Correct placement of sockets is very important to increase reliability, increase comfort and correct distribution of electricity in the room. Therefore, most people, when replacing wiring, ask a reasonable question: “at what height from the floor should the outlet be made?” Today we will try to comprehensively answer this question, providing all the necessary and useful information for you that may be useful when installing sockets in a residential area.
Naturally, young people strive for a more modern “European standard” in order to keep up with the latest fashion trends. The old guard prefers the “Soviet standard”, when the socket is placed at a height of about 1 meter, at waist level. It’s worth mentioning right away that there is no “European standard”. There is only a small list of restrictions that exist solely to ensure fire safety.
In the USSR, sockets were placed at a height of about 90 cm above the floor, which corresponded to the then standard. This method can compete with the so-called “European standard”, since it has many advantages:
- Small children cannot access the outlet because it is located at a fairly high height;
- This location is very convenient when there is a need for an outlet for an air conditioner or any other devices that do not require constant connection to the network;
- An adult does not need to bend over to plug an electrical appliance into an outlet.
Height of sockets according to “European standard”
This method is gaining increasing popularity in the post-Soviet space. The sockets are placed at a height of 30 cm from the floor, which also has some positive aspects:
- Due to the rather low location of the socket, the wires do not interfere with free movement around the room;
- The appearance of the room is not spoiled by wires from electrical appliances “hanging” everywhere.
Rules for the construction of electrical installations (PUE)
The PUE regulates the placement of sockets as follows:
- You can install sockets in the bathroom of an apartment or hotel room, but only together with a residual current device (RCD) or an isolation transformer;
- The socket should not be placed closer than 0.6 m to the shower door;
- Each group of sockets located in the apartment must have an RCD;
- It is prohibited to install electrical equipment closer than 0.5 m to the gas installation;
- It is prohibited to place in baths and saunas.
SP and GOST requirements
Correct placement of the outlet follows from following these rules:
- One socket is installed for every 4 m of the perimeter of the living room;
- The owner of a private or one-room house himself determines how many sockets need to be installed;
- One socket is placed for every 10 sq. m of corridor area (it is better to install switches at both ends of the corridor).
There are no clear rules at what height sockets should be installed in the kitchen. But there is a certain standard that was formed on the basis of standardized sizes of kitchen furniture. According to this standard, sockets are placed on three levels.
First level. The standard placement height in the kitchen is 10-15 cm from the floor. Great for various electrical appliances, such as dishwasher, refrigerator, electric stove, etc.
Second level. Next are sockets for portable electrical appliances: kettle, microwave oven, blender, etc. They require a height of 110 to 130 cm.
Third level. It is characterized by placement of sockets at a height of 200-250 cm. A stool may be required for easy access to them.
The bathroom is a place with almost permanently high humidity. Therefore, for maximum safety, it is necessary to install the electrical outlet together with a splash-proof cover. The minimum height for the socket is 15 cm to prevent water from getting inside. All safety precautions and common sense must be followed during installation.
For ease of use of various devices, you can use the following socket height parameters:
- For hair dryers, razors and other small electrical appliances, it is recommended to install the socket at a height of 1.1 m;
- Washing machine – 1 m;
- Water heater – 1.8 m.
In the bedroom, sockets are installed on both sides near the double bed to connect electrical appliances to the network without getting up. It is also recommended to place switches nearby.
At a height of 30 cm, a socket for a vacuum cleaner is installed, the cord from which should be able to stretch freely in any direction. Near the table there are sockets for a computer or other equipment.
In other rooms
Here everything depends on the owner’s imagination. The number of sockets is calculated so that it is enough for all the equipment that will be in a given room. But it is better to use several levels: first and second, in order to ensure convenient use of all electrical appliances.
Electrical sockets are installed at a height of 0.15-0.2 m above the table surface and 0.3 m above the floor. Other accommodation options depend on your convenience.
Own standard
If you have an idea about how to install an outlet in an unusual way, it is better to first look at a photo of such an outlet location on the Internet. This will save you from possible problems.
You can install sockets in your home at your own discretion, but following the rules described above. Therefore, it is not necessary to adopt any of the standards. You can place sockets based on your own ease of use.
It is necessary to choose a placement that will allow you to use various electrical appliances without any problems. For example, the most convenient placement of bedside sockets is 70 cm. At this height it is quite comfortable to use a gadget that is connected to the network.
It is better to place sockets for the TV closer to the floor, behind the TV itself, so that the wires do not interfere with movement. A convenient location is necessary in order to avoid the use of extension cords.
