How far apart should the switches be? At what height is it best to install a switch in the house

If you are building a new house or doing a major renovation in an apartment, you will definitely encounter problems in the electrical part. It is best not to redo the existing household electrical network, but to carry out the wiring again, having thought through the location of the switching devices to the smallest detail. In this case, quite natural questions will arise - what should be the height of the sockets from the floor, where the switches are installed?

Basic Options

There is no such thing as officially accepted standards. There are only recommendations and requirements on how to install sockets and switches regarding communications (gas, water, heating pipes). Otherwise, the main thing is that the operation of electrical equipment is comfortable and safe.

Whether you install the switching devices yourself or seek the help of a professional electrician, keep in mind that there are two most common options at what height from the floor you can mount them:

  • installation of sockets and switches according to the so-called "European standard";
  • "Soviet" installation system.

All these concepts are conditional, in fact, European standards and Soviet systems do not exist, it’s just that it’s more convenient to distinguish and determine what the installation height of sockets and switches should be.

The first option has become widespread relatively recently, when it became fashionable in the post-Soviet space to carry out repair work in homes and offices and call it “European-style renovation”.

There are no differences between repairs in Europe, America or Russia, they can be either good and of high quality, or not very good.

But it so happened that a good and high-quality repair was associated with punctual and accurate Europeans and received the prefix "euro". And the one that was not very identified with everything Soviet and earned the appropriate name.

The "Euro" option assumes that the height of the socket from the floor is 0.3 m, and the switch is 0.9 m. According to Soviet standards, the switch was mounted at the level of the shoulders and head of an average person (1.6-1.7 m), and the sockets - 0.9-1 m from the floors.

Option for placing sockets for TV on video:

It is impossible to say which of these two options is preferable, everything here is purely individual. In the "euro" version, in order to control the lighting, there is no need to raise your hand up to turn on the switch, it is at a comfortable level of the lowered human palm. In addition, such a switching device can be turned on and off by a child.

The location of the switch at a distance of 1.6-1.7 m is beneficial when it is necessary to install some furniture under it (wardrobe, bookcase, refrigerator).

The "Euro" socket, located almost at the very floor, is a danger to a small child who has just learned to crawl and is interested in everything that caught his eye. In this case, of course, it is preferable to mount sockets according to the Soviet version at a level of 1 m from the floor.

But as for the sockets, which are always connected to some kind of equipment, such as a TV, computer or music center, it is better to mount them as close to the floor as possible so that the wires do not stretch through the entire wall and do not spoil the appearance of the room.

General requirements and rules

Electricians have a main regulatory document - Electrical Installation Rules (PUE). Some "specialists" neglect this document, but then the quality of the wiring installation falls on their conscience.

click to enlarge

The rules are created in order to be guided by them, so we will give you the main recommendations, what is the distance from the floor to the socket or switch in different rooms:

  • In utility or utility rooms, the height of the mounted sockets from the floor is within 0.8-1 m. It can be increased to 1.5 m if the wires are brought from above.
  • It is very important that the distance from the switching devices to the gas pipes is more than 0.5 m.
  • In residential and office rooms, the height of sockets from the floor should be such that it is comfortable to connect electrical appliances to them. It all depends on how the interior of the rooms is decorated, as well as on their functional purpose, but it is not recommended to mount sockets higher than 1 m from the floors.

You can install sockets on special baseboards made of non-combustible materials.

  • The installation height of the switches varies from 0.8 to 1.7 m. It is recommended to mount them on the walls on the side where the door handles are located. If lighting devices are controlled by cords, then it is allowed to install switches for them under the ceiling.

  • In rooms where children are constantly located, the height of the installed sockets and switches is regulated by a figure of at least 1.8 m from the floor level. A very important condition: all sockets in children's institutions must have automatic protection, which, after pulling out the plug, will close the socket.
  • Installation of sockets in bathrooms and shower rooms of baths, in saunas and laundries is prohibited. They may only be installed in apartment bathrooms and hotel rooms. But they must be protected by an RCD (residual current device), and also located in zone 3 (the division of bathrooms into zones will be discussed below). Sockets in bathrooms must be installed no closer than 0.6 m to the doors of the shower cubicle.

