At what height to hang sockets. How to install the socket correctly, at what height from the floor: norms, safety requirements

The arrangement of new or replacement of old wiring is always associated with one important question: what should be the height of the sockets from the floor, and at what distance should the switches be installed. At the moment, there are no unified rules and regulations, so each individual case needs to be dealt with in more detail.

Standards, SNiPs, regulations - where to find the exact answer?

It is impossible to say that there are exact recommendations on where and at what distance the socket should be installed in each specific case. The fact is that during the Soviet Union there was a GOST, which unconditionally indicated the installation height of sockets and switches. In the first case, the figure was 90–100 cm from the floor, and in the second, 150–170 cm. In fact, there was a rational grain in these values, because the switch was always at eye level and was noticeable, and in order to power any the device was in the socket, there was no need to bend down. In addition, such an arrangement of power sources contributed to the fact that furniture could be placed anywhere in the room, which is especially important in cramped living conditions.

Currently, in many new panel houses, you can still find such standard placement. In our everyday life, the word "European standard" is common, but in fact such a unified concept does not exist. The fact is that each individual country in Europe has its own rules for placing power supplies, not to mention the fact that some of them have in addition different designs of sockets and switches from ours. As a rule, the European standard is understood as the installation of sockets at a height of 30–40 cm from the floor and the installation of switches at a height of 80 cm to one meter. Moreover, there are no recommendations regarding their location in the rooms. This arrangement of sockets is not very convenient, since you constantly have to bend down to turn on the device, but there are no wires hanging on the walls in the room.

As for Russian standards and regulations, such as PUE, GOST R 50571. 11-96, SP 31-110-2003 and others, there are several main positions that give recommendations where sockets and switches should be installed:

in the bathroom, sources of electricity should be at least 60 cm away from the shower doors and taps;
it is not allowed to place them above and below sinks;
in schools and kindergartens, switches should be at a height of 180 cm from the floor, and sockets should have protective screens;
the distance of sockets and switches from gas pipelines must be at least half a meter.

Thus, there is no specific data that could indicate at what height to install sockets and switches, and there is also no information on where it is better to place them regarding the arrangement of furniture in the room and the availability of certain equipment. However, this fact allows homeowners to install power supplies in the place where it is more comfortable for them, and also makes it possible to mount the number of them that they consider necessary. When designing electrical wiring, try to take into account all the nuances of arranging furniture and appliances so that you do not use surge protectors in your household unnecessarily and do not load one outlet with several powerful electrical appliances.

Sockets in the kitchen - how to foresee everything

A modern kitchen is not limited to a refrigerator and a gas stove. Today on it you can find a microwave oven, an electric kettle, a toaster, a dishwasher and much more. But for each of these devices it is important to consider the correct location of the sockets. In addition, it is important to take into account the location of the furniture and the kitchen set itself. And if you add water pipes and gas pipelines to this, then the issue of proper wiring becomes especially relevant. Before starting work on arranging electrical wiring, it is necessary to draw up a detailed wiring plan with an exact indication of each point regarding furniture, windows, doors and communications.

In order to make sockets and switches practical and as affordable as possible, you need to follow some recommendations based on many years of experience of electricians and home craftsmen. First, it should be noted that a large number of equipment is currently produced with a fairly short cord length. This includes a refrigerator, dishwasher, stove. For these devices, the location of sockets at a height of 10–20 cm from the final floor covering will be optimal. Since they are constantly connected to the network, such a distance from the floor to the outlet will allow the cord not to sag.

To connect small kitchen appliances, such as an electric meat grinder, toaster, multicooker, mixer, etc., it is recommended to mount sockets, stepping back 10–20 cm from the countertop. Power supplies can also be provided for them at a distance of 110 cm from the floor. In this case, it will be convenient to use them by placing them on the surface of the table. If the kitchen has built-in appliances, then the power sources should not be located directly behind the appliances themselves, but behind the adjacent cabinets, and you need to make holes in the back walls of the furniture so that you have free access to turn it off. The optimal height of the points is 30-60 cm from the floor.

