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Unit: Checking fit of cabinets

Section: Checking measurements

MSFKB3003: Check and measure fit of cabinets

Competencies covered

MSFKB3003: Check and measure fit of cabinets

Service outlets


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Some cabinets will require cut-outs in the back, side or base panels before they're installed.

These cut-outs will allow pipes and cables to come through for services such as water, power and gas.

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The outlets and pipes should already be in place by the time you're carrying out the final checks.

Power points and switches may have been fitted to electrical cables, or the wires may be protruding from the wall, depending on the stage of the job and whether it's a new project or a renovation.

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One way of recording the locations of service outlets is to draw layout lines on the walls where the cabinets will go, and then take measurements in relation to the cabinets that will contain those services.

Here's an example of how to go about it, and what the measurements might look like.

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Step 1: Mark the cabinet carcase height

Let's say the finished bench top height is 900 mm above the floor, and the bench top thickness is 32 mm. This means that the cabinet carcases will finish at a height of 868 mm. Draw a level line along the wall wherever the base cabinets will be at that height.

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Step 2: Mark the cabinet sides

Use your floor plan to take off the cabinet widths, and mark the plumb lines down the wall, between the level line and the floor. Make sure you build in the correct allowances at the ends for walls that are out of plumb and any filler pieces that might be required, because this will affect the positioning of the cabinets.

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Step 3: Measure the positions of service outlets

Use the markings for the cabinet that will contain the services, and measure in from one side and down from the height line to locate the water pipes, electrical wires and other services.

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When you transfer the measurements to the actual cabinet, you should measure down from the top and across from the side to mark the positions of your holes or cut-outs.

Remember, though, that when you're looking at the back of the cabinet it will be a mirror image of the wall.

Don't make the mistake of marking up the cabinet back-to-front!

Have a look at the Just for fun exercise in this section for some extra practice on this process.

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Learning activity

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The Australian Standard for Domestic kitchen assemblies contains specifications for the preferred locations of cut-outs for power points, dishwasher connections, vents and ducts, as well as other layout dimensions relating to range hoods, cook tops, splash backs and so on. These are set out in AS/NZS (Australian Standard / new Zealand Standard) 4386.2 under the heading: Appendix A: Coordination of service zones.

Ask your supervisor or trainer if you can borrow the Standard to have a look at the diagrams and specifications. You don't need to memorise them, but it's very useful to know the general principles relating to these dimensions and clearances.

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