Recently, the installation of floor models of sockets has been widely used; power is supplied to them in special skirting boards (cable channels). They are very good in terms of design (they are almost invisible), but care must be taken during wet cleaning of the premises so that water does not get into them.

There are rooms in our residential buildings that deserve a separate discussion about the installation of sockets in them. This is a kitchen, stuffed with a huge variety of different household appliances, and a bathroom, which is a dangerous room due to dampness, increased importance. We will talk about these premises in a little more detail.

Kitchen

The main condition for the electrical element installed in the kitchen is that it should not be closer than 0.6 m to the water pipes and the sink. The same applies to gas pipes and stoves, it is necessary to maintain a distance between them and sockets (switches) of at least 0.5 m.

About the design of sockets in the kitchen in the video:

In general, with electrical kitchen wiring, the situation is the most difficult. Firstly, there are many communications here - heating, plumbing, sewerage, gas. Secondly, there are much more household appliances that require a separate power supply in the kitchen than in any other premises (washing machine, water heater, hob, electric oven). In this case, it is necessary to mount the sockets in such a way that they always have open access.

In kitchens, the installation of these switching devices is best done at three levels from the floor:

  • The first level (or lower) is 0.15-0.20 m. At this level, sockets are mounted for electrical appliances that require a permanent or long-term connection to the network (washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, electric stove, waste shredder).
  • The second level (or middle) is 1.0-1.2 m. At this height, switches are made for lighting elements and sockets for household kitchen appliances (microwave oven, tester, blender, food processor, electric kettle, bread machine, coffee machine, multicooker, etc.). P.). Choose a more accurate distance yourself, depending on the configuration of the furniture in the kitchen.

To make it convenient to turn on the plugs of household appliances, place the sockets a little higher than the countertop.

  • The third level (or upper) is 2.0-2.5 m. An exhaust fan, additional lighting for work areas, and a TV are connected to sockets located at this height. Neither the switching devices themselves, nor the cords going to them, will spoil the kitchen interior, because they are almost invisible behind the furniture (wall cabinets).

It is allowed to place sockets under the countertop or inside kitchen cabinets. To do this, special holes must be made in the walls of the furniture. This will help save some space without disturbing the overall look.

The minimum distance from the floor to the socket must be at least 0.1 m, otherwise water may enter it during wet cleaning (floor washing).

Bathroom

This room is conditionally divided into several zones:

  • Zone 0 (the inside of the bath itself or the shower tray).
  • Zone 1 (external vertical surface of the bathroom).
  • Zone 2 (this is, in fact, zone 1, increased by 0.6 m).
  • Zone 3 (the rest of the bathroom).

Sockets can only be installed in zone 3. Even if you really want to mount them near the mirror so that it is convenient to use a hair dryer, electric razor or hair clipper, you absolutely cannot do this (if the mirror is not in zone 3). In addition, the sockets must be IP44, due to the fact that the bathroom is constantly humid.

  1. The socket for connecting the washing machine can be installed at a level of 0.3 to 1.0 m.
  2. Additionally, in order to connect small household electrical appliances, sockets are installed at a height of 1.1-1.2 m.
  3. To connect the boiler, it is better to mount the switching device at a height of 1.7-1.8 m.

In bathrooms, placing sockets lower than 0.15 m from the floor is prohibited. This is related to the familiar situation of forgetting to turn on a faucet or breaking household appliances, resulting in a flood.

The ingress of water into the switching devices is unacceptable!

Clearly about the location of sockets and switches on the video:

Switches are usually placed outside the bathrooms.

As you can see, there are no strict rules in the placement of outlets. There are only useful tips, recommendations and individual requirements. Be sure to take them into account when planning the installation locations of switching devices.

Installation of electrical installation products in modern premises is not limited to any strict framework. Therefore, interior designers quite often implement original and exclusive projects. However, in spite of everything, there are certain norms and rules established by the PUE that must be observed. According to these regulatory documents, sockets and switches are installed according to the European standard. The main difference of the installation is the distance of each point from the floor.

PUE requirements and European standard

Previously, switches were installed at a height of 1.5-1.7 m, and sockets - no more than 1 m. Currently, the so-called European standards are used, which take into account not only the technical side, but also the features of this room. In accordance with the norms, switches are located at a distance of 0.8-1.0 m from the floor, and sockets - at 30-40 cm.

