The standard location of sockets and switches in the apartment. Installation of switches and sockets according to the European standard. Photo of the location of sockets
When starting a renovation, there are many things to consider. One of the most difficult points in the improvement of an apartment or house is electricity. Even in the seemingly simple installation of a light switch, there are pitfalls. In addition to its form and functionality, you will have to decide at what height from the floor the switch will be located.
The choice is influenced not only by the factor of convenience during operation, but also by the safety of residents. Therefore, it is necessary to understand in detail how to determine the installation location of the switch and whether there are any regulatory documents regulating this.
At what height should the switch be installed from the floor?
In your own house, you can find the switch even with your eyes closed, but at a party, if you notice, you often get lost, even if it is in a conspicuous place. And not always its location seems convenient to you. This happens because we use lighting at home so often that we switch it on and off already on the machine, and when we get into an unusual room, we have to think.
That is why it is worthwhile to carefully approach the issue of choosing the height and location of the switch.
There are no rules governing the number of sockets and switches installed in apartments and residential buildings; all documents give only general recommendations. This figure is determined by each owner, depending on the number and location of electrical appliances.
But existing regulations strictly regulate the places prohibited for the installation of sockets and switches. Pay special attention to this, as these rules will affect the mounting height.
If you go into several different apartments of the old years of construction, you will notice that, basically, all the light switches are on the same level. By Soviet standards these devices are located at a height of 1.6 - 1.7 meters from the floor. This setting is common today.
This happens because the standard height of the switch from the floor is so intuitively remembered that even when repairing, people do not change their location so as not to get used to it again.
The height of the switch from the floor according to the European standard
The prefix "euro-" is always associated with something new, more reliable and of high quality. "Eurostandard" and "Euro-renovation" are modern technologies and materials in construction, more comfortable layouts and the location of all communications, including sockets and lighting switches. All new buildings are now being built according to these standards.
According to the European standard, the optimal location of the switches for all family members was calculated. Not too high for kids and not too low for adults. The height of the switch from the floor according to the European standard is 0.8 - 0.9 meters. This level was not chosen by chance. This is the approximate height to which the hand of an adult reaches down.
At the same time, the child will also be able to reach this level. AT SP 31-110-2003 clause 15.34, 15.36 the following is said about it.
Both Soviet and European standards are not an unquestioning indication. You can choose the height of the installation of equipment in the house, depending on your convenience and the location of furniture and electrical appliances. In a room intended for sleeping, it is more convenient to install switches near the bed at a level that can be reached from a lying position. It is approximately 60 - 70 centimeters from the floor.
In the working area, in addition to the main one, additional lighting is provided. These are various table or wall lamps. Their switches are more conveniently located on distance of 10 - 20 centimeters from table height. So it will be possible to adjust the lighting without looking up from class.
The location of sockets and switches must be considered in advance before finishing work. After their completion, it will be almost impossible to transfer or add additional ones without spoiling the new repair. Be sure to take into account the location of furniture in the premises and electrical appliances on them.
Where to place the switch
The location of the switch depends on the purpose of the room. In any case, for the main lighting, it is installed immediately near the front door from the side of the handle. You should not place the switch behind an open door, as this will make it difficult to operate and will lead to accidental pressing.
Also, it should not be partially or completely closed by furniture and interior items. The installation height of the switch should be comfortable for all family members, both adults and children. To make it convenient to press the key, consider the average height of the lowered hand for all adult family members.
Where is better install bathroom switch(bathroom): at the entrance to the room or inside? In rooms such as bathrooms, toilets, saunas, pantry, light switches should be install outside, that is, in front of the entrance. Why outside and not inside?
Usually, when a person enters the bathroom or toilet, what is the first thing he does? That's right - closes the door (perhaps even with a lock). And imagine now that you have closed and it is dark around, where to look for this switch? Therefore, for convenience, it is better to control the lighting in such rooms from the outside: you come in - the light is already on, you can see everything around, you go out - you turn it off.
In living rooms, kitchens and corridors, the opposite is true. In such premises switches installed inside. We went into the room - turned on the light, go to bed - turned it off. That is, here all control takes place inside the room and you do not need to open the doors for this.