When installing sockets and switches above the worktop, they must be located at a distance of at least 60 cm from the water source.

When installing the hood in the kitchen, the socket for it is mounted at a distance of at least 2 meters from the floor or 10 cm from the edge of the upper cabinets, and it is important to take into account the point that the point should be located on the side of the ventilation pipe, providing open access to it. Above the upper cabinets of the kitchen set, you can place sockets for lighting fixtures built into the top row of furniture and for lighting the work area, if separate switches are not provided for them. You can also place an outlet for a fan if one is built into the ventilation duct. Thus, all sockets can be conditionally divided into three levels: lower, middle and upper.

This approach to arranging the wiring allows you to correctly distribute the points along the walls of the kitchen for their rational use. In addition, there is a good opportunity to lay wiring in relation to the power of the devices used, because for some of them it is recommended to lead a separate line to the electrical panel. When in the kitchen, it is important not only to determine the correct height of sockets and switches, but also to make a power reserve in case the kitchen is equipped with new equipment or replacing old equipment with a more powerful one. As for the installation of switches in the kitchen, they are usually located on the side of the open part of the door at a lowered arm’s distance, and this is usually 80–100 cm.

Can sockets be placed in the bathroom?

A couple of decades ago, the issue of installing sockets in the bathroom was practically not discussed, but today it is simply necessary to have a socket in the bathroom, and their number is not limited to one. Judge for yourself, the first step is to allocate a personal point for the washing machine, since it is not recommended in principle to use an extension cord to connect equipment. It is desirable if a separate line is completely displayed for it with the obligatory connection of an RCD on it. For greater convenience, its location is recommended at a height of one meter. This is done so that at any time it is possible to disconnect the device from the network.

In houses where a boiler is responsible for hot water supply, it is necessary to allocate a separate line with an RCD and an outlet located in the immediate vicinity of the device for it. It is also allowed to install socket blocks above the countertop in the bathroom. They are used for hair dryers, electric shavers and other small appliances. An important limitation in their installation is that they must be located at least 60 cm from the water source. All sockets in the bathroom must be made with grounding and a moisture shield that will protect them from splashing.

When choosing an outlet, you need to pay attention to the markings. It looks like this: IP XY, where X is the degree of protection against dust. Y is the degree of protection against moisture (for use in the bathroom, you need to buy models with a number of at least 4). The current strength of the purchased product must be 16A. It is allowed to install sockets with a parameter of 10A, but they can only be used for low-power equipment. When wiring to sockets, care must be taken to use a copper cable with three cores (phase, zero and ground) with a cross section of 2.5 mm.

The cable must be laid directly from the switchboard, that is, a separate line must be allocated to the bathroom. The wiring is laid in a hidden way - in strobes or behind drywall. This approach eliminates the possibility of accidental damage and contact with water. The installation of sockets in the bathroom should be preceded by a well-designed project in which all distances will be measured to the centimeter. Only in this case it is possible to safely use the equipment and carry out water procedures.

Switches, as a rule, are never installed in the bathrooms themselves, but are located in front of the entrance to them. The installation height of switches usually starts from 80 cm.

Living rooms - there are no many outlets

Competent wiring in living rooms will not only allow you to functionally enjoy all the benefits of civilization, but also protect yourself from numerous network filters and hanging wires. Unfortunately, in typical new buildings, and even in the old housing stock, designers are limited to two or three outlets per room, which is negligible in modern realities. So there is an overload in the power grid, countless power outages. And worse, fires. Therefore, having considered the design of the room, it is imperative to consider at what height to install sockets and where it is better to place them. Once you've arranged the furniture on the sketch, place power points within arm's reach of each place where you intend to spend your time.

So, let's look at the location of sockets and switches near the bed. Firstly, their number depends on the number of people who will rest on the bed. If this is a family bed, then it is necessary to place a block of sockets on both sides of it. Their distance from the floor will depend on several factors. If bedside tables are placed close to the bed, then it is convenient to place the sockets with an indent of 10-15 cm up from them. If no bedside tables are provided, then choose any place near the bed at a distance of 30–90 cm from the finished floor covering.