Domestic standards are determined primarily by the PUE, GOSTs and other documents containing recommendations for installing switches and sockets in a particular room.

  • In bathrooms, electricity sources are usually placed at least 60 cm away from faucets and shower doors. All products must be waterproof.
  • and switches must not be installed above or below the sink. For these premises, there are separate recommendations, which will be discussed below.
  • In schools and kindergartens, the distance of switches from the floor must be at least 1.8 m, and sockets equipped with special protective screens are used.
  • From gas pipes, sockets and switches are installed at a distance of at least 0.5 meters.

All these data are rather conditional, since in real life you have to take into account the arrangement of furniture in the room, the availability of equipment that will be connected, and other factors. During design, all points should be evenly distributed in order to avoid overloads due to connecting several powerful electrical appliances to one place at once.

Today, the so-called European standard is increasingly used for the installation of sockets and switches. The height of each point here is significantly lower compared to generally accepted standards. For example, the average height of sockets from the floor is defined as 30 cm, and the height of switches is 90 cm. In fact, there are no special European standards, since this definition is nothing more than an integral part of European-quality repair. Such repairs were initially considered to be any repairs made using building materials of foreign production.

Each option has its own pros and cons. For many, it seems convenient to install, made according to old schemes. For example, a switch installed at a high height from the floor is always clearly visible. It is not closed by furniture and is completely safe for small children.

The same applies to sockets located at a height of 90 cm. They are more convenient for turning on electrical appliances, since you do not need to bend down each time. However, if some household appliance is constantly plugged into the network, then in this case the European standard is more suitable, which allows you to hide not only the socket, but also the supply wires.

Eurostandard for modern kitchen

Each modern kitchen is literally saturated with various household appliances and equipment. Therefore, the installation of sockets and switches according to the European standard in this room is of great importance. The height and location of electrical installation products is not limited by anything, except for the basic requirements of the PUE. In all other matters, you should be guided by the convenience of connecting and further operating the installed equipment.

The installation height is significantly affected by the size and configuration of kitchen furniture. In this regard, based on practical experience, several levels were formed, according to which the installation height of sockets and switches in kitchens is determined:

  • At the first level (10-15 cm), sockets are installed for the main equipment - an electric stove, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and other powerful units. This height provides free access to sockets, and after installing furniture, this can only be done from below.
  • The second level (110-130 cm) is designed to install sockets, which will include electrical appliances most commonly used in the kitchen - blenders, kettles, multicookers, etc. For them, this is the most acceptable and standard accommodation. The main place of their use is the working surface of kitchen furniture.
  • The third level is the highest (2-2.5 m). Here, the installation and connection of lighting and exhaust ventilation is carried out. In this case, the possibility of free access to sockets is also taken into account. It is quite possible to get them from an ordinary chair, and from the floor they become invisible thanks to wall cabinets.

This technique provides the most rational distribution of all connection points along the kitchen walls. At the same time, the laying of cables is also marked, in accordance with the power of this or that equipment. In such cases, not only the mounting height of sockets and switches is important, but also the possibility of creating a certain power reserve in case of installing additional or more powerful equipment.

Water and gas pipes add certain difficulties, therefore it is recommended in advance indicating not only the wiring, but also the location of all points in relation to windows, doors, furniture and communications.

Sockets and switches in bathrooms

Relatively recently, sockets in the bathrooms were not installed at all. Firstly, there was no equipment that required a separate connection. Old-style washing machines could be connected via an extension cord from anywhere in the apartment. And secondly, there were no high-quality sockets protected from moisture.

At present, a modern bathroom cannot be imagined without sockets. In addition, often their installation is not limited to one unit. Only the automatic washing machine requires a separate point connected to a separate line, protected by its own RCD. Powerful units simply will not be able to work for a long time through a conventional extension cord. As a rule, the height of the sockets in this case is within 1 meter, which allows, if necessary, to quickly disconnect the washing machine from the mains.

A separate outlet will be required for an electric water heater, since in many homes it is with the help of a boiler that the problem of hot water is solved. A separate line with an RCD is also allocated for it, and the outlet itself is located directly next to the device itself. Socket blocks can be installed above the countertop. They supply power to an electric shaver, hair dryer and other small household appliances.