Conclusion
The key importance in choosing the location of outlets is safety and comfort. By following these two factors, you can simplify your life as much as possible. This should not be neglected. Good luck.
Photo of the optimal placement of sockets in height
If you don’t like untangling the wires and extension cords of numerous appliances, then you need to take the placement of sockets in the house seriously. How many of them are needed in each specific room and where is it best to place them?
Everyone is familiar with the situation when you rush around in a panic looking for a free socket to charge your phone, and in desperation you turn off the floor lamp or printer. Statistics say that modern people use an average of six electrical appliances every day. Every year the number of devices and gadgets without which we cannot imagine our lives increases, and the number of wires entangling our homes increases. Let's consider how to properly place sockets and switches so that they are comfortable to use.
Planning the placement of outlets
Installing or moving sockets and switches implies, at a minimum, cosmetic repairs to the room. If you order an interior design project, the application must indicate the number and location of sockets and switches. Pay attention to this point: the designer may not take into account, for example, that you like to work on a laptop while sitting on the sofa in the living room. Please make all edits and suggestions before project approval.
If you are planning the interior and making renovations yourself, then focus on the functions and design of the room, consider where you will place the furniture. Only after designing the interior, start calculating the number of outlets. If a wardrobe or wardrobe is planned along the wall, then there is no point in installing sockets on it.
Nuances of switch placement
The main lighting switch is placed near the door at a height of 75 - 90 cm. When choosing a height, take into account the average height of adult family members - it should be comfortable for everyone to press the button with their lowered hand to the side. Height 80 cm is optimal for almost everyone. The switch should not be covered by furniture or an open door - it should be placed on the side where the handle of the closed door is located.
The switches for the bathroom, toilet and pantry are located in the corridor, and in the living rooms, kitchen and corridor - indoors.
Switches for additional lighting (decorative or comfortable lighting) can be placed on any wall, depending on the design of the room.
Features of placement of sockets
The height of sockets is the cause of many disputes. Do not believe the “European standard” - 15 cm from the floor, but take into account only the number of devices. For greater convenience, consider each room in the house.
Corridor. For a corridor, one socket in the corner above the baseboard, at a height of 15-20 cm from the floor, will be enough. Here you can connect an electric shoe dryer or charge a guest’s phone.
Bathroom. 1-2 sockets will be enough. One is near the mirror for a hair dryer and electric razor at a height of 100 cm. If the washing machine is in the bathroom, the socket for it is placed at a height of 50-60 cm from the floor. In the bathroom, it is better to use sockets with special protection against moisture.
Living room. For a TV or home theater, two sockets are enough: one for the receiver, the second for a subwoofer or external TV tuner. Choose the height of the placement based on the location of the TV: the cord should not hang down or stretch to the socket, but be completely hidden behind the screen. At a height of 15-30 cm from the floor, place two sockets on each wall: for a floor lamp, an air humidifier, chargers, game consoles, and a vacuum cleaner.
Kitchen. The kitchen uses the largest number of appliances: extractor hood, dishwasher and washing machines, electric stove, small appliances (mixer, blender, microwave oven, food processor, etc.), refrigerator, freezer. The list grows every year.
For a refrigerator, the socket is placed on the wall behind it at a height of 60-80 cm. For the hood, the socket is mounted at a height of 180-200 cm from the floor. For dishwashers and washing machines, electric stoves, sockets are placed at a height of 20-30 cm from the floor - holes are cut to size for them in the back wall of the kitchen furniture. Place three sockets for small equipment above the level of the working surface (5-10 cm). The TV in the kitchen is placed on a wall bracket. The optimal height of the outlet is 180-200 cm.
Bedroom. There will be enough two sockets on both sides of the bed: for bedside lamps and additional appliances. Near the dressing table, one socket at a height of 60-70 cm from the floor for a hairdryer will be enough.
Study. The computer will require a minimum of five sockets (system unit, monitor, subwoofer of the speaker system and one for a table lamp, printer or scanner). A place for reading is usually set up near the bookshelves: a floor lamp and a comfortable chair are another outlet. Two additional sockets are mounted on a free wall. All sockets are placed at a height of 15-30 cm from the floor.
Children's room. A children's room usually combines a bedroom and a play area. Near the bed you will need an socket for a night light and two sockets for additional devices. For this room, choose sockets with special protection “from children,” or more precisely, from children’s curiosity. The holes for the plugs are protected by special valves and effort is required to plug an electrical appliance into such an outlet.
