European standard sockets from the floor in the apartment. The height of sockets from the floor - what you need to know and take into account. New trends of the times - Eurostandard

What should be the height of the sockets from the floor? modern premises? The main requirement for this indicator is safety during operation of sockets and switches. That is, the height should be such that during use, sockets and switches are protected from mechanical damage and moisture.

Additionally, it is important to take into account the length of the wires of electrical appliances - the height of the power sources must be such that the wire is in a free position without tension.

Norms and standards

Today there are no strict rules regarding how to install sockets and switches, which does not limit the flight of imagination of designers when developing exclusive projects. Nevertheless, certain standards established by the PUE will have to be adhered to, at least to avoid ignition of the electrical wiring.

The maximum height for the location of power sources is no more than a meter from the floor, for switches - 1.5-1.7 m from the floor. These standards were used back in Soviet times.

Nowadays, the location of sockets and switches more often involves compliance with European standards, taking into account the characteristics of the room and the vision of the overall picture by the owner and designer. The height of sockets and switches is not categorical, but most often sockets are located at a distance of 30 to 40 cm from the floor, and switches - from 80 to 100 cm from the floor.

Both options have both advantages and disadvantages. Installation the old fashioned way with switches at shoulder level and sockets at a distance of 90-100 cm from the floor may seem most convenient to some. This option is as safe as possible for children.

In turn, from the ergonomics side, European standards open up more possibilities: You can use the switches without bothering, keeping your hand in a comfortable position.

As for the sources of electricity, in the “Soviet” version of installation they are more convenient because they are at an acceptable height - frequent switching on and off of devices will not require physical effort. On the other hand, devices that constantly operate from the mains without being turned off are best combined with power sources at a distance of 30-40 cm, which allows the wires to be masked.

Installation design

The following rules will help you correctly design the distance and location of power sources and switches:

  1. Calculate the height based on the design for placing electrical appliances and furniture in the room.
  2. Make a diagram of the placement of switches and sockets. It would be better if their number was provided with a reserve.
  3. Take into account maintaining constant access to frequently used power sources - do not obscure them with furniture and electrical appliances.
  4. The optimal distance from the floor for sockets on open areas of the walls is 30-40 cm. Their number should be such that when using a vacuum cleaner it is possible to clean all parts of the room.
  5. It is better to mount the socket above the bedside table, desk, chest of drawers at a height of no more than 20 cm from the surface of the furniture.
  6. Remember that the installation height of the switches largely depends on the side in which the doors will open.
  7. The location of switches and sockets also depends on the purpose of the room. It is most convenient when the switches are located at the entrance to vestibules or storage rooms, near the bed or sofa - in the bedroom and living room. As for height, the height indicators of the users of the room will play a certain role here.

Use these simple tips, install sockets and switches, not forgetting common sense and, most importantly, safety. And remember that a small error of a centimeter or two will not affect the final result.

Below we will consider rational options installation of switches and power supplies in premises depending on their purposes.

Kitchen preparation

The kitchen is a room where sockets play a particularly important role, if only because all the work here is based on the use of electrical appliances. Every day in the kitchen they turn on and off the oven, microwave, blender, food processor, coffee maker, juicer and other important components of a comfortable life modern man. The refrigerator, dishwasher, and some have a stove and freezer are constantly running from the mains.

In order for the location of sockets and the height of switches to be rational, design must begin with creating an accurate kitchen layout that takes into account the location of furniture and electrical appliances.

There are certain standards for installing sockets in the kitchen, adhering to which you can achieve maximum convenience and safety in the room during the operation of electrical appliances:

  1. Electricity sources for dishwasher, washing machine (if it is located in the kitchen) and refrigerator should be located at a distance of no more than 20 cm from the floor. This distance is optimal, taking into account the length of the wires of these electrical appliances.
  2. Sockets for small electrical appliances - mixer, kettle, blender - are more convenient to use if they are located low above the countertop work surface- 20-30 cm.
  3. For the hood, electric speaker in the kitchen, the socket can be mounted at a distance of two meters from the floor or higher.

If the kitchen has additional lighting V wall cabinets, then it would be correct to place the sockets for them at a distance of 5 to 10 cm above them.

But for built-in equipment, in addition to the requirements regarding the location of sockets and switches, you need to take care of access to them without restrictions.