A serious limitation in their installation is the obligatory distance of 60 cm from water sources. As additional safety measures, installation involves the installation and connection of grounding, as well as the use of a moisture barrier.

Unlike sockets, switches are never mounted inside bathrooms. They are installed in front of the entrance to the room at a height of 80 cm and above. Cable laying is carried out directly from the electrical panel in the form of a separate line in a hidden way. This avoids accidental damage and contact with water. Before installation, a plan is drawn up in advance, in which all distances are measured and applied with maximum accuracy.

Sockets and switches for living quarters

In residential premises, the installation height of sockets and switches is of great importance, as well as other parameters that provide not only high functionality, but also the safe operation of appliances and household appliances.

Proper placement of electrical installation products will allow you to get rid of a lot of hanging additional wires, extension cords and surge protectors. In old houses, no more than 2-3 outlets are still installed in the premises, which creates a real overload of the electrical network.

In modern premises, connection points are installed much more. Therefore, it is necessary to observe all distances and dimensions, taking into account the installation of furniture. It is desirable to place each point in such a way that it is within easy reach of those places where a person spends most of his time.

For example, in bedrooms, the number of people resting should be taken into account. If the bedroom is designed for two, then the socket blocks should be located on both sides of the bed. The distance from the floor depends on the furniture used, in particular bedside tables. In their absence, sockets can be installed almost anywhere to a height of 30 to 90 cm. If there are bedside tables, then you should step back from them by 10-15 cm and determine the installation location there.

In one, switches for sconces and overhead lighting can be combined. Luminaires placed on bedside tables require separate sockets, which must be provided in the unit. The same applies to floor lamps.

A wall-mounted TV set is quite enough with a block of 5 sockets located at a distance of 1.3 m from the floor. socket for the antenna and one for the Internet. To connect a desktop computer, another socket block is equipped.

When repairing their apartment or building a private house, many people have questions at what height and where it is better to install electrical sockets or switches for lighting.

The answer is simple - do what makes you feel comfortable. But I recommend using euro standards, which are the most optimal ratio of convenience and practicality. For fans of the old Soviet standards, I will also indicate the former state standards.

Bathrooms and baths belong to a special category of premises. They have their own mandatory standards and requirements that should not be neglected, because your health and safety depend on it.

I will not repeat myself - read in more detail in our article "", and in the bath-.

At what height to install sockets.

In the old Soviet times, electrical outlets were installed everywhere at a height of 90 centimeters from the floor, which is not very convenient in most cases.

Recently, it has been introduced everywhere euro standard installation at a distance of 30 centimeters from the floor. As practice has shown, this is the most convenient option, in which the socket is hidden under a table, bed, chair, etc. But there are exceptions here too. In the kitchen, for example, it is much more convenient to place sockets above the tables in places where kitchen appliances are directly connected.

On electric stoves according to state standards, sockets are installed at a distance of 0.9-1 meter, i.e. immediately above the stove, this is done with the aim that you can always easily reach out and turn it off. But a large outlet spoils the whole view in the kitchen, so I recommend placing it not much lower than the level of the electric stove, but at the same time you do not move it close to the wall - the outlet will interfere. If this does not suit you, then hide it under the table or in a nearby locker.

For exhaust fan, if the electric cable does not run directly into it, install the socket nearby in a convenient place.

At what height should the switches be installed?

When installing switches on fixtures or chandeliers, there are two main options:

  1. In Soviet times, all switches were installed at a distance of 160 centimeters from the floor. And today, especially for the elderly, this is the most convenient option. The switch will not block cabinets and other low furniture and it will be at eye level. And small children can't reach it.
  2. According to European standards, switches are installed at a height of 90 centimeters from the floor level. I, like many others, find this option more convenient and practical, because in this case you can turn the lights on and off faster without raising your hands.

Switches are placed at a distance of 15-20 centimeters from the slope inside the room from the side of the opening handle.

For the kitchen, bathroom and bathroom, it is better to take out the switch and install it outside in front of the door.

Are established near all doors of the room or a corridor.

Mandatory requirements for installation distances.

In principle, you can choose any installation height that suits you. But you must always observe, in accordance with the current regulations and regulations, the following distances from the socket and switch to:

  • gas pipes or heating, including batteries of at least 0.5 meters;
  • to a door or window opening at least 10 centimeters;
  • up to an angle of at least 10 cm;
  • before washing at least 0.8 meters.

