Stairs.  Entry group.  Materials.  Doors.  Locks.  Design

Stairs. Entry group. Materials. Doors. Locks. Design

» At what height to install sockets: recommended parameters, how to connect sockets and switches. Height of sockets from the floor - what you need to know and take into account Installing sockets according to GOST

At what height to install sockets: recommended parameters, how to connect sockets and switches. Height of sockets from the floor - what you need to know and take into account Installing sockets according to GOST

And switches - a question on the solution of which the convenience of further operation of the premises depends. In order not to pull additional meters of cable, use extension cords, etc., you must first draw up a diagram of the location of power points for each room.

Existing standards

There are certain rules for installing sockets and switches:

  1. the distance to the gas pipeline must be at least 0.5 m;
  2. the distance to the bathroom, the doorway of the shower must be at least 0.6 m;
  3. switches are recommended to be placed at a height of up to 1 meter;
  4. in the bathroom, socket connections are made through the RCD.

According to GOST R 50571.11-96, in the bathroom, the electrical outlet should be 60 centimeters or more from the shower stall.

In the days of the Soviet Union, there were also switches, in which the first were placed at a height of 90 cm from the floor, the second - 1.6 m. With this arrangement, you do not need to bend down to connect this or that device to the network.

With the advent of the term "European-quality repair", the concept of "European standard" appeared. It means the following location of sockets and switches:

  • switches are located at a distance of 90 cm from the plinth, this allows you to turn on / off the light without raising your hand high;
  • electrical outlets are 30 cm from the plinth, with this arrangement it is easy.

Which option to choose is up to you, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Choosing a location for power points

Kitchen

There are no strict restrictions on the height of sockets from the floor in the kitchen and in any other room, their placement should be planned according to ease of use, practicality and the above installation rules. Standard kitchen furniture has formed a gradation among consumers, where the height of the installation of sockets from the floor is divided into three levels.

  • The first level is located 10-15 cm from the floor covering, designed to connect a dishwasher, electric stove, refrigerator. Such household appliances do not require frequent disconnection, connection to the network, after installing the kitchen set, access to the connectors will be only from below.
  • The second level is 110–130 cm from the plinth. Designed to connect a kettle, blender, multicooker and other small appliances that will be used in cooking.
  • The third level is 200–250 cm. At this level, the hood and backlight are connected. More often, the connectors are located above the upper kitchen cabinets, then they are invisible from below.

Bathroom

There is high humidity in the bathroom, so the batteries must be installed through an RCD, have a degree of protection against moisture of at least IP44. It is also advisable to install a splash guard on the spring.

The bathroom is divided into zones:

  1. zone of maximum humidity, this is a bath and a shower that create splashes, only the installation of electrical appliances that ensure the functioning of plumbing is allowed (power up to 12 V);
  2. installation of water heating devices is allowed;
  3. you can connect boilers, lamps, exhaust fans, which are turned on using a cord;
  4. the place of installation of electrical outlets in compliance with safety rules.

The higher the outlet, the safer. The optimal distance is 60 cm from the baseboard. This height will be sufficient to prevent short circuiting during a flood, if one occurs.

The location of sockets and switches directly under and above the sink is unacceptable. But the height can be chosen independently, based on the convenience of further use.

Bedroom and living room

When repairing, the owners often wonder at what height to put sockets in the bedroom. One switch is traditionally placed at the entrance. If a double bed is installed in the room, then for comfortable use, you can place an electrical outlet with a switch on both sides of the backrest, at a distance of 70 cm from the floor. Then there will be no problems with charging the phone at night and turning on / off the main light or sconce.

Additional connectors are installed near the dressing table or desk. If there is a computer at the desktop, a block of 2-3 electrical outlets is cut into it at a height of 30 cm from the bottom. The second block is placed at a height of 15 cm from the table for a table lamp.

In the living room, sockets for the TV are installed at a distance of 130 cm from the floor. Further placement of food points depends on the arrangement of furniture, the availability of equipment. It is recommended to install an additional socket, for example, under a vacuum cleaner.