Air conditioner. The socket for the air conditioner is placed at a distance of 30 cm from the ceiling.
You decide how to place sockets and switches only taking into account comfort and safety. Now there are no strict standards for the location of switches and sockets, and for their number in each specific room.
Count the number of appliances you will use in each room on a regular basis and add two more outlets for additional appliances. The basic requirements are put forward only to the craftsmen who will carry out work on installing the electrical network in the house: they must be specialists.
One of the most important parts of renovating a room is the correct placement of electrical wiring. When drawing up a layout of sockets, you need to take into account such important aspects as the size of the room, the total number of all switches and sockets and, of course, how the furniture is arranged.
Rules for placing electrical wiring
There are no strict restrictions. However, there are some requirements for installing sockets, for example, in the bathroom or in industrial premises. There are also recommendations for installing switches and sockets in an apartment, but whether to adhere to them or not is purely a matter of your needs and tastes.
In the Soviet Union (during the time of old traditions), it was believed that the socket should be at a distance of 90 cm from the floor, and the switch should be at a distance of 160 cm (1.6 m).
Such standards created ease of use, since in order to reach the level of the switch, there was no need to bend down or sit down. Thanks to this, even now many people adhere to just such rules.
New traditions - European standard
Along with the definition of “European-quality renovation”, such a term as “European standard” for the location of sockets came to us from nearby countries. What does the European standard imply? These rules in no way limit the height of the room or the total number of switches and sockets in the home, but only help recommend the correct method of installation in hazardous areas, taking into account safety measures.
In accordance with European standards, sockets and switches should be placed as follows:
The switch is at a distance of 90 cm from the floor (if you notice, according to old traditions this was a place for an outlet, but according to people of the current generation, in this way you can turn off or turn on the light without raising your hand).
The socket is now located at a distance of 30 cm from the floor, which allows you to conveniently hide wires that you would like to hide from prying eyes.
In all the photos that are presented in the text and in our gallery at the end, you can see how the location of the sockets differs before and now.
Remember that the diameter of the pins of European sockets is much larger than the diameter of the pins of domestic sockets, and the strength of the received current is approximately 10 to 16 A, while for Russian ones it is only 10 A.
Therefore, if you want to use devices with higher power, then you should definitely install European sockets indoors.
Planning the installation of sockets and switches in the room
Any room is laid out in its own way, which means that for each room you need to select options for the location of electrical installations.
Corridor
Each apartment has a small hallway, where switches also need to be placed correctly, since this is the room that a person enters first. Usually in a corridor two or three sockets are considered necessary.
It will also be useful to place a distribution panel, a switch (or block of switches), an electric meter, and so on in the hallway.
Kitchen
The outlet for the hood should be located at a level of 2 meters from the floor.
It is better to place sockets for connecting a washing machine, dishwasher and refrigerator 10-20 cm from the floor level. For household appliances that do not have a very long wire, you can make a socket in about 50 cm.
To place small items (for example, a toaster), the socket should be 110 cm above the floor level (or at a distance of 20 cm from the level of the kitchen countertop).
Lighting fixtures occupy an electrical outlet located approximately 5-10 cm above the furniture.
Attention! The power of all electrical lines in the kitchen should be less than the required norm, as this will allow all points of energy consumption to be activated at the same time.
Bedroom and living room
It would be best to place an outlet on each side of the bed. The height from the floor is approximately 70 cm, since it is in this position that you can connect, for example, a bedside lamp to the outlet, as well as charge any device.
As for the switch, it should be located at the front door. The location of an additional block of sockets above the desktop (about 30 cm from its level) is also welcome.
In the living room or hall you will definitely need a small number of sockets 130 cm above the floor. They can be hidden behind the TV. Of course, the presence of a spare socket is also assumed. The switch, as in the bedroom, should be near the front door.
Bathroom and toilet
It's no secret that a bathroom is a room with high air humidity, so all sockets and switches must be designed for such conditions (have a protection level of at least IP44).
It is strictly forbidden to place devices at a distance of less than 60 cm from the bathtub or shower stall, as well as below 15 cm from the floor level (as small floods are possible in such a room).
So, using all the skills of correct placement of sockets and switches in different rooms of the room, you can protect yourself and your loved ones and avoid rewiring in the future.
Photo of the location of the sockets
It is impossible to imagine a room without sockets. Moreover, if it is a kitchen where a large number of household appliances that require power are used. How to arrange sockets and switches correctly in a limited area and how many of them you will need - a number of recommendations.