Often in my practice, when choosing installation locations people do not take into account the dimensions of the furniture, which, after installation, blocks or makes it impossible to connect equipment, so think through everything well and calculate at the design stage. Then, after the repair is completed, everything becomes much more complicated, and in order to move or add an outlet, you will have to spoil and then restore the wall decoration.

I tried to state everything related to the places and installation heights for electrical switches and sockets. If you have something to add or have any questions, ask in the comments - I will definitely answer everyone.

Related content:

Rules for the location of sockets and switches

PUE 7. Rules for the installation of electrical installations

7.1.50 The minimum distance from switches, plug connectors and elements of electrical installations to gas pipelines must be at least 0.5 m.


SP 31-110-2003. Design and installation of electrical installations of residential and public buildings

14.33 Switches in apartments and dormitories are recommended to be installed from the side of the door handle no higher than 100 cm.

General lighting switches in public buildings are recommended to be installed at a distance of up to 1.5 m.

14.35 In schools and preschool institutions in the premises for the stay of children, switches and sockets should be installed at a height of 1.8 m.

In the power network of catering and trade establishments, sockets should, as a rule, be installed at 1.3 m ...


GOST R 50571.11-96 (IEC 364-7-701-84). Electrical installations of buildings. Part 7. Requirements for special electrical installations. Section 701 Baths and showers

This state standard regulates the position of sockets and switches in bathrooms, shower rooms and other wet areas. At the same time, the exact places are not indicated, but the minimum distances are described in detail, consider them when choosing heights.


SP 76.13330.2016 (SNiP 3.05.06-85) Electrical devices

6.9.16 In schools and preschool institutions in the premises for the stay of children, switches and electrical sockets should be installed at 1.8 m.

The installation of lighting and power outlets in other public buildings and premises is chosen convenient for connecting electrical appliances to them, depending on the purpose of the premises and interior design, but, as a rule, not higher than 1 m from the floor.

6.13.21 From the heating cables to the installation electrical equipment must be at least 200 mm.

The information provided in the regulation is not enough to choose the location of the electrical installation equipment for the entire apartment or house.

Perhaps that is why the so-called -

"European standard" installation height of sockets and switches

by which:

- sockets are installed at a height from the floor - 30 cm

- Installation height of switches from the floor - 90 cm

The very concept of "European standard" came along with the concept of "European-quality repair", with the advent of new materials, construction technologies and, most importantly, the desire of people to get a more functional and comfortable surrounding space.

Prior to this, everywhere the installation height was chosen according to the "Soviet standard", according to which:

Switches were installed at shoulder level 160 cm from the floor

Electrical outlets at a distance of a person's waist - 90 cm from the floor surface

Each of these mounting options has pros and cons.

Yes, even The "Soviet" way of placing switches is still considered by many people to be the most convenient:

The switch is in sight

Furniture or household appliances installed under the switch do not interfere with turning on the light

No accidental clicks

In the same time "European standard" installation of switches:

More ergonomic

A person controls the lighting without raising his hand, "without looking"

Children themselves turn on the lighting in the rooms, without help

In plugs that are located at 90 cm, according to the "Soviet" standard, it is easier to turn on electrical appliances, you do not have to bend down.

If the device does not require constant disconnection from the network, it is in the same place, it is more convenient to place the sockets lower, for example, by 300 mm. This hides the power wires of the equipment.

These unspoken standards will help place outlets at a convenient height, especially those designed for portable electrical equipment - a vacuum cleaner, power tools, an extension cord, or just "just in case" and almost all switches.

But there are exceptions to this rule:

So, when a person turns on the light from a bed (lying) or chair (sitting), the comfortable distance from the floor is different:

Switches above the bedside table in the bedroom or by the sofa, in the living room are installed at a distance of 60 - 70 cm from the center to the flooring plane.

As for sockets, in different rooms, their positions for equipment differ:

Installation height of sockets in different rooms

Living room or Hall

Under the TV, in the hall, at a height of 140 cm.


Bedroom

Above the desk 900 mm standard worktop 75cm + required offset 15cm

Above bedside tables: 600 - 700mm

For the TV in the bedroom - 150cm. Depending on the height of the TV mounting, it changes, we have already written about all the options in detail .