Children's room

In the living room, one switch is enough - at the front door. If the ceiling has multi-level lighting, select switches for several keys.
Children's room

A children's room is usually a combination of a bedroom and a play area. The appearance of protective covers for plug connectors eliminates the need to place them as high as possible from children.

When entering the room, it should be possible to turn on the general lighting. The electric switch is placed at a height of 75–90 cm. But this distance can be adjusted based on the average height of all family members. The device should be placed on the side of the door handle of the cabinet, if any, to prevent inconvenience in operation.

The socket at the entrance is needed to connect a vacuum cleaner or a heating radiator. 10 cm should be retreated from the doorway, 30 cm from the floor.

For a night light, you will need a power point near the bed. If the baby is still very young, you may need to turn on the music mobile for the cradle.

The student needs a workplace equipped with enough electrical outlets to ensure that all gadgets are connected. The optimal height is 15 cm from the table.

Cabinet

Owners of a separate office will need 5-6 connectors to connect the system unit, monitor, printer, audio speakers, table lamp. Near bookshelves or a chair, a light connection point is needed to ensure comfortable reading. The height of sockets and switches is 1.5–3 m from the floor.
Hallway

In the corridor, 1-2 electrical outlets are enough, designed to connect a vacuum cleaner or an electric shoe dryer. You can place them at a distance of 15-20 cm from the floor. Lighting points are provided near the entrance. An electric meter and a voltage stabilizer are also often installed in the hallway. In addition, switches for the kitchen, a bathroom, a box for a TV cable, the Internet will easily fit into the corridor.

Tips for designing the location of sockets and switches

To draw up a competent scheme, you need to decide on the arrangement of furniture in the apartment and the location of electrical appliances, and then draw a detailed plan on a scale that displays:

  1. window, doorways;
  2. the location of the wiring;
  3. location of the water supply, gas pipeline;
  4. location of household appliances, furniture;
  5. indicate telephone, internet sockets and others.
  6. When drawing up a diagram, you should follow some rules:
  7. the distance from batteries, gas, water pipes to the points of connection to the mains must be at least 50 cm;
  8. indents from corners, doorways, window openings - more than 10 cm;
  9. before washing at least 80 cm;
  10. when planning, it is important to take into account the dimensions of the furniture so that it does not overlap the appliances;
  11. Connection points for a computer, TV, microwave oven are best located behind the equipment itself;
  12. Additional sockets are recommended to be placed at the same height, 30 cm from the baseboard.

The placement of the lighting connection elements depends on which way the door opens. It is preferable to place them on the side of the handle, at a height of 80-90 centimeters. In a long corridor or on a staircase, it is advisable to install two switches: at the beginning and at the end.

There are currently no prescribed standards for installing electrical outlets and switches, so their location should be determined by safety and convenience. When calculating the number of mechanisms for permanent use, it is recommended to add one or two pieces so that they are exactly enough to connect all the necessary electrical appliances.

The installation height of sockets from the floor must be such that there is no threat of mechanical damage and water ingress. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that the cords of electrical appliances must reach to connect to the network, because it is not advisable to use extension cords for safety reasons. Next, we will consider the most optimal locations for electrical fittings, as well as existing standards that must be adhered to!

Dispelling a modern myth

Many novice electricians are very interested in the question of what should be the installation height of sockets from the floor according to the European standard. The fact is that the so-called European standard regarding the location of electrical "points" does not exist. The myth went back to the time when they just started to do renovations, according to which products are installed at a height of 30 cm above the floor. This distance was chosen only for reasons of practicality and there is no regulatory documentation prohibiting the choice of a different distance.

At the same time, the PUE rules stipulate some requirements for the height of sockets in the bathroom, which is associated with protection against electric shock. About this mention, in fact, as well as about some points of the GOST and SP standard, we will talk further. Well, since we have already touched on this issue, we cannot fail to mention the Soviet standard, according to which the minimum distance from the floor was 90 cm. This value was justified by the fact that with such an arrangement, the object will always be in the field of view of a person.

