What height should the installation of sockets be according to the rules? What should be the height of the switch from the floor according to the European standard? Switch level from the floor.

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

If you approach the installation with advance planning, you won’t have to unwind the extension cord, trip over the carrier, and plug everything in there, thereby overloading the outlet or even the network.

Our material will help you determine the optimal amount of electrical fittings and the rules for their location. We will also tell you about all the intricacies of placing and installing electrical points in an apartment or house.

It is estimated that each person uses approximately six different electrical appliances per day. And the number is constantly growing. New devices and gadgets are appearing, without which it is difficult to imagine life.

Appliances fill our homes, but the number of outlets remains unchanged. Cases when a person runs around the house or office in a panic, looking for a free connector to charge a smartphone, are happening more and more often. What's the end result? You have to turn off the printer or something else.

It is not difficult to avoid such situations; you just need to know how to correctly position the connectors. Then using them will become as comfortable as possible.

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

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

#3. Specifics of installation in the living room

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

The power cord must not dangle or be under tension. It should be completely hidden behind the screen.

#4. Rules for location in the kitchen

Every year, more and more intelligent technology is being developed to ensure human comfort and time. Naturally, the amount of equipment, and therefore in some places, is simply off scale. It is imperative to provide for the connection of a hood, possibly a washing machine, dishwasher, or electric stove.

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

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

PUE requirements and European standard

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

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

  • In bathrooms, electrical sources are usually placed at least 60 cm away from taps and shower doors. All products must be waterproof.
  • and switches are prohibited from being installed above or below the sink. There are separate recommendations for these premises, which will be discussed below.
  • In schools and kindergartens, the distance of switches from the floor must be at least 1.8 m, and sockets are used equipped with special protective screens.
  • Sockets and switches are installed at a distance of at least 0.5 meters from gas pipes.

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

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

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

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

Eurostandard for modern kitchen

Each modern kitchen literally full of different household appliances and equipment. Therefore, installing sockets and switches according to European standards in this room has great importance. The height and location of electrical installation products are not limited by anything, except for the basic PUE requirements. In all other matters, you should be guided by the ease of connection and further operation of the installed equipment.

The installation height is significantly influenced by the dimensions and configuration kitchen furniture. In this regard, based on practical experience, several levels were formed to determine the installation height of sockets and switches in kitchens:

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

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

Certain difficulties are added by water and gas pipes, therefore, it is recommended in advance to indicate not only the wiring, but also the location of all points in relation to windows, doors, furniture and communications.

Sockets and switches in bathrooms

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

Nowadays it is impossible to imagine a modern bathroom without sockets. In addition, their installation is often not limited to one unit. Only an automatic washing machine requires a separate point connected to a separate line, protected by its own RCD. Powerful units simply cannot operate for a long time through a conventional extension cord. As a rule, the height of the sockets in this case is within 1 meter, which allows you to turn off very quickly if necessary. washing machine from the network.

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

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

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

Sockets and switches for residential premises

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

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

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

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

One can combine switches for sconces and overhead lighting. Lamps placed on bedside tables require separate sockets, which must be provided in the block. The same goes for floor lamps.

For a TV mounted on the wall, a block of 5 sockets located from the floor at a distance of 1.3 m is sufficient. If the TV is installed on a cabinet or low chest of drawers, the height is correspondingly reduced to 30-60 cm. The block should have three sockets, one a socket for an antenna and one for the Internet. To connect a desktop computer, another socket block is equipped.

The installation of sockets must be carried out in accordance with existing standards, because not only performance, but also safety. If you do not think about this point, water may get into the device, the risk of damage will increase mechanical in nature, etc. In addition, you will have to use extension cords, because the plugs will not reach the sockets. That is why it is extremely important to install these devices at a certain height.

Already for a long time everyone strives to make repairs in accordance with foreign requirements, believing that this solution is the most attractive from an aesthetic and practical point of view. Let's say right away: such a standard does not exist. It usually means simply using the latest technologies in work.