On the kitchen

Above the tabletop on the apron - 110 cm

For refrigerator 10 - 30cm

Under the stove, dishwasher, built-in oven: 10cm (under the plinth of the kitchen set), 30-50cm behind the stove or in the adjacent cabinet

For kitchen hood 155-165cm to floor tiles.


In the bathroom

You can correctly choose the installation height of sockets and switches using the following rules:

1. Decide on the arrangement of furniture and electrical appliances in the premises.

To do this, draw up a diagram, preferably on a scale, on which to mark the furniture, as well as household appliances and equipment that is connected to electrical or low-voltage networks, indicate the height to the floor.

2. Put all sockets (including TV, Internet, telephone, etc.) on the plan, for electronics, kitchen appliances, etc., plus backup ones.

For stationary equipment (computer, TV, washing machine, air conditioner, etc.), electrical outlets should be placed so that there is free access to these places, but at the same time, so that they are hidden behind electrical appliances.

Connection points located on open sections of the walls that you plan to use periodically are best done at the same height - 30cm (Eurostandard). Provide a minimum amount so that the vacuum cleaner reaches all rooms.

Above the desk, bedside tables, chest of drawers, they are placed at a height of 15-20 cm from the furniture surfaces.

3. To correctly determine the installation height and switches First you need to decide in which direction the doors will open. Then place the switches on the side of the door handles at the doorway. At a height of 80-100cm, depending on your height (determine empirically).

4. The location of the switches depends on the type of room, for example:

In a long corridor or stairs, it is more convenient to install at the beginning and end

In the bedroom or living room, the best option is to have switches at the entrance to the room, as well as by the bed or sofa, to control the lighting without getting up.

Select the height of the switches, taking into account from what position they will be accessible, i.e. if it is at the entrance to the room, then choose a height of 80-100cm, and if it is by the bed or sofa, then at the height where the switch is reached with an outstretched hand.

5. In those places where you have not decided on the location of furniture or electrical appliances, we advise you to install electrical sockets at a height of 30cm and switches 90cm from the floor level, this is the most convenient installation height option.

Clearly, the application of all the above rules, how the installation height of sockets and switches is chosen, using the example of a typical apartment, is shown.

Using this information, common sense, and safety precautions, you will be able to optimize the layout of the equipment in your home.

Remember that it is better to calculate and foresee everything right away than to redo the wiring later.

Why is it important to place sockets correctly? What are the installation standards: a description of domestic indicators and the European standard. About this in the article.

At what distance from the floor to install sockets: all about placement in the kitchen and bathroom

The correct location of sockets is extremely important for creating safety, comfort during operation and optimal distribution of electricity in the apartment.

When replacing wiring or starting repairs, people ask themselves the question: at what distance from the floor should the socket be installed? The material provides answers, useful information is provided.

How important is it

Placing electrical wiring is one of the most important tasks in the repair of a home. At the beginning of the process, it is recommended to decide where the equipment, computer desk, TV will be located. This is the only way to equip sockets at a convenient distance. When drawing up a diagram of source equipment, it is also important to consider the size of the room, the total number of sockets and switches.

Not only the convenience of their use, but also the appearance of the apartment depends on the location of the connectors. Incorrectly positioned devices can spoil the impression of the repair. A connector installed in the middle of the room will look ridiculous, and operation will be inconvenient.

At what distance is it installed in the room

We will analyze European, Soviet options for mounting connectors, find out the height from the floor.

Eurostandard installation


This term became popular after the introduction of the definition of "European-quality repair". Some users are comfortable with the following location of sockets and switches:

  • switches at a distance of 90 cm from the floor surface (passing by and without raising his hand, a person fixes the lighting in the room);
  • mounting electrical sources at a height of 3 cm from the floor (at this distance, you can hide the wires and conveniently use household appliances).

When choosing euro sockets, you need to know that the diameter of the pins and the length between them is greater than that of Russian models. The current strength of imported devices is 10-16 amperes, Russian - no more than 10. Therefore, more powerful devices can be inserted into such connectors.

