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Flex Outlet Plates

A flex outlet plate is where the flex of a fixed appliance, such as a water heater, towel rail, refrigerator or central heating boiler, leaves the wall and joins the fixed wiring, with no plug and socket in between. This Knightsbridge range has 20A flex outlet plates, 20A double pole switches with a neon indicator and flex outlet, and flex outlet modules for the Grid system, in white and a wide choice of metal finishes.

Choosing Flex Outlet Plates

Decide whether the appliance needs its own switch at the outlet, then match the plate to the finish and profile of the other accessories in the room.

Plate or switched outlet

A flex outlet plate is a fixed connection, so the appliance is isolated elsewhere, for example at a fused spur or a double pole switch nearby. A 20A double pole switch with flex outlet combines the two: it breaks the live and the neutral at the point where the flex leaves the wall, and its neon shows when the appliance is on. Knightsbridge lists water heaters as the typical use.

Cable and terminals

Most of the plates and grid modules take a flex up to 10mm in diameter. Metal plates such as the SF8342BC and CL8342MB have cable strain relief and terminals for 3 x 2.5mm² or 2 x 4.0mm² conductors, with twin earth terminals. The CU8342 and the white SN8342 let the cable enter or exit from the centre or the base.

Switched flex outlets

The 20A double pole switches in the CL, CS, CU and FP ranges are certified to EN 60669-1. Metal versions in the CL, CS and FP ranges need a box at least 25mm deep, and the heavy duty M8341NF is metal clad and supplied with a back box.

Grid modules

For a Grid plate that groups several switches, GDM012 flex outlet modules such as the GDM012AT clip into the front of a mounting frame, which is sold separately. The CUGM16 is the white front-mounting module for the Curved Edge range.

TypeExampleRange and finishDetail
Flex outlet plateSF8342MBScrewless, matt black20A, 10mm cable
Flex outlet plateCU8342Curved Edge, thermoset resinBS 5733, anti-microbial
DP switch and flex outletFP8341FGMFlat plate, gunmetalNeon, 25mm box depth
DP switch and flex outletCL834FMBBRounded edge, matt black304 stainless steel
Metal clad DP switchM8341NFPowder-coatedBack box in the pack
Grid moduleGDM012BCBrushed chromeClips into a Grid frame

Brands we stock in Flex Outlet Plates

Knightsbridge.

All of these flex outlets come from Knightsbridge wiring accessory ranges.

Related categories

Protect and isolate appliances with fused spurs, switch cookers from cooker switches, match the finish in plug sockets, or build a multi-switch plate from grid switches. See also Unswitched Spurs.

Frequently asked questions

Can a flex outlet plate be used in a bathroom?

Yes, a flex outlet plate can connect a fixed bathroom appliance such as a heated towel rail, provided it sits outside the wet zones around the bath or shower. An IP20 plate is not built for splashes, so it should be fitted well away from water. Bathroom circuits also need RCD protection, so have an electrician check the zones first.

What is a flex outlet plate used for?

A flex outlet plate is used to connect a fixed appliance's flex permanently to the building wiring, without a plug and socket. Typical uses include water heaters, boilers, refrigerators and towel rails. Because the plate has no switch or fuse of its own, pair it with a fused spur or double pole switch for isolation and protection. The range here includes screwless, low-profile and Grid module versions.

What is a 20A flex outlet plate?

A 20A flex outlet plate is a flex connection point rated at twenty amps, which is typically the rating for these plates in UK wiring accessory ranges. It can serve an appliance fed through a fused spur or a 20A double pole switch, where the fuse or the circuit's protective device protects the flex. Check the terminals suit your conductor sizes and that the cable grip clamps the outer sheath.

How do you wire a flex outlet plate?

Wire a flex outlet plate with the circuit isolated, connecting the supply and flex conductors to the live, neutral and earth terminals. Thread the flex through the outlet hole first, then clamp its outer sheath in the cable grip so the conductors are not strained. If you are not confident working on mains wiring, use a qualified electrician.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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