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 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
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 in the following way:
- 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 energy-dependent, 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 installation on the wall; H 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, which 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 socket installation height
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 by which construction organizations worked 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 lower connection will also allow the use, if necessary, of shorter extension cords.
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.
During the event, many are interested in the question at what height to put sockets and switches. There are no strict regulations for apartments in multi-storey buildings. The main thing is that they are easy to use.
Some people are accustomed to the heights that were used in Soviet-built houses. In them, sockets were installed at a distance of 80-90 centimeters, and keys - 150-160 centimeters. It is interesting that apartment owners do not refuse such heights out of habit. Others quickly adopt everything new and unusual and use European standards, where electrical installations are made for the convenience and comfort of a person.
Today, nests are mounted at a height of 30-40 centimeters, and switches - 80-90 centimeters from the floor level. Such indicators are considered generally accepted.
Taking into account the purpose of sockets, devices can also be made at a different distance, for example, in the kitchen they are often placed in one line above the table, plus 0.2-0.25 m. This ensures the convenience of operating various household appliances.
For audio and video devices, special electrical installations are placed in line with power outlets. In this case, it is reasonable to install a set of sockets not very low. The average height can vary between 50-120 centimeters.
In the bathroom, a socket with a protection level of at least IP-44 is made, at a height of one meter from the floor and at a distance of at least 0.6 m from the bath or shower.
Installation of switches
They must be positioned in such a way that the device is not behind a closed door. From the opening, they should be placed at a distance of at least 100 centimeters.
You can put the switches according to the European standard, placing them on the side of the door handle at a distance of at least 10 centimeters from the doorway and at the level of the hand lowered down. Many find this convenient.
Before installing electrical installations, draw a conditional marking of places on the wall, then see if the chosen location suits you. Another option is to go to friends, see how high their sockets and switches are, find out how convenient they are to use. So you can make the right decision for yourself. And if you still have doubts, please contact our company. The electrician travels to any point in Moscow and the region. We will solve any problem, as we have at our disposal:
- Qualified staff of specialists.
- Extensive work experience.
- Modern equipment and tools.
Being engaged in construction or repair, many homeowners are wondering how to install switches or sockets correctly and at what height from the floor. After all, it is on this that not only the convenience of their use, but also the safety of operation largely depends.
In order to deal with this issue, consider the rules for their placement, which existed in the recent past, and the new European standards that came from civilized Europe.
Regulations for the installation of electrical components
To date, there are no strict standards or rules governing the location and number of sockets and switches. "Eurostandard" is just a convention, because here only ease of use plus safety precautions are of primary importance. The only documents that address this issue are: a summary of the rules for the design of public and residential premises (SP 31-110-2003) and the rules for the installation of electrical installations (PUE), therefore, the installation of electrical wiring should be carried out based on these recommendations. From the first, the following installation rules follow:
- It is desirable that the installation height of the switch from the floor is up to 1 m, and it is located on the side of the door handle.
- Sockets can be placed anywhere and at the same distance from the floor.
Extract from the PUE
The PUE discusses some safety rules that must be observed during placement.
- Switches are recommended to be located on the side of the door handle. The height of the switch from the floor is 1 m.
- It is allowed to place them under the ceiling, with the control of a cord that turns on the light, which rolls to the recommended level.
- The distance from the switch and socket to gas pipes and heating, as well as the battery - at least 0.5 m.
- In the kitchen, each power point should be at least 0.5 m from the gas pipeline, at least 0.8 m from the sink, and high enough from the floor.
- Electrical components in bathrooms can be installed from plumbing fixtures and the floor at a distance of 0.6 m.
Installation of electrical components in a residential area
There are 2 ways to locate switches and sockets in apartments and houses. These are old, familiar to many Soviet standards, and the so-called European standards. Let's consider each of them in detail.
old traditions
In Soviet times, it was customary in residential premises to install switches at the level of a person’s shoulder or under the ceiling. based on convenience and safety. As a rule, they were mounted at a distance of about 90-100 cm from the floor.
