When performing electrical work, the height of the outlets from the floor and the level of location of the switches are important. Ergonomic location of power points makes the house more comfortable, convenient for every tenant, including toddlers and people with disabilities.
Regulated Standards
The level of location of power points is prescribed in the instructions of the PUE, GOST, SP. When performing work, it is worth following the given standards.
PUE recommendations
The regulation looks like this:
- from the gas pipeline and heating batteries, the power points are removed at least 40 cm;
- switch height from the floor - 1 m;
- in the bathroom, the plug sockets are moved 60 cm from the shower, sink, bidet or bath;
- from the door jamb, the power points are moved away by 10-15 cm.
When installing power points in the bathroom, it is imperative to connect them through an RCD.
GOST and SP requirements
Requirements for the installation of sockets and switches according to state standards:
- the location of the sockets and switches the owner of the house / customer determines himself;
- 4 m2 of living space should have one supply point;
- in the corridor - one for every 10 m2.
The joint venture also spells out certain standards for the implementation of electrical work:
- the switches in the rooms are recommended to be raised from the floor at a level of 1-1.5 m;
- if the question is about child care facilities - the distance is increased to 1.8 m;
- power sockets at catering points, food production are mounted from the floor at a height of 1-1.3 m.
If desired, the master can familiarize himself with regulatory documents in detail and select the optimal level of location of sockets / switches for a specific object.
Installation of power points according to the European standard
According to European electrical installation standards that have recently gained popularity, it is better to install all switches at a height of 90 cm from the floor, and sockets - 30 cm. This location of power points is considered convenient for everyone living in the house or guests. The light intensity can be controlled without looking, just by reaching out a hand. Electrical appliances are installed without unattractively laid or hanging wires.
Soviet standards
According to the standards of the former USSR, the height of the installation of outlets was equal to 0.9 m from the floor. The switches were mounted at a level of 1.6 m. Until now, electricians prefer just such a layout of power points, unless the project provides for other options.
Soviet installation standards have a number of advantages:
- all switches and sockets are located in visible accessibility for adult family members;
- children cannot reach the feeding point, which ensures safety;
- accidental pressing of the switch is excluded;
- mounted furniture does not block access to the lighting keys.
According to Soviet standards, the plugs of electrical appliances are inserted without the need to bend once again.
Location Ergonomics
Experienced masters before determining the installation height of sockets and switches are advised to take into account some points and do the following:
- Make a detailed plan of the arrangement of furniture, all household appliances and lighting points in the room. Be sure to put the proposed sockets / switches on the drawing.
- Take into account the average growth of residents or office workers.
- Arrange on the diagram all the power points (for office equipment, the Internet, household appliances, lamps, sconces) so that they are accessible to the user and at the same time hidden from the eyes whenever possible. This is especially true for stationary appliances (TV, computer, refrigerator, washing machine, etc.).
- At beds, bedside tables, dressers, food points are made 20 cm above the plane of the furniture.
- For open sections of walls, the height of the sockets from the floor according to European standards is 30 cm. This is especially true for equipment used periodically (vacuum cleaner, portable fan, etc.).
- Switches are best placed on the side of the door handle at a distance of 10-15 cm from the jamb. It is comfortable and ergonomic. The final height of the circuit breakers is determined empirically. Usually it is 80-100 cm.
- By type of room, all the switches are positioned with maximum convenience for the user. In the bedroom and living room, it is necessary to ensure that the person controls the lighting without getting up from the sofa bed.
- For the corridor of the apartment / house / office, it is better to make food points at the beginning and at the end of the room.
With a clearly defined plan, the master has the opportunity to visually assess the future result of the work performed, if necessary, change something else at the planning stage.
Rules for the location of electric points in different rooms
Bathroom Power Points
A bathroom is a room with high humidity. Therefore, it is extremely important to know at what height to make sockets and switches so that they do not pose a danger.
The main prohibitions are the installation of power points under the sink, bidet, bathtub. Sockets must be separated from them by at least 60 cm to prevent accidental ingress of water. The switch is preferably done outside the premises or also away from washing items. It is advisable to power the lamps and sconces at the mirror through a cord or a key-switch from the side opposite to the sink / bath.
Living room
For a TV and a music center, it is better to make a power outlet at a height of 90-140 cm. The distance from the floor to the switch should be at least 0.9 m. If an air conditioner is to be installed, the power point under it is brought out at a level of 20-40 cm from the ceiling.
Kitchen
There are several standards for the location of power points in this room. They vary depending on the technique used:
- First level. It implies the installation of sockets at a height of 10-15 cm from the floor. A powerful oven, an electric stove, a freezer, a refrigerator, a waste shredder are connected here. The convenience of this arrangement is that after installing the built-in kitchen, it will be impossible to get to the outlets in any other way, through cabinets or a table from below.
- Second level. Here they mount a whole block of outlets at a level of 110-130 cm from the floor in the area of the kitchen apron. Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to successfully connect an electric kettle, a blender, a microwave oven, a mixer and other small household appliances that are convenient to use on a work surface.
- Third level. Mount power points to connect an electric hood, TV, backlight. The height of the location is 2-2.5 meters from the floor.
The switch is located immediately at the door at a convenient height for the user. As a rule, it is close to European standards and is 90-110 cm.
Bedroom
The rest room is recommended to adhere to such standards:
- On both sides of the double bed (regardless of its size) they make a double socket and a two-gang switch. They are located 70 cm from the baseboard. This allows the resting person, without getting out of bed, to control the lighting, put on charge a mobile phone, read a book under a night lamp.
- The main switch is placed in the room immediately upon entry.
- If the bedroom has a dressing table, on both sides of it at a height of 70-90 cm, make an outlet for connecting a sconce or hairdryer.
All food points in the bedroom are arranged in accordance with the selected set of furniture. It is possible that it will be non-standard. Especially often this happens when arranging a bedroom for a person with disabilities or when developing a design project.
Children
Even 10 years ago, experts recommended placing all food points as high as possible in children's rooms. This ensures the safety of the child and eliminates the likelihood of contact with the electrical network. Today, all sockets are equipped with special locking caps. To raise them, the baby needs effort. Therefore, such sockets can be mounted according to the European standard.
The switch in the child’s room is made according to his height. It is advisable to establish an adjustable power point, with which you can increase or decrease the intensity of artificial lighting. Under the night light, it is better to install a separate standard outlet with a cover.
Cabinet
This room requires more power points. At least one block must be located in close proximity to the table. Through it will be connected a personal computer, monitor, router, printer and copier, audio speakers. The block is located 30 cm from the floor. How many power points it will include, the master decides for himself, depending on the amount of future equipment.
If there is a library in the office, you must mount the socket under the floor lamp. It is installed in the reading area. The power point for the floor lamp is also made at the euro level of 0.3 m.
On the free wall there will be 1-2 more sockets. They are used to connect temporary equipment.
In the presence of common sense and a clear arrangement of furniture in the room, the master can safely design the levels of the location of sockets / switches at his discretion.