Existing references in regulations

As we have already said, in some documentation you can find at what height from the floor it is more correct to make sockets and switches.

In order to familiarize you with these references, we present them in a visual form:


As you can see, there are no words about any prohibition in the rules, so we recommend that you rely only on the recommendations that we have provided below. The tips combined both the requirements of safety and practicality at the same time!

So, let's look at what height it is better to install sockets for each specific room in the apartment, as well as for the most popular household appliances.

Kitchen

In the kitchen, the standard installation height of sockets should be as follows:

  • For, washing machine and dishwasher: 10-20 cm from the floor. This value is the most optimal, in relation to the length of the electrical cord from the equipment. Some manufacturers produce household appliances with a short cord that does not even reach half a meter up.
  • 20 cm above the countertop (in the area of ​​​​the kitchen apron), a total of about 110 cm from the floor. This mark will be optimal for connecting small kitchen appliances, which are often located directly on the table: microwave, kettle, mixer, slow cooker, etc.
  • To install the hood, you need to connect the outlet at a height of at least 2 meters from the floor.

In a visual video tutorial, tips are provided on where it is better to place electrical accessories:

Video instructions for installing electrical wiring in the kitchen

Bathroom

This room has high humidity, so the height of the sockets from the floor in the bathroom should be chosen wisely. Here we must be guided not only by the interior of the room, but also based on the requirements in accordance with GOST and PUE.

You yourself understand that it is strictly forbidden to mount products near water, therefore, at least 60 cm, preferably a meter, must be retreated from the sink, shower cabin and other objects. The recommended height mark should also be practical so that the cord from a hair dryer, electric razor or the same washing machine is not stretched.

  • for on the wall - 1.5 meters;
  • for a hair dryer and a razor - 1 meter;
  • washing machine - not less than half a meter.

Here you should also pay attention to a very important nuance - you do not need to place products lower than 15 cm from the floor! This is due to the fact that the bathroom is prone to small floods, which happen both when household appliances malfunction and when the owners are forgetful. To prevent the flooding of the room from becoming a threat to life (if water gets into the outlet), you need to place electrical fittings at a safe height, at least not lower than 15 cm.

Bedroom

Everything is simple here, we have one electrical point by the bed, next to the bedside table - to connect a phone charger or a nightlight. And the other according to the European standard - 30 cm above the flooring.

Another one should be for a reserve - for example, to connect a vacuum cleaner during cleaning or an air conditioner / fan. If you decide to either install it on a bedside table, then the connection point for the electrical cord can be placed behind the screen, which will hide all the wires behind it. To power the computer, it is desirable to install an outlet near the desktop, at a height of 30 cm from the floor.

As for the concerns of some "specialists" who claim that the backup socket should be placed high from small children, these are all outdated concerns. To date, there are products with protective shutters and covers that will prevent dangerous contact.

Summing up

So we have provided useful recommendations on what height to make sockets more correctly and safely. Finally, I would like to add a very important nuance that will help you determine the exact location of each electrical point.

Before you start chasing the walls and installing electrical wiring in the house, draw up a diagram on which mark the following elements:

  • the exact location of all the furniture in the room;
  • types of household appliances with their exact location;
  • areas of passage of gas and water supply;
  • the route of passage of electrical wiring along the walls;
  • windows and doorways.

Already on the created scheme, select the most suitable height for installing sockets from the floor, so you definitely will not lose.

Otherwise, the installed electrical accessories after furniture arrangement can be closed by objects or be at a considerable distance from them. If this happened in your case, then we advise you not to buy it in the store!

materials

The safety and convenience of using household appliances and lighting depends on the correct installation height of switches and sockets, as well as the exact calculation of the number and location of such points. If everything is calculated correctly right away, then in the future it will be possible to avoid overloads, you will not have to use extension cords. An accurate calculation will also allow you to avoid wall chasing for additional sockets or wiring.

