Whether you’re having a brand-new kitchen installed or are considering updating a kitchen appliance, electrical safety is incredibly important.
Many kitchens now feature ‘integrated’ appliances and these can include fridges, freezers, ovens, dishwashers and microwaves. Integrated appliances must be installed correctly if they are to work efficiently and safely and we’re always amazed at the number of appliances that we come across which have been badly installed.
Integrated or built-in freezers and fridges are often the worst culprits. Sufficient airflow is vital for a fridge of freezer to work properly and if a refrigeration appliance has been installed incorrectly, it can take months for problems to come to light, leaving the fridge or freezer beyond repair.
Fridges, freezers and fridge freezers all work on the same principle: cool air needs to be drawn in to cool the interior cavity of the appliance. Airflow and a constant supply of cool air is essential and once cool air has been heated, it then needs to be expelled.
Built-in refrigeration appliances must be mounted in a purpose built kitchen unit which has been designed to allow air to be safely expelled. If the vent has been blocked, heat can build-up in the appliance which leads to increased running times (leading to higher electricity bills) and a danger of the appliance over-heating.
As experts in all electrical installations, we’re happy to offer further advice and information on installing and using kitchen appliances safely – please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you require further information.
