Help: Where to put appliance isolator switches in new kitchen
Phil Scott
4 years ago
I'm planning my new kitchen with a large island and a bank of tall units along the opposite wall (picture attached).
All the appliances are either housed in the tall units (fridge, freezer, ovens) or in the island (hob, dishwasher) and the sockets for all the appliances will be hidden by the cabinets. However, as there won't be any visible wall space in the kitchen around the appliances I am struggling with where I should put isolator switches for the appliances. There will be about 10 appliances that I think should all have isolator switches so it's quite a number and I don't really want to have 10 switches all lined up somewhere as it will be quite unsightly.
So far my only idea is to put them inside the cabinets, but then I read somewhere that you shouldn't put the isolator switch directly above or below the appliance it isolates which would cause me problems for the appliances in the tall units.
Has anyone been through this before and can share how they solved it?
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (6)
Daisy England
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Extending: where to put kitchen
Comments (11)I'd put the kitchen in B, living in A and the dining area in C. That way you'll have a view on the garden from the kitchen and the living area. And the kitchen is near the utility, back door and door into the hall, handy when you come home with the shopping. It's also not in direct view from the door into the area. Unless you, like we do, use the dining area not only for dinner, but also for coffee with friends, reading the newspaper... then I'd put the dining table near the garden. In fact, I'd put a TV outlet in both spaces so you can switch dining and living around if you feel like a change....See MoreHelp with ideas for layout of new kitchen extension
Comments (4)Thanks for the reply, don't think I'm quit at that stage yet though. Was more looking for general ideas on where cooking/dining areas could be located and how to fit in the utility and loo. Hoping that others who have done similar projects could share ideas on how to get the best layout for the space....See Morelighting help for new kitchen extension
Comments (8)Hi Nicola, I have a passion for lighting. I love to layer lighting. This means we have the cans so we can see what we are doing when we need it. We should also have mood lighting. I agree that the can lights should be zoned from area to area and should be on dimmers. Over the bar area, I may want some pendants. If there is view to consider, (not known as the photos were taken in the evening), we want to make sure they do not obstruct the view while working in the kitchen, also on its own zone with a dimmer. I believe they should be an accent but shouldn't steal the show. They should be slightly understated as they are serving a purpose. Keep in mind that while fixtures create ambiance, they should also light the surface they are over and without glare. For this reason, the pendants would want to be either a semi-opaque glass if you want the light to pass through them or can be a metal shade, where light will simply light the surface. Additionally, I like to have a light fixture over the dining table, also on its own zone with a dimmer. The dining fixture should be a show-stopper and should create ambient light as well as light the eating surface. Those shades want to be semi-opaque. As an added layer of light, I like to use under-counter and above cabinet lighting using a strip light. There are many good quality LED light strips in a 2700K Color available. I believe these two areas should be switched together on their own zone. It's nice to walk into the kitchen and be able to see in the evening without bright lights as well as for ambiance when entertaining. The LED light strip won't heat up the items in your cabinets as did the old Halogen under-cabinet lighting. I recommend using a standard incandescent can with Soraa LED light source in a 2700K color for the cans. Love their Vivid series and they available in a Par30 and Par20 if using small 4" which, I recommend in your remodel. You can use a standard incandescent dimmer with these as well. All other bulbs want to be Phillips LED in the same 2700K color. Don't mix color or you will find you will have shades of pink and blue together with a nice "like sunlight" color. This is just one opinion and as we know, everyone has their own likes and dislikes. Lighting is very important to me. Lighting is often overlooked as just something we need. It not only allows us to see what we need to, it also creates atmosphere and warmth and will truly affect our moods. Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts, Stacey Michael, Interior Details Specialist and Managing Member of Timeless Interiors, a To-the-Trade Showroom and Design Center in South Reno, Nevada. stacey@timelessinteriorsnv.com, 775-432-2500...See MoreNew kitchen diner layout - please help!
Comments (36)Hi there, I have a idea for the kitchen. I think your trying to pop too much in the space. And in your proposed plan, ironically your creating a less efficient kitchen as you've lost the wall space. But when the wall is down your going to have a nice generous room which will be lovely for the family. My thought is that you should stop seeing the space as two rooms. But think of it as one large dual purpose room. Think traditional large country kitchens with the cabinetry around the walls and a central large table. of course this can be in any style. This way, you can leave the door to the loo where it is. The drains can stay put and you just need to open it all up. And probably take out the fireplace...maybe :D This is my quick sketch. Extend the counter to the doorway. Then you will have a nice long run of counter. Plenty of work space. Remove the chimney and fill up that wall with all the fridge and tall n' bulky stuff. So this becomes your pantry and other storage. Then pop your large table in the centre of the room. And as a Mr J Oliver likes to say - Happy days....See MorePhil Scott
4 years ago
PROOnePlan
4 years ago- PRO
OnePlan
4 years ago 
PROLifestyle Kitchens
4 years agolast modified: 4 years ago
arc3d