Installation Guidelines

The optimal location of sockets and switches on the walls of the rooms is determined taking into account the requirements of the "Electrical Installation Rules" (PUE), GOST R 50571.11-96, SP 31-110-2003 and other regulatory documents. Compliance with the recommended parameters is checked by the relevant authorities when housing, commercial or industrial premises are commissioned. In most cases, the location of electrical appliances is chosen taking into account the following standards:

To connect electrical devices in rooms with high humidity, it is necessary to include in the circuit the appropriate devices that ensure the safety of operation (RCD, gas stations, etc.).

Preparing for installation

In everyday life, people use a lot of electrical appliances that are connected to the household power supply, so the optimal location of the connection points is of great importance. When choosing a sufficient number of sockets, the convenience of working with irons, washing machines, printing and other equipment without connecting extension cords is guaranteed. In this case, you will not have to think about how to hide the wires that will stretch along the floor and interfere with the passage, access to current sources will not be limited.

To choose the best option for an apartment, house or office, you need a responsible approach. Planning and preparation of the scheme for installing switches and sockets according to the European standard:

Planning the location of electrical appliances is carried out as part of the preparation of project documentation before repairing or redevelopment of premises. You can entrust such work to specialists or choose a convenient location for outlets on your own, based on the provisions of the rules and standards.

In addition to the requirements of the standards, there are recommendations for the installation of electrical appliances based on the experience of operating such equipment. These are the average values ​​of the number of points, the height of the switch from the floor according to the European standard, the remoteness of the sockets from doorways and sources of moisture or gas, which guarantees maximum convenience for turning on and off electrical appliances. In most cases, the following recommendations are followed:

The choice of places for electrical appliances is carried out taking into account the existing or planned wall decoration, the installation of decorative structures and the location of doorways.

Advantages of accommodation according to current standards

Installation of sockets or switches, taking into account current regulations, is not only a requirement of documents, but also the ability to ensure the optimal distribution of connection points in the room. This approach allows you to take advantage of a number of advantages of such solutions:

The use of standard norms for placing sockets and switches at a distance of up to 300 - 600 and 900 - 1600 mm, respectively, makes it possible to choose the option that will be most convenient for the selected room.

Installation of sockets in rooms

The installation of sockets and switches is distinguished by features that are determined depending on the purpose of the selected room. For the safe operation of such connection points, you must adhere to some rules and take into account the technical characteristics of the rooms (humidity, temperature) . In doing so, the following should be taken into account:

Separately, sockets are provided for turning on air conditioners in living rooms, if this equipment is not connected directly through circuit breakers. The connection point is installed at a distance of up to 300 mm from the ceiling.

Light switches in rooms

In housing, office and other premises, switches with one, two or three keys are installed according to the number of groups of lighting devices. In addition, to turn on lighting devices, electrical devices with remote control are mounted. You can also equip the premises with devices that are already built into household appliances. The simplest, most reliable and economical option is to install key switches.

The location of power points, the height of the installation of sockets and switches is a serious issue that requires planning, drawing up diagrams, counting their number for each room.

If you approach the installation with preliminary planning, then you will not have to unwind the extension cable, stumble over the carrier and plug everything in there, thereby overloading the outlet or even the network.

Our material will help you determine the optimal number of electrical fittings and the rules for its location. We will also talk about all the intricacies of placing and installing electrical outlets in an apartment or house.

It is estimated that each person uses about six different electrical appliances per day. And the number is constantly growing. There are new devices and gadgets, without which one can hardly imagine life.

Appliances fill our homes, and the number of sockets remains unchanged. Cases when a person in a panic runs around the house or office, in search of a free connector for charging a smartphone, occur more and more often. And what is the result? You have to turn off the printer or something else.

Avoiding such situations is not difficult, you just need to know how to properly position the connectors. Then using them will be as comfortable as possible.

Image Gallery

We must not forget that products can be subject to even greater danger. Since the bathroom is at risk of flooding, fixing products below 150 mm from the floor is completely unsafe. If water gets into the outlet, the threat to life is simply colossal.

