Switch mounting standards. How to install the socket correctly, at what height from the floor: norms, safety requirements

When repairing apartments or replacing electrical wiring, the question arises at what height from the floor to install sockets and switches.

There are two standards that determine the installation height: the old Soviet GOST and the European standard, the requirements of which have now been added to modern Russian rules and standards. In addition, in the matter of the location of sockets and switches, they are guided by common sense and ease of use.

The placement of electrical equipment in the bathroom is regulated by separate requirements that should not be neglected for safety reasons.

Socket installation height

During the construction of buildings in Soviet time sockets were installed at a height 90 centimeters from the floor, which was not always convenient.

Introduced now European standard allows the installation of sockets at a height of at least 30 centimeters from the floor. This option is more convenient in cases where the socket needs to be hidden behind furniture: under computer desk, TV stand, behind a chair. But in the kitchen, it is most rational to place sockets above the surface of the tables, so they are more accessible.

socket for electric stoves installed at a height 0.9-1 m from the floor so that it can be quickly turned off if necessary. But this arrangement spoils appearance kitchen, so the socket can be lowered, provided that it remains accessible.

socket for exhaust fan best placed near it, but no less than in 20-25 centimeters from the ceiling.

Also in the immediate vicinity it is advisable to install an outlet for WiFi router. It is usually located in the hallway so as not to extend the cable for connecting to the Internet deep into the apartment. To connect to this cable, you can install a special socket next to the power outlet, and next to the TV - a socket for connecting a TV cable.

When arranging sockets in the kitchen, they should not be allowed to be located:

• behind the cases of built-in equipment;
• inside cabinets;
• above the sink
• above the stove.

Read a selection of articles about installing sockets in the apartment:

Mounting height of switches

There are two options for installing switches.

1. Installation at a distance of 160 centimeters from the floor level, as was accepted in Soviet times. The switch is not accessible to children, furniture will never close it, and this option will be familiar to older people.
2. Installation at a distance of 90 centimeters from the floor as modern standards allow. This option is more convenient, since raising your hand is not required to operate the switch.

When using any option, the switches must be placed at a distance of 15-20 cm from the slope outside or inside the room from the side door handle.

Mandatory requirements for installation distances

When choosing the installation height of switches and sockets, the determining factor is the achievement of comfort in the house. But at the same time, it is necessary that the conditions of the current rules and regulations that determine the distance from the switch or outlet are observed:

• 0.5 m- before gas pipes, heating pipes and batteries;
• 10 cm- to window and door openings;
• 10 cm- to the corner of the room;
• 0.8 m- to the kitchen sink.

And remember: the location of electrical equipment in the bathroom installed separate rules .

Consider the location and dimensions of furniture when choosing where to install switches and sockets. Access to them after the repair is completed is blocked by cabinets or tables. Therefore, the layout of electrical wiring and the interior is developed jointly and carefully. At the end of the repair, it is impossible to move the switch or socket without global alterations, since the wiring is already embedded in the strobes and wallpaper is glued on top of it.

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

Regulated standards

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

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

The regulation looks like this:

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

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

GOST and SP requirements

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

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

The joint venture also prescribes certain standards for electrical work:

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

If desired, the master can familiarize himself with normative documents and choose the optimal level of location of sockets / switches for a particular object.

Installation of power points according to the European standard

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

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

Soviet installation standards have a number of advantages:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rules for the location of electrical outlets in different rooms

Bathroom food points



Location of sockets in the bathroom

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

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

Living room

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

Kitchen

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

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

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

Bedroom



An example of the location of electrical points near the bed

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

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

Children's

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

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

Cabinet



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

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

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

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

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

The installation height of sockets from the floor must be such that there is no threat to them. mechanical damage and water ingress. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that the cords of electrical appliances must be reached to connect to the network, because it is not advisable to use extension cords for safety reasons. Next, we will look at the most best places location of electrical fittings, as well as existing standards that must be adhered to!

Dispelling a modern myth

Many novice electricians are very interested in the question of what should be the installation height of sockets from the floor according to the European standard. The fact is that the so-called European standard regarding the location of electrical "points" does not exist. The myth went back to the time when they just started to do renovations, according to which products are installed at a height of 30 cm above the floor. This distance was chosen only for reasons of practicality and there is no regulatory documentation prohibiting the choice of a different distance.

