which requires careful coordination. We completed the socket replacement work efficiently, minimizing disruption to the homeowner’s daily routine. The washing machine needed to be pulled forward to access the work area, but we were able to restore everything to working order quickly once the new socket was installed and tested.
The exterior installation involved penetrating the wall, which always requires attention to detail. You’re creating a hole through the building’s weather envelope, so every aspect of the installation must be executed properly. The cable route through the wall was angled to prevent water tracking along the cable into the building, and appropriate sealing materials were used to maintain the wall’s weatherproofing.
Both elements of this project were completed to current wiring regulations, with proper testing carried out to verify the safety and functionality of the new installations. The recessed socket sits flush with the wall, giving a neat finish that maximizes the available space. The outdoor socket provides reliable weatherproof power exactly where the homeowner needs it.
This Saltash electrical project demonstrates how targeted electrical improvements can solve practical problems. Rather than undertaking a complete kitchen rewire, we addressed the specific issues the homeowner had identified, delivering functional improvements that make their home work better for them. The combination of internal and external work created a comprehensive solution that addressed both kitchen convenience and outdoor power needs in a single visit.