Moreover, to increase comfort, for example, in the bedroom, it is advisable to install special (pass-through) switches for the main lighting, which allow you to control one chandelier from different places. For example, one switch is placed near the bed or sofa at the level of the outstretched arm of a lying person, the other at the entrance near the door. This makes it possible turn off the lights before bed without getting out of bed.
Do not forget about additional lighting - lamps, sconces, diode tapes. Their switches are installed depending on the ease of use and the aesthetic appearance of the interior.
Did you pay attention to which position the switch is on and which is off? And it should. This is necessary in order to equally correctly install all the equipment in the apartment.
From the foregoing, we can conclude that the location of the switches is chosen based on the purpose of the room and ease of control. The generally accepted location is at the entrance to the premises on distance 10-15 cm from the door. Here is what is said about this in the State Standard SP 31-110-2003 paragraph 15.34.
Tips on how to decide on the choice of height for switches
How high should the switch be from the floor? In addition to existing standards, individual factors influence the choice of location. As a standard, it is proposed to choose the distance of the hand lowered down. This height is convenient in that turning on and off the light can be done automatically, without bending the limb. Walk several times, simulating pressing the switch, and mark the position on the wall that is comfortable for you.
The second factor influencing the location is the design features of the renovation. You should decide in advance where the furniture, sockets, main and additional lighting will be located.
Visually imagine where the switch for a particular room will be installed, mentally try to turn it on several times. Perhaps, when driving, it will seem to you that it is too high or vice versa - low. That way you won't forget anything choose the best location.
Check out the idea! Pay attention to the location of the switches in the apartments of your friends and relatives. Are you comfortable using them? Perhaps this way you can avoid mistakes in your repair by changing the selected position in advance.
Switches are not installed near sources of heat and water (batteries, sinks). These restrictions are in place for security reasons. Also, don't place devices too low or too high.
The optimal height is at the level of the lowered arm. If set too low, you will have to crouch or bend over. With a high position, the arm must be raised or bent, which also delivers, albeit small, but inconvenience.
Today, the height at which sockets and switches are installed does not have a clear regulation. The same applies to their number per room. As a result, quite often come across premises where they are placed in an archaic manner and often in hard-to-reach places. As part of this material, we will try to figure out how to properly install sockets and switches so that they are always available.
Standards for the installation of sockets and switches
As mentioned earlier, there are no standards or rules for installing sockets and switches. Eurostandard is nothing more than a convention, since only safety and ease of use are important here. This is confirmed by the Code of Rules for the Design of Residential and Public Buildings (SP 31–110-2003), the latest edition of which was published in 2003, and the Electrical Installation Rules, which were prepared taking into account all IEC standards, therefore, wiring should be carried out based on these recommendations. From the first, the following installation rules follow:
- switches should be placed on the side of the door handle at a height of 1 m from the floor;
- the distance from the floor to the outlet should also be 100 cm, while its location does not matter.
Excerpts from the Rules for the Design of Electrical Installations
- switches should be placed similarly to the instructions from the previous document, i.e. near the door handle at a distance of 1 m from the floor;
- the switch can also be located under the ceiling, if there is a switching cord that drops to the recommended level;
- in the kitchen, all power points should be at least half a meter away from the gas pipeline and high enough from the floor;
- in bathrooms, electrical components should be installed at a distance of 60 cm from plumbing fixtures and the same distance from the floor.
Euro sockets significantly different from our products. The diameter of the pins and the distance between them in such an outlet is somewhat larger. The current strength is also larger: the euro is 10-16A, while the domestic ones are half as much - 6-10A. Therefore, the first one is much more profitable, since several devices can be connected to it.
Installation of electrical components in the house
According to the European standard, sockets must be located at a distance of 30 cm from the floor, and switches - 90 cm. But in fact, standardization as such never existed, and this concept came into our lives along with European-style repairs. Accordingly, it has a positive and negative side:
- the socket is not “conspicuous” and does not interfere with anything, and the switch is located at the level of the lowered hand (90 cm from the floor) and it can be turned on without even looking and without any effort - this is a plus;
- in order to insert the plug into the socket, you will need to bend over, and so that the switch can be clicked, it should not be blocked by anything - this is a minus.