Next to the sockets in this block, you should place the switches for over-bed sconces and general light. If you plan to place lamps on bedside tables near the bed, then you should definitely add an extra outlet for them. This rule also applies to the location of outlets on both sides of the sofa in the living room. Sconces are rarely used in halls, but floor lamps are quite common, so an extra socket at a distance of 30 cm from the floor to connect the device will come in handy.

In addition to 220 V sockets, install special USB ports for recharging modern gadgets - phones, smart watches and more.

For a TV, if it will hang on the wall, a block of five outlets is equipped at a distance of 130 cm from the floor. Or 30–60 cm from the floor, if a place has been prepared for it on a low pedestal. The unit consists of 3 electrical sockets, an antenna socket and an internet connection. Equipping the workplace, you need to provide two blocks of outlets. The first is located above the surface of the desk (this is approximately 90 cm from the floor, and the second is made only 30 cm above the floor). A desktop computer will be connected to it.

If it is supposed to install a dressing table in the room, which is especially important in the bedrooms, then the same rules apply for them as for the working area - 2 blocks at a distance of 30 and 90 cm from the floor. When installing electrical wiring, do not forget to put several socket blocks around the perimeter of the room to connect a vacuum cleaner, humidifier and other appliances. Switches are located, as a rule, at the entrance near the door at least 10 cm from the opening and at a height of 75–90 cm. Some install switches from the side of the corridor. For greater convenience, do not forget to install backup (pass-through) switches to control the light, especially if your lighting is not tied to a smartphone or remote control.

Where else do you need sockets in the house

When planning the wiring, you should not lose sight of such premises as a balcony, an entrance hall, a pantry, and the like, because the sockets and switches installed there play an important role. Let's start with the hallway - the first room that meets everyone who comes to the house. Here it is necessary to provide a source for turning on the light. The height of this switch, like the rest in the dwelling, should be 75–90 cm. As for sockets, if the size of this room is small, then one double socket will be enough to connect a vacuum cleaner and a shoe dryer. If the corridor is extended, then it is possible to provide for a block of sockets on each of its sides. Their distance from the floor is 30–40 cm, but if this is inconvenient for you, then you can choose this indicator yourself, depending on personal preferences.

If you plan to equip a work area or a recreational area on the balcony, then you should also take care of arranging power sources there. If you plan to place a table for work, then, as already described above, install two socket blocks at different heights. If the room will be used only for recreation, 1-2 socket blocks at a height of 30 cm above will be enough.

If you plan to install air conditioning in the apartment, then provide an outlet for it, stepping back 30 cm from the ceiling.

Installing sockets and switches in an apartment according to the European standard is not convenient for everyone. When installing wiring and determining places for future power sources, first of all rely on the design project of the room and personal needs.

Question: "At what height to make sockets?" worries every person who is faced with the need to replace the wiring in the apartment. In order to correctly calculate the distance at which it is worth placing elements, several objective factors that affect their location should be taken into account.

You need to think about preventing the possibility of liquid getting into the outlet, minimizing the risk of mechanical damage to electrical accessories, unhindered connection to the network of various household appliances - the appliance cords should reach the entrance to the network.

Letting go of prejudice

Almost all newly minted electricians who decide to independently replace the wiring in their home are interested in information about European standards, according to which the height of sockets on the wall from the floor should be 30 cm.

This is nothing but a myth, there are no regulatory documents confirming such a figure. Therefore, it is not at all necessary to place the “electrical points” in the apartment in this way.

The “Electrical Installation Rules” (hereinafter referred to as PUE) say at what height the sockets should be from the floor in rooms with high humidity, or rather, in bathrooms.

This condition is put forward only for the safety of the population, it will help protect against electric shock. We will consider this issue in more detail in the next section.

Mentions in regulatory documents

So, some European standards for the height of sockets still exist. The requirements for the height of electrical fittings are described in several sections of the following documents:

GOST R 50571.11-96;
SP 31-110-2003.