Bathroom

The peculiarity of the bathroom is a high and constant level of humidity. Therefore, the installation height of sockets and switches must be designed taking into account the basic requirements of GOST and PUE.

Obviously, sockets are installed at a certain distance from the shower stall and sink. The distance between them should be at least a meter. As for height, here you need to take into account average length cords intended for the operation of electrical appliances. Below are recommendations regarding the height of electrical supplies in the bathroom:

  1. For a boiler and hood on the wall, the distance from the floor is at least 1.5 meters.
  2. For small electrical appliances (hair dryer, razor, etc.) - 1 meter.
  3. For built-in devices ( washing machine) - 20-30 cm from the floor.

Note! Sockets placed too low with an obvious violation of the PUE requirements above the floor are a risk of a short circuit during a possible “flood” in the bathroom.

Bedroom and living room

The installation of sockets and switches, no matter how many there are, both in industrial, office and residential premises, in addition to safety, must meet the requirements regarding the comfort of their use. If we talk about the bedroom, then it would be convenient to place one switch and socket on both sides of the bed.

The best option in this case is to install sockets at a distance of 70 cm from the floor. This distance will allow you to use a bedside lamp without the discomfort associated with a lack of wire, charge gadgets, and adjust the lighting level right in bed.

It is important to think about placement additional sources power supply in the work area and near dressing table, if there is one. At what height should the socket be installed in this case? A suitable height would be 30 cm from the floor near the desktop (a block of several sockets would be appropriate) and 15-20 cm from the surface of the dressing table for ease of use of small electrical appliances (hair dryer, curling iron, etc.).

In the living room, there must be several sockets behind the TV at a distance of one meter from the floor. Additionally, it will be necessary to provide sockets for other devices operating in the room, taking into account its division into functional areas. A backup outlet for an air conditioner, fan, humidifier or iron is always useful.

Installation according to the rules in premises for various purposes

The Electrical Installation Rules (ELR), mentioned above, represent certain requirements for the installation of switches and sockets in different types of rooms.

Plug sockets can be installed:

  1. In industrial premises, where the distance from the floor to the socket is from 0.8 to 1 meter; in case of supplying wires from the top of the wall, installation at a height of 1.5 meters is allowed.
  2. In administrative and office buildings, residential and laboratory premises at a height that is optimal for the interaction of sockets with electrical appliances, taking into account the features of the interior, but not higher than 1 meter. Installation on baseboards made of non-combustible materials is possible.
  3. In schools and kindergartens at a distance of 1.8 meters from the floor.

Switches for main lighting should be located at a distance of 0.8 to 1.7 meters from the floor in ordinary rooms, and in institutions for children - at a distance of 1.8 meters. A switch installed under the ceiling requires a cord to be connected to it.

In bathrooms, showers and other rooms with high humidity plug sockets can only be installed in hotel rooms and residential apartments. All switches and sockets in this case should be located at a distance of 0.6 meters in relation to the shower stall opening.

Plug-in power supplies in residential premises and places where children stay must be equipped with protective device, covering access to them when the plugs are removed.

The distance from sockets and switches to parts of electrical installations and gas pipelines should be 50 centimeters. Switches should be installed correctly on the wall at a height of up to a meter on the side door handle or under the ceiling with a cord.

An important point in conclusion: after finishing electrical installation work with the connection of sockets and switches in accordance with the PUE, it will be necessary to carry out electrical measurements. This will help to ensure safe operation of electrical appliances in the future and to identify possible failures in the operation of the electrical network.

The safety of using electricity in a house or apartment depends on proper electrical installation. Special attention It is worth paying attention 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 sockets also has 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 the installation of these electrical devices as follows:

  1. Industrial premises - elements of electrical fittings should be installed at a height of 0.8 - 1.0 meters. If it is possible to install the cable from above, then the installation height can be 1.5 m.


    For connecting powerful electrical installations in production premises Only sockets designed for this type of appliance are used.
  2. 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 ease of connection electrical appliances. If the plinth is made of fireproof material, then in such rooms the devices can be installed at floor level.


    Correct eyeliner electric cable, with this placement option, is carried out via an external cable channel.
  3. In various children's institutions, sockets are installed at a height of 1.8 meters.