As for the Soviet standards, the opinion about them has recently been divided. Some consider them more convenient, others do not, but recently the number of the latter has begun to grow. Recall that at that time it was accepted to install the socket at a height of 90 cm, and the switches at the level of the human head, i.e. 160 cm. As in the previous case, has its pros and cons:
- the socket is much more convenient to use, since you do not need to lean towards it, and the switch is located at eye level and does not interfere with the placement of furniture - this is a plus;
- constantly hanging power cords from appliances and the need to raise your hand to turn on the light and find the toggle switch with your eyes is a minus.
We have already said above that the installation height of sockets and switches according to the "Soviet" standard, in terms of convenience, has long been recognized by many as dubious. The notorious European standard began to give more preference. Take, for example, the same sockets, or rather, a block of them. It will not be as conspicuous as a bunch of sockets with "tees" and cords.
The same applies to switches that are placed at the entrance to the room, at the level of a lowered human hand, at a height of 90 cm from the floor. Thus, it can be quickly found when entering a dark room. And in rooms with a greater length, it makes sense to install two walk-through switches at different ends.
Switches and sockets that do not have protection against leakage currents "to the ground" (RCD, differential automatic devices) are not recommended to be installed in toilets and bathrooms. The same applies to the outlet for the washing machine.
How to install them?
Before proceeding with the installation of a socket or switch, their contour should be circled on the wall. If it is concrete, then the hole is made with a perforator with a diamond crown. The socket can be made both round and square. Special installation boxes are inserted into the finished holes. For their fixation, building gypsum is used, plaster or gypsum glue. The box is fastened with sliding legs or screws, and then a plastic case is put on it.
Installation in a drywall wall is somewhat different, and the necessary tools are different. In drywall sheets, all holes are made in advance, where the cable will need to be routed. To fix sockets and switches, special paws are used to hold them on the sheet.
As for the installation with open wiring, such cases are extremely rare and basically they are fixed like this only temporarily (for example, during repairs), since the wires affect the interior. Agree that it is much more pleasant to look at a beautiful wall, where everything is neat and aesthetically pleasing.
If you want to carry out the wiring and connect the sockets with the switch yourself without the involvement of outside help, then you should follow the tips above and a number of rules that will allow you to perform all the work without problems and, most importantly, safely:
Summing up
So what have we learned today? Perhaps most important is the fact that clear standards or GOSTs regarding the placement of sockets, switches and electrical wiring, but there are a number of recommendations that must be followed, primarily for safety reasons. But the number of devices with switches should also be such that the operation of household and lighting devices is as convenient as possible, which should be taken into account when drawing up a project.
When building a new home or carrying out major repairs in your house or apartment, as a rule, the question arises of the need for a large number of electrical work. This includes the input of a power line, the creation of a ground loop and potential equalization, the installation of a switchboard and the installation of an energy consumption meter, the laying of electrical networks inside the house and the installation of junction boxes, as well as the connection and installation of lighting fixtures, and, finally, the installation of installation electrical equipment - sockets and switches.
In fact, this is a job for highly qualified electricians, but if you have at least basic skills in construction and electrical work, then you can, for example, install sockets and switches yourself. And here, in addition to basic knowledge of construction and electrical installation, you need knowledge about where and at what height you can install sockets and switches. There are official documents regulating the location and connection of electrical devices indoors (PUE) and unofficial recommendations. Let's make a reservation right away that there are no single exact standards for installing sockets and switches. The same electrical installation rules (PUE) are general requirements for the installation of electrical equipment and are aimed at maintaining fire and electrical safety.
Today, many use the so-called "European standards". Although these are not quite standards, but rather European installation traditions. They are of an informal advisory nature, while not going beyond the requirements of the PUE.
Location of sockets and switches in rooms
Sockets are installed at a height of +/- 0.3m (but not higher than 1 meter according to the PUE) from the floor surface. It is also possible to install special types of sockets in special baseboards with cable channels made of fireproof materials. If there are children in the family, it is advisable to install sockets with protective shutters. The shutters cover the contacts of the socket and open only when the plug is inserted into the socket. Such an outlet device will protect children from electric shock.
The switches are installed at 0.8-0.9 m from the floor height and at a distance of 10 cm from the doorway on the side of the door handle, which allows you to easily turn on or off the light with your hand freely lowered down.
In living rooms, at least one outlet must be installed for every full and incomplete 4 meters of the perimeter of the room. Dual outlets are allowed, but are considered one outlet.
In the corridors of the apartment, at least one outlet is installed for every full and incomplete 10 m 2 of area.