Ceiling switches worked as follows. To control the light, a cord was attached to a spring-loaded mechanical lever hidden inside the case. At its first pull, the light lit up, and at the second, it went out.
The height of the switch from the floor was 160-180 cm. At that time, this distance was considered the most suitable and optimal for controlling the light. And today, especially for the elderly, this is the most convenient option. The switch will not block low furniture such as cabinets, and it will be located at eye level. In addition, small children will not reach it. Many are accustomed to this arrangement of switching devices and consider it the norm.
The indicated height of sockets and switches from the floor has its advantages and disadvantages:
- Plus - it is convenient to use the socket, since you do not need to lean towards it, and the switch does not interfere with the placement of furniture and is at eye level;
- Minus - the power cords hang from the devices, and to turn on the light you need to raise your hand.
Eurostandard
The height of the switch from the floor according to the European standard is 90 cm, sockets - 30 cm. However, as such, standardization has never really existed, and this concept came into our lives along with the concept of European-quality repair, replacing the “Soviet standard”. Of course, it has its advantages and disadvantages:
- Plus - the sockets are not "striking" and do not interfere with anything, and the switches are located at the level of the lowered hand - they can be turned on without any effort, and without even looking. The height of the switch from the floor is 90 cm.
- Minus - in order to insert the plug into the socket, it will be necessary to bend over, and the switch should not be blocked by anything.
The height of sockets and switches according to "Soviet" standards, in terms of convenience, is recognized by many as very doubtful. The notorious European standard today began to give much more preference. And there are many reasons for this. For example, it is less conspicuous than a lot of sockets with cords and "tees". The height of the switch from the floor is 90 cm (at the level of a lowered human hand) is also very convenient, as it can be quickly found even in the dark.
Sockets and switches that do not have protection against current leakage "to the ground" (difavtomatov, RCD) are not recommended to be installed in bathrooms and toilets. The same applies to the outlet for the washing machine.
How to install?
Before proceeding with the direct installation of a switch or socket, it is necessary to circle their contour on the wall. A hole is made in concrete using a diamond drill. The socket can be square or round. Special mounting boxes are inserted into the prepared holes. To fix them, use building gypsum, plaster or gypsum glue. The box is fastened with sliding legs or screws, then a plastic case is put on it.
Installation in a drywall wall is somewhat different, and the tools are excellent. All holes in the drywall sheets where the cable will be laid are made in advance. To fix switches and sockets, special paws are used. They will keep them on the sheet.
Open wiring is done extremely rarely and, as a rule, is fixed temporarily (for example, during repairs), because the wires spoil the interior. Agree, looking at the wall, where everything is aesthetically pleasing and neat, is much more pleasant.
When you do the wiring yourself and connect the socket and switch without involving a specialist, you should follow the above recommendations and certain rules that will allow you to perform all work without any problems and, most importantly, safely.
- First of all, you need to decide on the arrangement of electrical appliances and furniture in the room. To do this, it is recommended to draw up a diagram, and preferably on such a scale that you can mark all the equipment that requires connection to electricity, as well as furniture.
- Then mark the location of switches and sockets, calculate the required number for each room.
- Sockets for appliances (computer, refrigerator, etc.) are best placed so that they always have free access, but at the same time they are hidden behind these electrical appliances.
- Sockets above a desk, chest of drawers, etc. are best placed at a height of 15-20 cm from furniture.
- Switches or sockets should not be installed above or below the sink.
- the wiring diagram should be selected in such a way as to exclude network overload.
Summarize
So, there are no clear standards regarding the height of sockets and switches from the floor (Euro or Soviet standards). But there are many recommendations that must be followed, primarily for security purposes.
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 socket spoils the whole view in the kitchen, so I recommend putting it a little lower than the level of the electric stove, but at the same time you don’t move it close to the wall - the socket 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:
- 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 will not reach it.
- 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.