It is necessary to plan the location of sockets in the kitchen not when the renovation is completed and the arrangement of furniture and connection of the stove and refrigerator begin. Ideally, you should choose a place for sockets at the planning stage of a kitchen renovation. The design of the room and the overall interior design is closely related to the question of where to place the sockets, since they should be where the equipment will be located. And it is necessary to trench the walls for wiring, carry out wiring and install sockets before the final finishing of the room, and not after the wallpaper and tiles have been glued.
Therefore, before work, you need to make a plan where to mark the installation locations of sockets, switches, where furniture and appliances will be located.
First of all, you will have to determine where to put:
- fridge;
- dishwasher;
- stove;
- hood;
- microwave oven;
- small household appliances such as a kettle, multicooker, bread maker, and so on;
- TV.
Important: do not forget that you will need an outlet to connect various devices that are not related to kitchen ones - a vacuum cleaner for cleaning, chargers, a laptop. It is most convenient to make such an outlet in the area of the recreation area.
Based on this, the number of required sockets and their locations are determined.
Optimal number
Before the wiring is done, you need to decide how many sockets you need in the kitchen before installing them. There is even a calculation formula for this. Of course, the calculation will be conditional, but it will take into account the needs of the household and how many switches and sockets are needed quite accurately.
So, the optimal number of sockets that are supposed to be installed should exceed the number of electrical appliances for constant use in the kitchen by 25%. The excess of the installation is laid just so that there is somewhere to turn on rarely used equipment - an electric meat grinder, mixer or blender. And there was no need to unplug anything or pull extension cords.
Mandatory electrical appliances, if available, include:
- fridge;
- electric or gas stove with electric ignition;
- TV;
- Dishwasher;
- hood;
- microwave.
In some cases, these may also include an electric kettle or other small appliances that are used in a given home every day. Based on how many switches and sockets are needed, the next step is to design an electrical diagram for the kitchen.
Types of sockets
You need to not only determine how many switches and sockets you need, but also choose the right sockets that are more suitable for the kitchen. The kitchen is characterized by high humidity and temperature changes. Therefore, sockets are installed here that have a certain degree of moisture protection, ensuring safe operation. Such devices include devices that have a seal and covers and belong to class IP 44. Such European standard sockets are installed next to the stove, sink, work area - in a word, where there is a high risk of splashes.
In other places in the kitchen it is quite possible to install the most ordinary sockets. If there are children in the house, they should be equipped with child protection - plastic curtains. European standard sockets are equipped with this option.
If we talk about ease of installation, then the priority here is for retractable and built-in sockets. Thanks to the rotating mechanism, the built-in sockets can be hidden or revealed for use. European standard retractable sockets can be installed on any surface, even vertical ones. They can be selected for installation on difficult surfaces.
Wiring rules
There should be enough lines so that they provide double power to the devices after installing all sockets and switches. At the same time, the most powerful devices must be powered from their own line and have automatic protection. Such appliances include a refrigerator and an electric stove.
All devices with metal casings must be grounded, as recommended by the wiring standard. You can do this yourself or entrust it to a specialist. You need to connect through the machine.
Be sure to choose wires with copper conductors for wiring. An aluminum core can quickly fail in the kitchen.
All sockets can be grouped. Each group of sockets must have its own circuit breaker. This will provide additional security.
Where and at what height to install sockets
Of course, next to the electrical appliances for which they were designed - the diagram should contain detailed information about this. One socket must be installed above, behind, or next to the refrigerator; one is next to the stove; one is next to the dishwasher. However, sockets and switches should not be behind the stove or in close proximity to the sink. One outlet should be near the TV stand.
You also need to install at least one socket above the working surface of the countertop. And better - 2-3. The height of the socket above the table is set 10 cm from the edge of the table.
If there is built-in equipment, the sockets are installed nearby at a height of 10 cm from the floor. The socket for the hood is installed above it. Sockets cannot be placed behind built-in appliances. The European standard requires the installation of sockets and switches below.
For ease of use in the kitchen, you can choose dual sockets and switches next to the table, below.
Wiring is a necessary step in installing sockets, but before that you need to decide at what height the switches will be.
The installation height depends primarily on the housewife’s habits and personal taste. Some prefer it when the sockets are at the bottom, while others find it inconvenient. You need to choose the height and type of outlet based on the convenience of everyone in the house.
Where sockets should not be placed:
- for built-in appliances and furniture;
- in cabinets and cabinets;
- over the sink.