Location of sockets and switches in the bathroom
In the bathroom, it is possible to install only special sockets, for wet rooms, with a protection level of at least IP44. Such a socket is installed at a distance of at least 0.6 m from the bath or shower door. For ease of use, do not mount sockets very close to the floor. To connect a hair dryer, electric shaver and other appliances, it is best to install sockets at a height of 1-1.5 m from the floor level. Installing a socket directly in the shower cabin is prohibited!
Installation of switches in the bathroom is not recommended. However, if you still decide to put a switch in the bathroom, then it must be installed, according to the PUE, at a distance of at least 0.6 m from the doorway of the shower cabin. Since electricity is most dangerous in damp environments, it is best to install switches on the outside wall of the bathroom.
Location of sockets and switches in the kitchen
The modern kitchen is a special place. In addition to a sufficiently high humidity, it represents the maximum concentration of all kinds of household appliances, which, as a rule, are used simultaneously. And this significantly increases the total load on the power lines. Therefore, in the kitchen it is necessary to install a much larger number of outlets than in the room. It would also not be superfluous to provide separate switches, for example, for additional lighting of the workspace above the cutting table, sink or stove.
The height of the installed sockets in the kitchen depends solely on ease of use, maximum safety and protection from moisture. The options for placing sockets and switches are endless and are determined by your kitchen set and the number of household appliances in the kitchen. The plan for laying electrical wiring and placing household appliances in the kitchen is always drawn up individually, and must take into account the general requirements for electrical safety.
An example of the placement of sockets and switches in the kitchen
- for an electric stove (hob) and an oven, special power sockets (plugs) are installed, which are designed for a maximum current of 32-40 A and are connected directly to the shield to a separate circuit breaker;
- the minimum distance from sockets to the gas pipeline must be at least 50 cm;
- sockets for connecting kitchen appliances are located 10 cm from the countertop (this is about 1.15 m from the floor, but you can install them to a height of up to 1.4 m). At the same time, sockets and blocks of sockets are not installed above the hob or sink. They must be carried to the side by 25-30 cm;
- sockets are not placed directly behind the installed device, but they are taken out to the side, up or down. At the same time, the distance from the installed device to the socket supplying it should be no more than 100 cm;
- The kitchen must have at least four sockets, and a double socket installed in the kitchen counts as two sockets.
Now special folding or sliding modules of socket blocks have become very popular - in the form of "columns" that move upwards or opening "books" with sockets. When using such socket blocks, the wall remains “clean”, and sockets are “gotten” only as needed.
Since all official documents set only some restrictions, then, given all the above requirements, you can install sockets and switches in your home according to your own "standard", which will meet all your requirements. Maximum convenience, ergonomics and safety - these are the most important "standards".
The company "Elektromontazh-ST" will quickly, efficiently and with a guarantee install sockets and switches in your apartment or house.
Materials close
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 fittings in the living room
Before you plan the installation points for outlets, consider where upholstered furniture, a TV, air conditioning, a 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 a 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
The safety of using electricity in a house or apartment depends on a properly executed electrical installation. Particular attention should be paid to the installation of sockets, which, in addition to matching the selected power and degree of protection, must be installed in accordance with the rules for electrical installations. The installation height of the sockets is also of great importance, and usually depends on the room in which this element of electrical fittings is installed.
The installation height of the device for each room is regulated by the PUE. This document prescribes to install these electrical devices as follows:
- Industrial premises - elements of electrical fittings should be installed at a height of 0.8 - 1.0 meters. If it is possible to carry out the cable connection from above, then the installation height can be 1.5 m.
To connect powerful electrical installations in industrial premises, only sockets designed for this type of device are used. - In residential and administrative buildings, as well as in laboratories, it is allowed to install sockets at a height of no more than 1 meter from the floor level. The main criterion for choosing the installation height of the product is the convenience of connecting electrical appliances. If the plinth is made of non-combustible material, then in such rooms the devices can be installed at floor level.
The correct supply of the electric cable, with this placement option, is carried out through the external cable channel. - In various children's institutions, sockets are installed at a height of 1.8 meters.
- In trade and public catering premises, power elements of electrical fittings should be installed at a height of 1.3 m.
- Installation height in public buildings should be no more than 1 meter.