Previously, sockets were fixed at a height of 90 cm from the floor, switches - at a distance of 160 cm. These indicators are no worse than the European standard and have a number of advantages:

  • the plug can be inserted into the electrical socket without bending down;
  • small children do not reach the connector, because it is installed at a height;
  • such a location is convenient for equipment that does not need to be constantly connected to the network (air conditioners).

Minimum height from floor


The rules for the installation of electrical installations and the design of residential buildings do not contain clear requirements for the location of sockets and switches with regards to flooring, walls and other elements.

The Rules for the Installation of Electrical Installations stipulate that the distance from the devices and the gas pipeline must be more than 50 cm. In the bathroom, it can be placed at a distance of 60 cm from the sink.

At what height are sockets installed?

The joint venture states that electrical installations must be installed anywhere at a height of up to 1 meter.

The distance from sockets for connecting electric stoves and air conditioners is not indicated. In schools, kindergartens are placed at a height of 180 cm from the floor. The recommended length from the floor covering is 1 meter.

The height and distance are determined by the owner of the premises. In some cases, the rules apply:

  • sockets are placed no closer than half a meter to the gas pipeline;
  • in the kitchen and in the bathroom, electrical installations are placed at a distance above 60 cm from the surface of the floor, water supply.

Plug sockets in houses must be protected by a special device that will block access to them when the plugs are pulled out.


The correct location of the switches implies installation on the wall at a distance of up to one meter from the side where the door handle is located or under the ceiling area with a cord.


After completing the installation of connectors for electrical appliances and switches, the PUE indicates the need for work regarding electrical measurement. They will allow you to identify violations, possible malfunctions and completely secure the process of use in everyday life.

For competent and convenient placement of connectors and switches, it is first recommended to determine in which direction the door opens. Then the switches are placed on the side of the handles on the door leafs. They do this at a distance of 80 cm to 1 meter, depending on the height of the residents.

The placement of electrical installations is associated with the type of premises:

  • in a long corridor, on a staircase, sources are mounted at the beginning of the path and at the end;
  • in the living room and bedroom it is comfortable when the switches are located at the entrance to the room and next to the sofa, bed, in order to simplify the process of using the lighting.

The length of electrical installations from the floor must be chosen taking into account the location from which they will be accessible. For example, at the entrance to the room, a height of 90 cm is chosen, next to an armchair, a bed - 60 cm, so that it is convenient to reach out with your hand.

How far apart are sockets and switches?


Sockets are placed at the rate of 6A, 2 connectors are mounted per 10 square meters. In the kitchen, regardless of the area, there are two electrical sources.

The wiring diagram must be determined in such a way as to completely eliminate the possibility of overload in the network. Connectors planned for frequent use should be located at a height of 30 cm. The distance between the centers of the sockets is 71 mm.

Height of sockets in the kitchen and bathroom

The bathroom is a rather problematic place, since it has an increased level of humidity and a high risk of water entering electrical installations. To install power supplies for household appliances, you need to know where to place the devices correctly. The bathroom is divided into zones:

  1. Zone 0 is the most dangerous for moisture penetration. These are areas located next to the bath, shower, sink. It is allowed to install 12 V sockets here. But this voltage is rarely served in private homes.
  2. Zone 1 allows you to place water heaters.
  3. Zone 2 allows the installation of boilers, a fan, a lamp. Power sources should be located at least 60 cm from the water.

They purchase special devices and switches that have high protection, which allows them to be used in wet rooms. Another prerequisite is the presence of grounding, an automatic device and an RCD with a leakage current of 10 mA.


Regarding the location of outlets in the kitchen, the joint venture and the PUE are not written directly, so it is better to proceed from the basic requirements and take into account the features of the room. What are the rules:

  • sockets, switches should be placed at a distance above 60 cm from the floor and water sources - sinks, plumbing;
  • with respect to the gas and the stove, a gap of 50 cm must be observed.

There are many difficulties for electrical equipment in the kitchen: you need to take into account the location of communications, bring out separate lines for powerful equipment - a dishwasher, a washing machine, mount sockets in a convenient and practical place. A conditional standard for the location of electrical power in the kitchen has been formed. It divides the room into three levels:

There are no established norms regulating the location of sockets in rooms and general premises. There is only one restriction - mounting above 1 meter in height is unacceptable. Regulations have also been adopted regarding the wiring in the bathroom.

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