This is a generally accepted standard for electrical work.
Location of sockets in the kitchen (video)
Conclusion
You can do the wiring yourself - it is not difficult, provided you know the basics of electrical engineering. If there is little knowledge, then it is best to entrust this work to professionals - electricians who know the standard of work. Then you can be sure that there will be no wiring or fire.
In a modern apartment, many electrical devices operate simultaneously. During renovations, it often becomes necessary to move poorly located sockets and plan them so that you can connect each device without problems and avoid tripping over wires stretching throughout the house. This is most relevant for old-built houses - in new buildings the electrical network is usually organized more efficiently. Before starting work, you should consider how to rationally arrange household and digital appliances, panels and sockets.
Optimal location
In each room, residents often or constantly use various electrical appliances. To ensure that all interior items are in their place and sockets are not hidden behind a closet or sofa, you should draw a plan of each room with the indicated dimensions and determine where the furniture, appliances, and lighting will go. It is also necessary to take into account building codes and regulations to ensure fire safety and smooth operation of electrical wiring.
Hallway and corridor
It is better to connect lighting in the hallway using separate switches. Most often, shoe dryers or a vacuum cleaner are used in this room. Therefore, two sockets located in the corner at a height of 30 cm from the floor and 10 cm from the door or furniture will be sufficient. If it is necessary to install additional electrical devices in the hallway, the circuit becomes more complicated.
Bathroom
In the bathroom, a washing machine, shower cabin and water heater can be constantly plugged into sockets. Often you need to use a hairdryer or razor. Large equipment will require separate energy sources, which, according to the rules, should be located no closer than 60 cm from the water source and from the floor. You should buy special waterproof sockets with a cover and IP44 marking - they have a special plastic flange on the inside to drain water if it gets in.
A forced exhaust fan is usually connected to a light switch - if a person enters the bathroom, the hood starts working.
Kitchen
The kitchen leads in the number of constantly working electrical appliances. The main list of equipment constantly connected to the network:
- fridge;
- Dishwasher;
- electric stove;
- microwave;
- TV;
- hood;
- electric kettle;
- washing machine.
Therefore, you need at least eight sockets for constant operation and at least five for small household appliances such as a mixer, coffee grinder or meat grinder.
The main difficulty is the correct location of sockets for built-in appliances - they cannot be placed behind electrical appliances, so it is better to move the energy sources behind adjacent kitchen cabinets. It is necessary to install separate power sources for the hob and oven - a double socket will not withstand the load.
Sockets for a blender or toaster, which the owners use on the table, must be installed 30 cm above the work surface.
Living room
This room is used for relaxation and entertainment of household members; it contains a TV, audio center, Wi-Fi router, split system, and local lighting points. These devices are constantly connected; according to safety rules, sockets for them are mounted at a height of 30 cm from the floor and at least 10 cm from door and window openings.
For a split system, the socket should be placed at the top, near the installation site of the indoor unit - this will avoid unsightly wires on the walls.
It would be a good solution to make it possible to connect chargers or an electric fireplace in the sofa area.
Bedroom
On bedside tables there are usually phones or tablets that require additional charging. Therefore, the optimal solution would be to place a couple of sockets near the bed, at a distance of 15–20 cm from the tabletop.
If there is a dressing table in the bedroom, then you should also install an outlet near it to connect a hairdryer or other equipment.
It’s convenient to watch your favorite movies and shows while lying in bed, so the TV is usually hung on the wall opposite the head of the bed. You can hide the socket behind the screen panel.
Children's
An outlet for a night light is enough for a small child, but it is worth considering that in a couple of years they will need energy sources for game consoles and charging their phone, tablet, TV and computer. And if there are several children, then the load on the power grid increases.
For children's rooms, it is advisable to buy safe sockets with covers or plugs and place them so that the baby does not reach the hanging wires.
Office or desk
The desktop usually contains a computer, monitor, peripheral equipment, telephone and desk lamp. For comfortable work, you will need at least 6 sockets with a surge protector, and to hide the unsightly tangle of wires, you should mount the electrical accessories at a height of 25–30 cm above the floor and remove the wires under the cable channel.
Video: How to correctly place sockets and switches
Planning at the design stage will allow you to equip each functional area in the apartment as desired, for example, arrange a workplace and type on a laptop while lying on your favorite sofa. If you arrange the power connectors in the apartment in accordance with safety rules and take into account the number and placement of basic electrical appliances, then the wires will not get tangled under your feet, and the use of the equipment will become more convenient.