According to the PUE, sockets must be installed at a distance of at least 60 cm from the doorway of the shower cabin. The minimum distance from the “electrical point” to the elements of the gas pipeline system is also determined, it is 50 cm. GOST mentions a similar requirement regarding a 60 cm distance to the door of the shower cabin.

Having studied the joint venture, you can stumble upon the condition that it is forbidden to mount sockets under and above kitchen sinks.

The height of their placement in schools and kindergartens is also discussed, electrical accessories should be installed at a distance of 180 cm from the floor level.

Kitchen sockets

The issue of placing power supply elements in the kitchen area is very acute. This is due to the presence of a large number of electrical appliances that are necessary for every housewife.

So, the height of the sockets in the kitchen, which are used to connect the most popular household appliances, is:

for inclusion in the network of a refrigerator, automatic machine or dishwasher, the optimal value is 15 - 20 centimeters from the floor;
for connecting small household appliances (coffee machine, electric kettle, microwave oven, multicooker), the ideal height from the kitchen countertop is 20 cm, that is, 1 meter and 10 centimeters should be measured from the floor level;
the outlet for the hood is usually made at a distance of two meters from the floor.

Electrical accessories in the living room

Before you plan the points of installation of sockets, think about where the upholstered furniture, TV, air conditioning, desktop and so on will be located.

The height of the sockets for the TV may vary depending on which method of installation of the equipment is chosen. If it is located on a low pedestal, it is permissible to install an "electric point" at a distance of 30 cm from the floor, if the TV is hanging on the wall, it is better to increase the height to one meter.

Sockets near upholstered furniture are placed at a level of 75-90 cm from the floor, this solution provides convenient access to them for any appliances.

Sockets for floor lamps, vacuum cleaners are located 30 cm from the level of the floor covering.

Sockets in the bedroom

With the sleeping area, everything is much simpler. One or two sockets can be installed near the bedside table, they will be used to recharge the smartphone, turn on the night light. If you plan to install an air conditioner, you must provide one point directly under the ceiling.

You should take into account a couple more spare outlets that will be used to turn on the hair dryer, fan, vacuum cleaner. When there is a computer desk in the bedroom, the battery is provided near it at a height of 30 cm above the floor.

It is not difficult to correctly draw up a schematic layout of new sockets in an apartment, the main thing is to think carefully about the placement of all electrical appliances.

On the created drawing, do not forget to mark the optimal height, this will help not to make mistakes during the repair process.

Photo sockets

When performing electrical work, the height of the sockets from the floor and the level of the switches are important. Ergonomic location of food points makes the house more comfortable and convenient for every tenant, including kids and people with disabilities.

Regulated standards

When choosing the location of sockets, you need to take into account the standards of PUE, GOST, as well as the layout

The level of location of power points is prescribed in the instructions for PUE, GOST, SP. When performing work, you should be guided by the above standards.

The regulation looks like this:

from the gas pipeline and heating batteries, the power points are removed by at least 40 cm;
switch height from the floor - 1 m;
in the bathroom, the sockets are moved 60 cm from the shower, sink, bidet or bath;
from the door jamb, the power points are moved 10-15 cm.

When installing power points in the bathroom, it is imperative to connect them through the RCD.

GOST and SP requirements

Requirements for the installation of sockets and switches according to state standards:

the location of sockets and switches is determined by the owner of the house / customer;
4 m2 of living space should have one power point;
in the corridor - one for every 10 m2.

The joint venture also prescribes certain standards for electrical work:

switches in rooms are recommended to be raised from the floor at a level of 1-1.5 m;
if the question is about children's institutions - the distance is increased to 1.8 m;
power sockets at catering points, food production are mounted from the floor at a height of 1-1.3 m.

If desired, the master can familiarize himself with the regulatory documents in detail and select the optimal level of location of sockets / switches for a particular object.