Despite this, it is believed that switch height from floor according to the European standard it is 100 cm, and the sockets are 30 cm. This distance was chosen solely for reasons of practicality and is not specified in any documents. That is why you can slightly change the distance from the baseboard. Nothing wrong with that.

PUE regulations

The rules for electrical installations are a completely different matter ( PUE), enshrined in many documents. This standard existed back in Soviet time and regulated the installation of sockets 90 cm and switches 1.6 m from the floor surface.

This decision is explained simply: the electrical device is always in the field of view, which means the occurrence of emergency much easier to detect or prevent.

Modern requirements are somewhat different. GOST requires that any such devices be placed in accordance with the following requirements:

  • no closer than 0.6 m from the shower door;
  • at least 5 m from gas pipelines;
  • approximately 0.6 m from sinks;
  • at catering and trade enterprises, these electrical devices are prescribed to be installed at a height of 1.3 m, in in public places- up to 1 m.

There are no indications on the height of fixtures for plugs in apartments and private houses, but any electrician will tell you that it should be at least 10 cm. As for switches, the above 1 m is just that best option for all family members, but it is also not recorded anywhere. In children's preschool institutions this figure is normalized - 180 cm.

From the above we can conclude that the so-called “Euro” standard and the PUE do not violate general rules use of electrical appliances, which means you decide for yourself at what distance from the floor the socket or switch should be located, but within the limits described earlier.

Criteria for choosing the location and height of electrical appliances

Placement of sockets and switches according to European standards assumes a relatively small distance from the baseboard. But you shouldn’t put this at the forefront, because safety and operating comfort come first.

Installation of switches according to European standards. This option is more modern and, for some, more comfortable. With the European standard, switches are installed at a distance of 90 cm from the floor. This allows you to turn the light off and on without raising your hand or just passing by. Installation of switches at the request of the client. Our company's electricians will install switches clearly in those places where it will be convenient for you. Regardless of any standards and without compromising safety.

To understand this issue in more detail, let's start with switches.

There are three options for installing switches:

Soviet. It consists in installing switches at a distance of approximately 160 cm from the floor. For many people, this option was and remains the most suitable. Firstly, people are accustomed to the switch being at eye level, and secondly, this option is the most rational when there is low furniture in the area of ​​the switch that does not allow the switch to be installed lower. Also, a very important factor is the presence of children; children love to play with light, but in this version this is impossible.
Installation of switches according to European standards. This option is more modern and, for some, more comfortable. With the European standard, switches are installed at a distance of 90 cm from the floor. This allows you to turn the light off and on without raising your hand or just passing by. at the request of the client. Our company's electricians will install switches clearly in those places where it will be convenient for you. Regardless of any standards and without compromising safety.

Installation of sockets.

Sockets can also be installed at different distances from the floor, but in this case the European standard for installing sockets is the most rational, since they are installed at a distance of 30 cm from the floor. This is much more convenient than the Soviet version we are used to, when they were installed at a distance of 90 cm from the floor, this allows you to comfortably use household appliances and hide wires. But here, too, you need to remember the purpose of the room in which the sockets are installed, since, for example, in the kitchen, sometimes wires are needed above the table where the equipment is directly used.

And a few words about the technical part of the topic of installing sockets; we all use European standard sockets, since those sockets that were installed in the recent past do not allow the use of most household appliances. There is such a thing as adapters, but their use is far from safe, as it can lead to fire. In European standard sockets, the diameter of the pins is 0.8 mm larger than in domestic ones. The distance between them is also different. The current strength in European sockets is 10 A or 16 A, in domestic ones - 6.3 A or 10 A. That is, in this case, the European standard for installing sockets provides great opportunities for using household appliances.

European standard for installation of sockets

Installing sockets according to European standards includes a list of many points that, according to some opinions, are best observed and carried out exactly as written. After all, all explanations from the manuals for constructing your own wiring refer to the European standard, which serves as your savior.