At the same time, the rules of the PUE stipulate some requirements for the height of the sockets in the bathroom, which is associated with protection against damage. electric shock. About this mention, in fact, as well as about some points of the GOST and SP standard, we will talk further. Well, since we have already touched on this issue, we cannot fail to mention the Soviet standard, according to which the minimum distance from the floor was 90 cm. This value was justified by the fact that with such an arrangement, the object will always be in the field of view of a person.

Existing references in regulations

As we have already said, in some documentation you can find at what height from the floor it is more correct to make sockets and switches.

In order to familiarize you with these references, we present them in a visual form:

As you can see, there are no words about any prohibition in the rules, so we recommend that you rely only on the recommendations that we have provided below. The tips combined both the requirements of safety and practicality at the same time!

So, let's look at what height it is better to install sockets for each specific room in the apartment, as well as for the most popular household appliances.

Kitchen

In the kitchen, the standard installation height of sockets should be as follows:

• For , washing and dishwasher: 10-20 cm from the floor. This value is the most optimal, in relation to the length of the electrical cord from the equipment. Some manufacturers produce household appliances with a short cord that does not even reach half a meter up.
• 20 cm above the countertop (in the area of ​​​​the kitchen apron), a total of about 110 cm from the floor. This mark will be optimal for connecting small-sized kitchen appliances, which are often located right on the table: microwave, kettle, mixer, slow cooker, etc.
• To install the hood, you need to connect the outlet at a height of at least 2 meters from the floor.

In a visual video tutorial, tips are provided on where it is better to place electrical accessories:

Video instructions for installing electrical wiring in the kitchen

Bathroom

This room has high humidity, so the height of the sockets from the floor in the bathroom should be chosen wisely. Here we must be guided not only by the interior of the room, but also based on the requirements in accordance with GOST and PUE.

You yourself understand that it is strictly forbidden to mount products near water, therefore, at least 60 cm, preferably a meter, must be retreated from the sink, shower cabin and other objects. The recommended height should also be practical so that the cord from a hair dryer, electric razor, or the same washing machine was not tight.

• for on the wall - 1.5 meters;
• for a hair dryer and a razor - 1 meter;
• washing machine - not less than half a meter.

Here, too, attention should be paid to important nuance- it is not necessary to place products lower than 15 cm from the floor! This is due to the fact that the bathroom is prone to small floods, which happen both when household appliances malfunction and when the owners are forgetful. To prevent the flooding of the room from becoming a threat to life (if water gets into the outlet), you need to place electrical fittings at a safe height, at least not lower than 15 cm.

Bedroom

Everything is simple here, we have one electrical point by the bed, next to the bedside table - for connecting charger phone or nightlight. And the other according to the European standard - 30 cm above the flooring.

Another one should be for a reserve - for example, to connect a vacuum cleaner during cleaning or an air conditioner / fan. If you decide to either install it on a bedside table, then the connection point for the electrical cord can be placed behind the screen, which will hide all the wires behind it. To power the computer, it is desirable to install an outlet near the desktop, at a height of 30 cm from the floor.

As for the concerns of some "specialists" who claim that the backup socket should be placed high from small children, these are all outdated concerns. To date, there are products with protective shutters and covers that will prevent dangerous contact.

Summing up

Here we have provided useful advice about at what height it is more correct and safer to make sockets. Finally, I would like to add a very important nuance that will help you determine the exact location of each electrical point.

Before you start chasing the walls and installing electrical wiring in the house, draw up a diagram on which mark the following elements:

• the exact location of all the furniture in the room;
• types of household appliances with their exact location;
• areas of passage of gas and water supply;
• the route of passage of electrical wiring along the walls;
• windows and doorways.

Already on the created scheme, select the most suitable height for installing sockets from the floor, so you definitely will not lose.

Otherwise, the installed electrical accessories after furniture arrangement can be closed by objects or be at a considerable distance from them. If this happened in your case, then we advise you not to buy it in the store!

materials

Proper placement of sockets is very important to increase reliability, improve comfort and the correct distribution of electricity in the room. Therefore, most people, when replacing wiring, ask themselves a reasonable question: “at what height from the floor should I make an outlet?”. Today we will try to answer this question exhaustively, providing all the necessary and useful information for you that may be useful when installing sockets in a residential area.

