Are Electrical Socket Outlets on the Floor Safe?

1) Is it safe to install electrical outlets on the floor?

When considering is it safe to install PLUG SOCKETS ON THE FLOOR we have to consider the location, the intended use and the likelihood of any damage that may occur.

In the photograph, we can see that there are two electrical plug sockets installed on the surface of the floor and in front of them, there is a metal plate. 

The metal plate is actually another plug socket that is recessed into the floor and was the original socket in this location with the plastic surface mounted sockets being added at a later date. 

In this particular situation, the plastic surface mounted plug sockets are actually unlikely to suffer any impact damage from feet, furniture, or other potential hazards. The location in which they are installed is in a pitched loft area or mezzanine above another room. They are situated under the eaves and as such, foot traffic is not possible in this area nor is the situating of any furniture.

2) Why would electrical outlets be installed on the floor?

There are several reasons why you may want plug sockets installed in the floor, the main reasons are to power equipment such as:

• Fixed furniture with motors
• Entertainment Equipment
• Floor standing or table mounted lamps

2.1) Fixed furniture with motors

Where modern furniture with reclining functionality is installed in open spaces, there is a requirement for a suitable power source for the electric motors that recline the furniture. Without a floor socket, there would be an unsightly cable leading from the wall socket to the piece of furniture. 

This is more of an issue in larger rooms where the space has a dual purpose and the furniture cannot be situated with its back to the wall. Large open plan spaces that include a living room can be ruined by unsightly cables leading from plug socket outlets across the floor to the sofa. A rubber mat and an extension cord in a beautiful home is a no from me. This is also a potential trip hazard!

2.2) Entertainment equipment

Pool tables, air hockey, pinball machines and other equipment may be installed in modern homes where we are fortunate enough to have the space. These types of entertainment machines require a great deal of space around them, especially where room is needed to move, wooden pool cues are being swung and so forth. 

In these instances, power is required from the floor area to ensure that the equipment can be used effectively without any leads acting as trip hazards. It is also a neater look for the finished games room or living space. 

2.3) Floor standing or table mounted lamps

Along with the requirement for power to motors in furniture, we are likely to want side tables and some mood lighting near the furniture. Without some well-placed floor sockets, getting power to the floor lamps or table lamps in a large room would involve cables run across the floor or dangling down from the ceiling, ruining the aesthetic of the room. 

2.4) Other uses

An electrical floor box is a popular choice for Christmas trees. Whilst Christmas trees are only used for a short period every year, there is nearly always a debate as to where to set them up. With floor mounted electrical sockets, this makes things much easier and of course, very neat, and hidden.

This also saves having to lose any wall outlets over the festive period whilst being able to have your tree in the center of the room.

3) What about spilled liquids?

Where there is a power source on the floor, a common concern is an inevitable risk of spilled liquids entering the electrical system. Most electrical floor outlets will also have a surface cover plate to aid in the prevention of dust, moisture, and other foreign bodies from entering into the electrical sockets. 

Most modern electrical systems have a new consumer unit that will detect when water has entered into the electrical system and is affecting the wiring or electrical accessories. Where there is an older style fuse box installed, it is best to have this upgraded if you are considering floor sockets. 

4) Can electrical floor sockets be installed anywhere?

Whilst these types of sockets are more common in commercial spaces like an office space, domestic spaces can also benefit from this type of electrical installation. The installation of PLUG SOCKETS ON THE FLOOR will require that the floor surface can be cut and is sufficiently deep for the installation to take place. 

Floor boxes generally have an unobtrusive appearance on the surface but will require varying depths for installation in accordance with the manufacturers’ requirements for their equipment. Floor installation sets may be available for different brands. The type of flooring that your property has will dictate the complexity of the electrical installation. 

Where a property has concrete floors, this may require some planning before the concrete is poured to facilitate the safe installation of any electrical floor sockets without weakening the concrete or disturbing any damp proof membrane.

If your property has a beam and floorboard type construction then this makes for easy access for your electrical work to be carried out. It’s a good idea to check where you may want electrical equipment installed along with data connections before finishing the floor surface. 

5) Can data equipment be installed with electrical in floor?

Whilst you may have specific electrical needs for a home office or other electrical project, there is also often a requirement for data connections. Where better than to install all in a floor level box out of sight and convenient?

Whilst data ports and electrical power are run near to each other, it is important that both are installed correctly. Failure to adequately separate them from each other could result in a voltage appearing on data cables or interference creating a problem on a network.

6) Summary

Any good electrical company will be able to accommodate requests for the installation of PLUG SOCKETS ON THE FLOOR. Whilst there are various configurations that are possible, each outlet receptacle should be installed with electrical safety in mind. 

There are many innovative solutions from various manufacturers, so discuss your special design with your electrician.

Don’t forget whilst remodelling, consider your other wiring needs such as future proofing the building with data wiring to each room. This type of wiring can safely be incorporated into the same box as electrical in many cases. 

This is particularly handy for many rooms in the home now as so much modern equipment requires an internet connection and nothing is as reliable as a hard-wired data connection.