Despite the favorite sayings about the correctness of all the sayings of the European standard, about the established system that should be followed, the installation of sockets according to the European standard can take different kind. The basic rule is that the socket must be installed twenty to thirty cm from the floor; you can choose to install either an external or an internal socket; there is not much difference except for ease of use. According to the same European standard, switches should be at a height of 90 cm. But it should be remembered that the European standard is not always applicable for Everyday life, your own comfort and ease of use play a big role. In this case, the socket can be placed based on your future intentions, because there is always a need for something; it is impossible to install a socket just like that, without knowing what it will be intended for.
When introduced in countries post-Soviet space Western household appliances, the population is faced with the problem of connecting these devices to our domestic sockets. For uninterrupted operation of foreign household appliances and ensuring safety, it was necessary to install sockets according to European standards. The adapters that came into practice did not justify themselves due to fire safety, they became sources of fire not only for appliances, but also for objects surrounding them, which endangered the lives of owners of household appliances.

Installation of sockets according to European standards is carried out taking into account the safety requirements for modern household appliances, including, selection optimal height sockets and so on.

In European sockets, the diameter of the pins is 0.8 mm larger than in domestic ones. The distance between the pins is also larger. The current strength in European sockets is 10 or 16 A, in domestic ones - 6.3 or 10 A. It follows that installing sockets according to the European standard allows you to use a larger number of electrical appliances at the same time.

Regulations and standards for installing sockets and switches

There is no single norm or standard for the installation of sockets. There is a so-called European standard. According to these rules, there is no difference in which outlet to install (external or internal). Safety precautions and ease of use are important. Thus, according to the European standard, sockets are installed at a distance of 20-30 centimeters from the floor, and switches in the room are 90 cm from the floor, in the kitchen - 110 cm.

Euro sockets are somewhat different from domestic devices. The diameter of the pins and the distance between them in a European socket are larger. The current strength is also greater, almost twice: euro - 10-16 A, domestic - 6.3-10 A. Therefore, installing a socket or switch according to the European standard is more profitable, because allows you to connect several devices simultaneously.

In Russia, for a long time, another option for installing sockets and switches was in effect. 160 cm height from the floor is the Soviet standard for the location of the switch. Many people still find it the most convenient. The switch is in the eye's field of vision, allows you to install furniture nearby that will not block it, and is also safe for children who like to “click” the keys.
You can also choose a more original American standard for installing sockets. It provides not only the height from the floor (sink or kitchen table) 30.5-41 cm, but also a certain distance between sockets in the room - 1.8 m, starting from the doorway.
Installing sockets and switches in different walls

To mark the outlet, its outline is outlined on the wall. When working on concrete, the hole for the socket box is hollowed out using a hammer drill with a diamond bit. The socket box may have different shapes: round or square. There are also installation boxes for concrete monolithic walls. To fix the socket box to the wall, use gypsum glue, ordinary plaster or building plaster.

The block in the socket box is attached with sliding tabs or screws. A plastic case is attached to the top of it.

IN plasterboard wall You can also install a socket or switch. In this case, the hole is cut using a special tool.

When installing a socket in drywall, use a different attachment for a hammer drill. The process is somewhat different from installing an outlet in concrete or brick. All holes in the drywall are made in advance. Cables are pulled to the holes and lead out into the prepared holes. Socket boxes for hollow surfaces such as drywall have special claws. They hold the rosette on the sheet.