Naturally, young people are striving for a more modern "European standard" in order to keep up with the latest fashion trends. The old guard, on the other hand, prefers the “Soviet standard”, when the socket is placed at a height of about 1 meter, at waist level. It is worth mentioning right away that there is no “European standard”. There is only a small list of restrictions that exist solely to ensure fire safety.

In the USSR, sockets were placed at a height of about 90 cm above the floor, which corresponded to the then standard. This method can compete with the so-called "European standard", since it has many advantages:

• Small children cannot access the outlet, because it is at a high enough height;
• This location is very convenient when there is a need for an outlet for an air conditioner or any other appliances that do not require constant plugging in;
• An adult does not need to bend down to plug in an electrical appliance.

Height of sockets according to the "European standard"

This method is gaining more and more popularity in the post-Soviet space. Sockets are placed at a height of 30 cm from the floor, which also has some positive aspects:

• Due to the rather low location of the socket, the wires do not interfere with free movement around the room;
• The appearance of the room is not spoiled by wires from electrical appliances “hanging” everywhere.

Rules for the installation of electrical installations (PUE)

PUE regulates the placement of outlets as follows:

• You can install sockets in the bathroom of an apartment or hotel room, but only together with a residual current device (RCD) or an isolation transformer;
• The socket should not be placed closer than 0.6 m to the shower door;
• Each group of outlets that is located in the apartment must have an RCD;
• It is forbidden to install electrical equipment closer than 0.5 m to the gas installation;
• It is forbidden to place in baths and saunas.

SP and GOST requirements

The correct placement of the outlet follows from following these rules:

• One socket is installed for every 4 m of the perimeter of the living room;
• The owner of a private or one-room house himself determines how many outlets need to be installed;
• One outlet is placed for every 10 sq. m area of ​​the corridor (it is better to install switches at both ends of the corridor).

There are no clear rules at what height sockets should be installed in the kitchen. But there is a certain standard that has been formed on the basis of standardized sizes of kitchen furniture. According to this standard, sockets are placed on three levels.

First level. standard height placement in the kitchen - 10-15 cm from the floor. Great for various electrical appliances such as: dishwasher, refrigerator, electric stove and more.

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

Third level. It is characterized by the placement of sockets at a height of 200-250 cm. A stool may be required for easy access to them.

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

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

• For a hair dryer, a razor and other small electrical appliances, it is recommended to install an outlet at a height of 1.1 m;
• Washing machine - 1 m;
• Water heater - 1.8 m.

In the bedroom, sockets are installed on both sides near the double bed in order to connect electrical appliances to the network without getting up. It is also recommended to place switches nearby.

At a height of 30 cm, a socket for a vacuum cleaner is installed, the cord from which should be able to stretch freely in any direction. Near the table there are sockets for a computer or other equipment.

In other rooms

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

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

Own standard

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

You can install sockets at home at your discretion, but following the rules described above. Therefore, it is not necessary to adopt any of the standards. You can place sockets based on your own convenience of use.

It is necessary to choose a location that will allow the use of various electrical appliances without any problems. For example, the most convenient placement of bedside sockets is 70 cm. At this height, it is quite comfortable to use a gadget that is connected to the network.

It is better to place sockets for the TV closer to the floor, behind the TV itself, so that the wires do not interfere with movement. A convenient location is needed in order not to use extension cords.

Conclusion

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

Photo of the optimal placement of sockets in height

Every nuance of the process of conducting any type of communication has its own meaning. The same applies to the height of the outlet from the floor level of a private house or apartment. It should prevent the likelihood of mechanical damage, as well as the ingress of unwanted moisture.

With all this, it is important to remember that the outlet must be accessible and convenient for connecting cords. electrical appliances. What specific location of the outlet is the most optimal and what standards regulate this aspect?

Down with myths and fiction

Most electricians who have recently worked in the profession, faced with the procedure for replacing wiring, are interested in what should be the mounting height of electrical outlets according to European standards. But the most interesting thing is that this "European standard" as such does not exist. The myth about it originated at a time when such a concept as "European-quality repair" had just appeared and sockets were installed at a height of thirty centimeters above the floor. It was this distance that was chosen for reasons of manufacturability of further operation. With all this, there were absolutely no documents regulating this process.

