On Wednesday, 26 October 2016 08:52:52 UTC+1, Handsome Jack wrote:
Recently I had to replace a washing machine. As always nowadays, it came
with a moulded plug. As the electrical socket is above the worktop, I
had to cut this plug off, feed the cable through the (existing) hole in
the worktop, and put on a new plug (non-moulded, obviously).

I can't help feeling this would be disapproved of by TPTB, but what else
could I possibly do? What is the point of moulded plugs when one usually
has to cut them off and replace them?

To stop people wiring them up wrongly. I have just fitted 4 LED security lamps and needed to feed 2 core through a brick wall - I have 20 odd old wire up plugs though so had plenty to hand.