Installation of power points according to the European standard

According to the recently popular European wiring standards, it is better to mount all switches at a height of 90 cm from the floor, and sockets - 30 cm. Such a location of power points is considered convenient for everyone living in the house or guests. Light intensity can be controlled without looking, just by reaching out. Electrical appliances are installed without unattractively laid or dangling wires.

According to the standards of the former USSR, the installation height of sockets was equal to 0.9 m from the floor. The switches were mounted at a level of 1.6 m. Until now, master electricians prefer just such a layout of power points, if the project does not provide for other options.

Soviet installation standards have a number of advantages:

all switches and sockets are located within visible reach for adult family members;
children cannot reach the food point, which ensures safety;
accidental pressing of the switch is excluded;
mounted furniture does not block access to the lighting keys.

According to Soviet standards, the plugs of electrical appliances are inserted without the need to bend over once again.

Before designing the wiring, you need to clearly define where the furniture will be located.

Experienced craftsmen, before determining the installation height of sockets and switches, are advised to take into account some points and do the following:

Draw up a detailed layout plan for the arrangement of furniture, all household appliances and lighting points in the room. Be sure to put the intended sockets / switches on the drawing.
Take into account the average height of the residents of the premises or office employees.
Arrange all power points on the diagram (for office equipment, the Internet, household appliances, lamps, sconces) so that they are accessible to the user and at the same time hidden from view if possible. This is especially true for stationary appliances (TV, computer, refrigerator, washing machine, etc.).
At beds, bedside tables, chests of drawers, power points are made 20 cm higher than the plane of the furniture.
For open sections of the walls, the height of the sockets from the floor according to the European standard is 30 cm. This is especially true for equipment used periodically (vacuum cleaner, portable fan, etc.).
It is better to place switches on the side of the door handle at a distance of 10-15 cm from the jamb. It is comfortable and ergonomic. The final height of the switches is determined empirically. Usually it is 80-100 cm.
According to the type of room, all switches are located with maximum convenience for the user. In the bedroom and living room, you need to ensure that a person controls the lighting without getting up from the sofa or bed.
For the corridor of an apartment / house / office, it is better to make power points at the beginning and at the end of the room.

With a clearly drawn up plan, the master has the opportunity to visually assess the future result of the work performed, if necessary, change something else at the planning stage.

Rules for the location of electrical outlets in different rooms

Bathroom food points

Location of sockets in the bathroom

The bathroom is a room with high humidity. Therefore, it is extremely important here to know at what height to make sockets and switches so that they do not pose a danger.

The main prohibitions are the installation of power points under the sink, bidet, bathtub. From them you need to move the sockets at least 60 cm to prevent accidental ingress of water. It is advisable to make the switch outside the room or also away from the washing items. Lamps and sconces near the mirror should preferably be powered through a cord or a key switch on the opposite side of the sink / bath.

Living room

For a TV and a music center, it is better to make a socket at a height of 90-140 cm. The distance from the floor to the switch should be at least 0.9 m.

Kitchen

In this room, there are several standards for the placement of food outlets. They vary depending on the technique used:

First level. It implies the installation of sockets at a height of 10-15 cm from the floor. A powerful oven, electric stove, freezer, refrigerator, waste chopper are connected here. The convenience of this arrangement lies in the fact that after installing the built-in kitchen, it will be impossible to get to the sockets in any other way than through cabinets or a table from below.
Second level. Here, a whole block of sockets is mounted at a level of 110-130 cm from the floor in the area of \u200b\u200bthe kitchen apron. Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to successfully connect an electric kettle, blender, microwave oven, mixer and other small household appliances that are convenient to use on the work surface.
Third level. Mount power points for connecting an electric hood, TV, backlight. The height of the location is 2-2.5 meters from the floor.

The switch is located immediately at the door at a height convenient for the user. As a rule, it is close to European standards and equals 90-110 cm.

Bedroom

An example of the location of electrical points near the bed

On both sides of a double bed (regardless of its size) they make a double socket and a two-gang switch. They are located 70 cm from the plinth. This allows a resting person, without getting out of bed, to control lighting, charge a mobile phone, read a book under a night light.
The main switch is placed in the room immediately upon entering.
If a dressing table is provided in the bedroom, on both sides of it, at a height of 70-90 cm, an outlet is made for connecting a wall lamp or a hairdryer.