According to the rules of the PUE, only some norms and requirements were stipulated regarding the height of the sockets in the bathroom. It goes without saying that this is due to measures of protection against electric shock to a person. Just about this mention, as well as some points of the GOST and SP standards, will be discussed further.

Of course, one cannot help but recall the standard of the Soviet era, which regulated the minimum height for placing such products from the floor. It was at that time ninety centimeters. It was this value that was chosen based on the necessary constant location of the outlet in the field of view of a person.

What do the regulations say?

If you try, you can find documentation that talks about the distance from the floor to the outlet, or the switch.

Mounting height and location of outlets

Regarding the installation of sockets, the regulations say the following:

• in those rooms in which the level of humidity is quite high (this can be bathrooms, showers, as well as saunas), sockets are installed at a height of one meter above the floor. Installation in the shower cabin itself is strictly prohibited;
• the installation of both switches and sockets must be carried out at least six tenths of a meter from the doorway of the shower room (the socket must be connected through a protective device);
• in a residential area, such products are installed at a height of two to three tenths of a meter (from the floor surface). If there are small children in the family, sockets must be equipped with protective shutters;
• if this is a kitchen - the device is installed at a height of one and three tenths of a meter from the floor level, however given parameter may be subject to change, taking into account the location of the furniture.

It must also be remembered that the minimum allowable distance from gas communications to the outlet must be at least half a meter.

Switch location

Speaking of switches, it is worth noting that their installation gives rise to a lot of various arguments and disputes. Someone talks about the need for their location at the level of the hand, someone about their installation at the level of the human shoulder.

In Soviet times, switches were placed exactly at shoulder height, which is approximately 170-180 centimeters. Now their installation takes place according to the so-called European standard - at the level of the lowered hand (slightly less than a meter from the floor) from the side of the door handle (at a distance of ten centimeters from the opening). It is this format that many find more comfortable.

With regards to the rules dictated by the PUE. They do not contain specific instructions on the topic of the location of switches. But it must be remembered that any products of this nature must be at a distance of at least 0.6 meters from the opening of the shower door. It is also important to know that the minimum allowable distance from the switch, socket and similar device, as mentioned above, should not be less than half a meter from the gas pipeline.

In general, when installing such devices in your own house or apartment, you should be guided by the principles of convenience and practicality of their operation, not forgetting about safety.

And now let's consider separately at what height to install sockets and switches in each specific room.

Kitchen

The standard installation height of outlets in the kitchen is approximately as follows:

• When installing sockets under a refrigerator or washing machine, it is recommended to mount them at a height of 10-20 cm from the floor, as many manufacturers of household appliances make very short power cords that do not exceed half a meter in length.
• To connect small household appliances, such as a microwave, multicooker or kettle, it is best to install the socket 10-15 cm above the countertop (100-110 cm from the floor, depending on the height of the countertop), since most often it stands directly on the table .
• We install the outlet for the hood almost to the ceiling, 2x from the floor. You can mount the outlet just above the upper kitchen cabinets so that it is not visible.

Bathroom

The bathroom is wet! (Cap!) Therefore, the installation of sockets must be thought out so that everything is safe and complies with the rules of GOST and PES.

From the sink and shower cabin, it is best to take the socket at least 50-60 cm, and preferably a meter, so that accidental splashes do not fall into it. Choose the installation height yourself so that it is convenient for you and the cord of the same washing machine is not tight. But keep in mind that floods periodically occur in the bathroom, accidental or due to malfunctions - it doesn’t matter, so it’s better to raise the sockets from the floor higher, at least 15-20 cm from the floor.

Bedroom

In the bedroom, everything is much simpler - we place and install sockets in a way that is convenient for you. One outlet can be mounted right next to the bed, for example, above the bedside table, to connect the same alarm clock or phone charger. Prudently, we advise you to install a pair of sockets here, since two chargers may be needed. Or it is reasonable to make another same outlet on the other side of the bed.

If you decide to hang a TV on the wall, then the socket can be made so that it is behind the screen so that the wires do not stick out and do not spoil the view.

Also, be sure to consider additional sockets for air conditioning (if there is one or will be) or for a floor lamp, into which, if necessary, you can connect the same vacuum cleaner.

Let's say right away about the fears that sockets need to be made higher from small children - this is an old and stupid myth. Today, there are special sockets with shutters and covers on sale that will not allow the child to climb into it. As a last resort, special “plugs” for sockets are sold in children's stores.