- is of great importance, and, despite the fact that this room is the most volatile, it is not recommended to locate elements of electrical fittings anywhere. In this room, sockets should be installed at a height of 0.8 - 1.0 meters from the floor level and 10-15 centimeters above the countertop, and it is also necessary to correctly position these elements of electrical fittings relative to the water supply and gas pipes.
- should also be carried out according to the rules. The distance from the floor to the outlet in rooms with high humidity should also be at the level of 80 - 100 cm.
In addition, it is necessary to observe the remoteness of this element from water intake fittings, from water pipes and riser, and also to completely exclude the possibility of water splashes on the element of electrical fittings.
Installation height of sockets in the bedroom and office
In the bedroom, you can install sockets at a height of no more than 1 meter, the only exception is the installation of a TV on the wall, when the installation height of the device exceeds 1 meter. For convenience, you can use the installation of an electrical device directly next to the bed at a height of 0.6-0.7 meters. It is recommended to install 1 socket, on both sides of the bed.
The elements of electrical fittings placed at this height make it easy to connect lamps that are installed on the bedside table, or any other electrical appliances.
The height of the sockets for the TV, which is planned to be installed in the bedroom, is calculated using the following formula:
H=A+B/2
In this formula, H is the installation height of the outlet; A - the height of the TV on the wall; B is the height of the TV.
The TV outlet is located directly behind the electronic device. If additional equipment is installed together with the TV that will require an additional socket, then a double euro socket is installed at the same height that was calculated using the formula.
Other sockets are recommended to be placed at a height of 30 - 40 cm from the floor level. This method of installation allows you to hide the elements of electrical fittings. Sockets and switches do not add to the aesthetics of the room, so placing them at the bottom of the wall greatly improves the interior of the bedroom. If the sockets were installed in Soviet times, then you can leave the sockets at the same height, replacing, if necessary, overhead models with internal devices. In this case, the appearance of the bedroom or any other room will be significantly improved.
For the installation of sockets in the study, the same rules apply as for the installation of electrical elements in the bedroom. It is not recommended to install sockets at a height of more than 1 meter. Devices should be placed near the desktop. If a UPS is used for a computer, then the sockets should be placed at a low height so that the uninterruptible power supply installed on the floor can be placed without significant tension on the working wire, which, in most cases, does not exceed 1 meter in length.
To connect a split system, on the contrary, it is recommended to place this element of electrical fittings at a height of about 1 meter, directly under the device.
The height of the socket in the children's room
In a children's room, in the presence of small children, it is better to install electrical fittings from the floor at the maximum permitted height or use devices equipped with protective shutters, or better, combine these two standards. In order to turn off the outlets in the children's room remotely, you can purchase and install a "smart outlet", which can be controlled using a phone or computer.
European standards for the installation height of sockets
Many building codes "roam" along with technological innovations. In our country, the installation height of European standard sockets and switches often differs from the installation standards that construction organizations worked on in the last century. In a modern residential area, electrical elements of the European standard are installed at a height of 40 - 45 cm from the floor slab. Switches are installed, in this case, at a distance of 1 meter from the subfloor. Such standards for the installation of electrical fittings have the following advantages:
- They are located low and do not spoil the interior of the room.
- Even a child of 4-5 years old can turn off the light, if necessary.
You can make an outlet below the level of the table. In this case, it is very convenient to connect electrical appliances while performing any actions at the workplace. The bottom connection will also allow you to use, if necessary, extension cords of shorter length.
Devices installed at a low height according to the Euro standard, in the presence of small children in the house, must be equipped with protective shutters. Such devices, after removing the plug, reliably block access to the inside of the outlet.
The European standard applies only to living rooms, if it is necessary to install modern sockets in the kitchen, then in this case the height of the element of electrical fittings should be about 1 meter from the floor level.
Regardless of the installation location, sockets should not be located closer than 10 cm from door and window openings, as well as from the corners of the room.
How to properly install the video outlet, see below:
Conclusion
At what height to make sockets, it is clear from this material, but for the safe operation of electrical devices, a large number of regulations and rules are required. The distance from the floor to the outlet usually does not exceed one meter for installation in the kitchen or bathroom, and 30 cm in living quarters. You can install sockets yourself, but in order to avoid accidents during work, you should de-energize the home electrical network. If it is difficult to install elements of electrical fittings on your own, then you should seek help from professional electricians who will install sockets from the floor at a height at which it will be convenient and safe to use these devices.