All food points in the bedroom are arranged in accordance with the selected set of furniture. It is possible that it will be non-standard. Especially often this happens when arranging a bedroom for a person with disabilities or when developing a design project.

Children's

Even 10 years ago, experts recommended placing all food outlets as high as possible in children's rooms. This ensures the safety of the child and eliminates the possibility of his contact with the mains. Today, all socket outlets are equipped with special locking covers. To lift them, the baby needs effort. Therefore, such sockets can be mounted according to the European standard.

The switch in the child's room is made according to his height. It is advisable to install an adjustable power point, with which you can increase or decrease the intensity of artificial lighting. It is better to install a separate standard socket with a cover under the night light.

Cabinet

For expensive equipment, you need to provide a system of protection against voltage surges.

This premise requires more food outlets. At least one block must be placed in close proximity to the table. A personal computer, monitor, router, printer and copier, audio speakers will be connected through it. The block is placed 30 cm from the floor level. How many power points will be included in it, the master decides for himself, depending on the amount of future equipment.

If a library is provided in the office, it is necessary to mount an outlet under a floor lamp. It is installed in the reading area. The power point for the floor lamp is also made at the Euro level of 0.3 m.

On the free wall there will be 1-2 more outlets. They are used to connect temporary equipment.

With common sense and a clear layout of furniture in the room, the master can safely design the levels of the sockets / switches at his discretion.

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.

Proper placement of sockets is very important to increase reliability, improve comfort and the correct distribution of electricity in the room. Therefore, most people, when replacing wiring, ask themselves a reasonable question: “at what height from the floor should I make an outlet?”. Today we will try to exhaustively 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 are striving for a more modern "European standard" in order to keep up with the latest fashion trends. The old guard, on the other hand, prefers the “Soviet standard”, when the socket is placed at a height of about 1 meter, at waist level. It is 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 at a high enough height;
This location is very convenient when there is a need for an outlet for an air conditioner or any other appliances that do not require constant plugging in;
An adult does not need to bend down to plug in an electrical appliance.

Height of sockets according to the "European standard"

This method is gaining more and more popularity in the post-Soviet space. 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 installation of electrical installations (PUE)

PUE regulates the placement of outlets 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 outlets that is located in the apartment must have an RCD;
It is forbidden to install electrical equipment closer than 0.5 m to the gas installation;
It is forbidden to place in baths and saunas.

SP and GOST requirements

The 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 outlets need to be installed;
One outlet is placed for every 10 sq. m area of the corridor (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 has been 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 and more.

Second level. The next are sockets for portable electrical appliances: kettle, microwave, blender, etc. They need a height of 110 to 130 cm.

Third level. It is characterized by the 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 almost permanently with high humidity. Therefore, for maximum safety, it is necessary to install an electrical outlet together with a splash guard. The minimum height for the socket is 15 cm so that water does not get inside. When installing, you must be guided by all safety measures and common sense.

For the convenience of using various devices, you can use the following socket height parameters:

For a hair dryer, a razor and other small electrical appliances, it is recommended to install an outlet 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 in order 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

It all depends on the imagination of the owner. The number of outlets is calculated so that it is enough for all the equipment that will be in this room. But it is better to use several levels: the first and second, in order to ensure the convenient use of all electrical appliances.

Electrical outlets are installed at a height of 0.15-0.2 m above the table surface and 0.3 m above the floor. Other placement options depend on your convenience.

Own standard

If you have an idea how to install an outlet in an unusual way, it is better to first see a photo of such an outlet location on the Internet. This will save you from potential problems.

You can install sockets at home at your 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 convenience of use.

It is necessary to choose a location that will allow the use of 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 needed in order not to use extension cords.

Conclusion

The key to choosing the location of outlets is safety and comfort. By following these two factors, you can simplify your life as much as possible. Do not neglect this. Good luck.