The reasons for this can be various situations, from a leaky faucet or pipe, to a breakdown of household appliances or the forgetfulness of the owners.

#3. The specifics of the installation in the living room

Home theater or simple, but preferably two. The first for the TV receiver itself, and the second for the satellite receiver. The height level should be determined based on the location of the TV itself. It can stand on a pedestal, be built into a wall or fit into a special cell of a furniture wall.

The power cable must not hang down or be under tension. It should be completely hidden behind the screen.

#four. Rules for the location in the kitchen

Every year, more and more smart technology is being developed to ensure the comfort and time costs of a person. Naturally, the amount of equipment, and therefore in some places, simply rolls over. It is mandatory to provide for the connection of the hood, possibly washing and dishwashers, electric stoves.

But the main thing is a refrigerator, a microwave oven or a slow cooker, sometimes both. Mixer, juicer, food processor, toaster, blender, coffee maker and TV - the list is probably endless.

When repairing apartments or replacing electrical wiring, the question arises at what height from the floor to install sockets and switches.

There are two standards that determine the height of the installation: the old Soviet GOST and the European standard, the requirements of which have now been added to modern Russian rules and standards. In addition, in the matter of the location of sockets and switches, they are guided by common sense and ease of use.

The placement of electrical equipment in the bathroom is regulated by separate requirements that should not be neglected for safety reasons.

Socket installation height

During the construction of buildings in Soviet time sockets were installed at a height 90 centimeters from the floor, which was not always convenient.

Introduced now European standard allows the installation of sockets at a height of at least 30 centimeters from the floor. This option is more convenient in cases where the socket needs to be hidden behind furniture: under a computer desk, a TV cabinet, behind a chair. But in the kitchen, it is most rational to place sockets above the surface of the tables, so they are more accessible.

socket for electric stoves installed at a height 0.9-1 m from the floor so that it can be quickly turned off if necessary. But such an arrangement spoils the appearance of the kitchen, so the outlet can be lowered, provided that it remains accessible.

socket for exhaust fan best placed near it, but no less than in 20-25 centimeters from the ceiling.

It is also advisable to install a socket for a WiFi router in the immediate vicinity. It is usually located in the hallway so as not to extend the cable for connecting to the Internet deep into the apartment. To connect to this cable, you can install a special socket next to the power outlet, and next to the TV - a socket for connecting a TV cable.

When arranging sockets in the kitchen, they should not be allowed to be located:

  • behind the cases of built-in equipment;
  • inside cabinets;
  • above the sink
  • above the stove.


Read a selection of articles about installing sockets in the apartment:

Mounting height of switches

There are two options for installing switches.

  1. Installation at a distance of 160 centimeters from the floor level as was customary in Soviet times. The switch is not accessible to children, furniture will never close it, and this option will be familiar to older people.
  2. Installation at a distance of 90 centimeters from the floor as modern standards allow. This option is more convenient, since raising your hand is not required to operate the switch.

When using any option, the switches must be placed at a distance of 15-20 cm from the slope outside or inside the room from the side of the door handle.

Mandatory requirements for installation distances

When choosing the installation height of switches and sockets, the determining factor is the achievement of comfort in the house. But at the same time, it is necessary that the conditions of the current rules and regulations that determine the distance from the switch or outlet are observed:

  • 0.5 m- to gas pipes, heating pipes and batteries;
  • 10 cm- to window and door openings;
  • 10 cm- to the corner of the room;
  • 0.8 m- to the kitchen sink.

And remember: the location of electrical equipment in the bathroom installed separate rules.

Consider the location and dimensions of furniture when choosing where to install switches and sockets. Access to them after the repair is completed is blocked by cabinets or tables. Therefore, the layout of electrical wiring and the interior is developed jointly and carefully. At the end of the repair, it is impossible to move the switch or socket without global alterations, since the wiring is already embedded in the strobes and wallpaper is glued on top of it.