Install sockets and switches when open wiring This happens to electricians less and less often, as they spoil the appearance of the room. It’s much nicer when everything is hidden under the wall, everything is neat and aesthetically pleasing.
Requirements for modern sockets and installation:

When installing a socket or switch, do not confuse the order of connecting the contacts. It is especially important to remember this when connecting a three-pin socket with a grounding contact.
In addition, the installation height is not standardized a single standard, the height of sockets that are intended for air conditioners and other devices with a grounding contact is not standardized.
Sockets are installed with a current rating of 6 A, one per 10 m2 of area - per room, in a kitchen of any size - two sockets.
You can install a socket in a bathroom only at a distance of 0.6 m from the bathroom, and also subject to the following conditions: waterproof sockets are used, they are connected to a SELV or PELV power source, or are protected by an RCD.
You cannot install sockets in the bathroom under or above the sink. It is necessary to choose a wiring diagram that will eliminate network congestion, i.e. It is important to protect against overcurrent, otherwise the main fuse will not cope and there will be a short circuit in the device.
The contact between the plug and the socket should not be loose. Reliable contact will prevent the connector from heating up and will not lead to a fire or damage to the cable.
Live parts of the socket must be insulated from each other and also protected from contact.
Some modern sockets have protection against incorrect connection, when only one prong of the plug cannot be inserted into the socket.

Among the many electro installation work, installation of a socket or switch is one of the simplest, but this does not mean that it should be done any way you like, without following certain rules.

Processed

With an abundance of household appliances and variety lighting fixtures The need to increase the number of sockets and switches in a house or apartment has increased sharply. In the current apartment of 100 sq. m there are on average a hundred electrical points. The question of their rational location and installation is far from idle and requires knowledge regulatory documentation. When starting transformations in a house or apartment, it is useful to familiarize yourself with the provisions of the laws and technical regulations installation of electrical appliances.

Technical requirements for installing sockets and switches

Placements inside and outside residential premises are selected based on 3 main criteria:

  • safety;
  • functional convenience;
  • aesthetic appeal.

Security includes 3 points:

  1. Natural gas. Poorly tightened contacts lead to burnout of the terminals. The principle of operation of the switch is such that when the lamp (or other consumer) is turned on, the power circuit is closed. This happens due to the movement of the contact pair. At this moment, a micro spark jumps between the contacts, capable of igniting the gas. If there is a leak in the gas supply, the switch may cause a fire or explosion. The same thing happens if the switch or socket is faulty. Poor connection of wires supplying voltage to the device, loose contacts, etc., lead to sparking at the terminals. It is for this reason that in apartments with gas stoves and water heaters, the light switch is placed outside the kitchen. Usually it is installed in a corridor separated from the kitchen by doors. With regard to sockets, a different logic applies. The gas is lighter than air and therefore primarily accumulates in the upper part of the room. Therefore, it is better to place the outlet in the kitchen closer to the floor, in which case the likelihood of a gas ignition from a spark is lower.
  2. Water.
    Water and electricity are not compatible. Any liquid is an excellent conductor of current. If water gets between opposite contacts, a short circuit occurs between them. But that's not the worst thing. In the event of a short circuit, the circuit breakers will trip and the electricity will be cut off. It is much worse if one of the contacts is wet - voltage is transmitted through the water in all “wet” directions. If a person (or animal) touches the moisture, he will receive an electric shock. In the event of a leak from water supply (or water heating) systems, puddles formed on the floor become a potential risk area. Defeat electric shock is fraught with human health - there are known cases of cardiac arrest and the occurrence of a number of other neurological diseases. Therefore, the location of sockets is planned taking into account the possibility of flooding. Placing them on safe distance from the floor, as well as other sources of water in the house, has a reasonable argument.
  3. Mechanical damage.
    Switch falling out due to mechanical damage The vast majority of sockets and switches are made of plastic. Plastic is an excellent dielectric and reliably protects a person from contact with current. Its only weak point is fragility. Swipe can damage the body of the device with all the ensuing troubles - failure, exposure of contacts, etc. Therefore, their placement is planned in such a way as to minimize the threat of mechanical damage. You need to be especially careful about this when wiring externally, when the housing of the socket and switch are completely outside the wall.

The ease of use factor cannot be overestimated. A person uses both switches and sockets many times a day. If discomfort is experienced, the device must be reinstalled without shelving it. It is also important to remember that switches and sockets must be easily accessible. extreme situations. They should not be cluttered with furniture or installed in hard-to-reach places.

Video: inconvenient location of sockets and switches

Any interior is arranged according to the taste and aesthetic preferences of the inhabitants of the home. Sockets and switches are also part of the interior. Therefore, their “artistic” design has the right to exist. You can always choose the color, size and shape. Modern industry offers a wide and varied range of power supply and lighting control devices. With the help of imagination and imagination you can create unusual design solutions. But not at the expense of safety and ease of use!


Decorative design switch

It has been noticed that dogs avoid outlets and try to stay away from them. At the same time, cats, on the contrary, are favorable to electric fields and often rest on refrigerators, televisions and computers.

Safety precautions for DIY installation

During installation work, safety precautions must be observed.

On a scale home renovation it consists of three basic rules:


Preparation for installation, proper design

Installation and reinstallation begins with compiling detailed plan. It reflects the exact location of each device, dimensions and quantity. When developing a project, the location of power supply lines and distribution boxes. Choose correct height from the floor level. The more detailed the plan and the better it is tied to the “terrain”, the less costs will be needed for its implementation. Practice has shown that a well-thought-out project saves up to 20% of money and up to 30% of time.

Video: sockets in the kitchen

In order for the project to fully correspond to the real picture, it must reflect:

  1. Door and window openings.
  2. Location of furniture, household appliances and computer network.
  3. High-risk areas: water supply and gas pipelines.

It is very important to choose the correct cross-section of current-carrying cables. The total power of consumers should not exceed the throughput of the conductor. Sockets and switches are selected to be factory-made and with nominal characteristics corresponding to the network parameters. (230 V and 6 A).

In children's rooms, it is advisable to install sockets with automatic closing curtains. In the bathrooms there are devices with an IP 66 index (an indicator of maximum moisture resistance). Outside the house, it is recommended to use sockets equipped with a cover.


Sockets equipped with additional protective equipment are installed

You should also follow simple rules:

  1. Distance between switches and systems engineering communications- not less than 0.5 m.
  2. Distance from kitchen sink- not less than 0.8 m.
  3. The gap between the switch and the door (window) frame is from 0.1 m.
  4. For stationary electrical appliances (TV, washing and Dishwasher, computer) separate sockets are installed, located in close proximity to them.

For outdoor location

External wiring has a number of undeniable advantages. First of all, this is the accessibility of the entire power line and the relative ease of installation. For this type of wiring, there is no need to ditch the walls and install socket boxes at each point. In case of reformatting of the wiring, all lines can be quickly and easily dismantled without disturbing the appearance. Also easy to reassemble. The use of cable channels allows you to mobilely add new lines if necessary.


Installation of external wiring using cable channels

Cable routing in the form of twisted pairs on insulators gives the interior an originality in a “retro” style.


Laying cables in the form of twisted pairs

However, some characteristics unfavorably distinguish external wiring from hidden wiring. This is a greater risk of mechanical damage and contact with conductive (or flammable) wall surfaces. Therefore, additional protective measures are provided during installation. For example, each point must be equipped with a substrate made of dielectric material. And the distance of the wire from the wall should not be less than 10 mm. When choosing switches and sockets, you should give preference to those devices that are made of high-quality plastic and have a thick-walled body.

For hidden location

When settling in hidden wiring risks mechanical damage much lower. The mechanisms are installed inside the wall, the cables are “hidden” in specially prepared channels - grooves. Such work, of course, is more expensive and time-consuming, but it more than pays off in reliability and compact size. appearance. Required condition installation of a modern switch or socket - a socket box, which is plastic box round or rectangular shape.


Fixing the socket box with gypsum mortar

The socket box is fixed in the thickness of the wall using cement or gypsum mortar. When installing, pay attention to correct landing boxes, the edges of the socket box should not rise above the plane of the wall. To prevent the solution from getting into the inner space socket box, it is recommended to seal the holes with tape.

Established standards for location

At what level from the floor should sockets and switches be installed? There are significant disagreements among non-professionals on this matter, but the dispute is easily resolved by referring to regulatory documents.

Installation height according to PUE

Rules for installing electrical appliances are the main document for guidance when installing a home network.


Excerpt from the Rules for Installing Electrical Appliances

Requirements for placement according to GOST and SP

GOST R50571.11–96 focuses on installing switches and sockets in the bathroom at a distance of at least 60 cm from the shower door.


Location of sockets in bathrooms

In the Code of Rules (SP) 31–110–2003. The following information is provided.


Quote from Code of Practice 31–110–2003

Thus, it becomes clear that the installation height of sockets and switches in a residential area is not limited by strict rules.

Height according to “European standard”

Strictly speaking, the term "Eurostandard" is not a real standard. Rather, it denotes a certain type of design in which electrical equipment is placed in a certain way. Moreover, in fact, this type of installation is of North American origin. But since today the lion’s share of household appliances in our homes is imported, convenience for the sake of electrical outlets is placed precisely according to the rules of the “European standard”.


Placement options electrical devices according to the "European standard"

This is also due to the fact that Western manufacturers produce their products with short power cords. For example, most refrigerators cannot be connected to an outlet located at a height of 1 m from the floor. And using an extension cord comes with additional costs and safety risks. By American standards, it is more convenient to place switches at a level of 90 cm from the floor. This allows you to control the lighting without raising your hands. Sockets are installed at a height of 30–40 cm from the floor. In addition, a horizontal distance between sockets of 180 cm is provided.

Nuances of requirements in various institutions.

Some organizations engaged in specific activities are required to individual rules placement of switches and sockets.

  1. In nurseries, kindergartens, schools and camps summer holiday the height of the switches is determined at 1.8 m. The same level is determined for sockets.
  2. At enterprises Catering and trade sockets are installed at a height of 1.3 m. Circuit breakers- at a height of 1.3 – 1.6 m.
  3. It is prohibited to install light switches in potentially explosive buildings (including kitchens with gas stoves or columns).

DIY installation height of switches and sockets in an apartment

Wiring in the kitchen


Sockets and switches in the living room and bedroom

  • In the living room there is an outlet for powering the TV at a height of 1.3 m from the floor. At the same level it is customary to install an outlet for connecting a router. Low-current cables for the computer network and television antenna are also brought here.
    Location of the socket block at a height of 1.3 m from the floor level
  • Near desk place several sockets. One block, consisting of 2 or 3 sockets, is located at a level of 30 cm from the floor. And the second block - at a height of 15 cm from the tabletop level, for connection table lamp or charging a laptop (phone, tablet).
    The socket block is installed on an open wall space
  • The main chandelier or spotlights on the ceiling are controlled by a switch located at the entrance to the living room. As a rule, a switch with several keys is installed here - this allows you to vary the lighting intensity.
  • The bedroom is equipped with one general switch at the entrance and two switches on both sides of the double bed. They also install an outlet there so that you can charge your phone, connect an electronic alarm clock, etc. without getting out of bed. Convenient height - 0.7 m from the floor.
    Sockets are installed at a height of 0.7 m from the floor

Electrical power points in the bathroom

Due to high humidity And possible occurrence splashes, it is recommended to connect all sockets in the bathroom through an RCD. The distance from the washbasin and bathtub (shower stall) to the socket of less than 60 cm is prohibited.

  • washing machine - 1 m.;
  • water heating boiler - 1.8 m;
  • additional power point for a razor or hair dryer - 1.1 m.

In the bathroom it is recommended to install sockets with index IP 66

Light switches are installed outside, at the entrance to the bathroom.

Video: sockets in the kitchen

Carrying out work on replacing and moving electrical points independently involves direct contact with currents high voltage. Even the weak ones electric shocks sometimes lead to cardiac arrest or cause nervous disorders. Before starting work, you need to turn off the power supply to the apartment.