  4. In retail premises and Catering power elements electrical fittings should be installed at a height of 1.3 m.
  5. Installation height in public buildings should be no more than 1 meter.
  6. is of great importance, and, despite the fact that this room is the most energy-dependent, it is not recommended to place 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 tabletop, and it is also necessary to correctly position these electrical fittings in relation to the water supply and gas pipes.
  7. 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 maintain the distance of this element from the water intake fittings, from water pipes and riser, and also completely eliminate the possibility of water splashing on the electrical fittings element.

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 installing a TV on the wall when the installation height of the device exceeds 1 meter. For convenience, you can use the installation 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.

Electrical fittings placed at this height make it easy to connect lamps that are installed on bedside table, or any other electrical appliances.
The height of the outlets for the TV that 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 socket; A - height of installation of the TV on the wall; B is the height of the TV.
The TV socket is located directly behind electronic device. If installed together with a TV optional equipment, 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 installation method allows you to hide the elements of electrical fittings. Sockets and switches do not add aesthetics to the room, so placing them at the bottom of the wall significantly 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, internal devices. In this case, the appearance of the bedroom or any other room will significantly improve.

The same rules apply for installing sockets in the office as for installing 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, the sockets should be placed at a low height so that the source installed on the floor uninterruptible power supply, could be placed without significant tension on the working wire, which, in most cases, does not exceed a length of 1 meter.

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.

Installation height of the socket in the children's room

In a children's room, if there are small children, it is better to install electrical fittings from the floor at the maximum permitted height or use devices equipped with protective curtains, or better yet, combine these two standards. In order to turn off the sockets in the children's room remotely, you can purchase and install a “smart socket”, which can be controlled using a phone or computer.

European standards for the installation height of sockets

Many building codes, “roam” along with technological innovations. In our country, the installation height of European standard sockets and switches often differs from the installation standards according to which construction organizations worked in the last century. In a modern living room, European standard electrical elements are installed at a height of 40 - 45 cm from the stove interfloor covering. The 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:

  1. They are located low and do not spoil the interior of the room.
  2. Even a 4-5 year old child can turn off the lights, if necessary.

You can make a socket below table level. In this case, it is very convenient to connect electrical devices while performing any actions at the workplace. The bottom connection will also allow the use of shorter extension cords, if necessary.
Devices installed at a low height according to the Euro standard, if there are small children in the house, must be equipped with protective curtains. Such devices, after removing the plug, reliably block access to the inside of the outlet.
The European standard only applies to living rooms, if it is necessary to install modern sockets in the kitchen, then in this case the height of the electrical fittings element 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.

See the video below for how to install the socket correctly:

Conclusion

At what height to make sockets is clear from this material, but for safe operation electrical devices, execution required large quantity standards and rules. The distance from the floor to the outlet usually does not exceed one meter for installation in the kitchen or bathroom, and 30 cm for residential premises. You can install sockets yourself, but in order to avoid accidents during work, you should turn off the power to the home electrical network. If you install elements of electrical fittings on our own If it is difficult, 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.

Since we are all smart people, we understand perfectly well that electricity does not like jokes, so you need to “play” with it according to strictly defined rules. In other words, according to certain standards that make it possible to make the coexistence of humans and electrical networks as comfortable and mutually beneficial as possible. Let's talk about at what height it should be mounted electrical sockets and switches to make it safe and convenient.

Height of sockets and switches: standards or common sense?

Almost anyone, even small redecorating premises includes if and not complete replacement existing electrical wiring, then at least its partial modernization. Such modernization usually consists of restoring inoperative sections of wiring, as well as moving existing points and adding new ones. And if directly laying wires, “tying” branch boxes, assembling electrical panels, etc. are tasks for specialists, then choosing places to place sockets and switches is the prerogative of the owners of the premises.

When it comes to planning the layout of electrical installations, owners have a question: are there any mandatory standards for this case?

As such, there are no strict and mandatory standards for the height of sockets and switches - neither in Russia nor in Europe. Therefore, they can be installed at any distance from the floor. However, four conditions must be met:

  1. It must be physically possible not only to install the “point” in the chosen location, but also to connect wires to it.
  2. The safe operation of the socket or switch must be ensured - common sense dictates that it is better not to install these products near sources of water, strong heat and, especially, open fire.
  3. The mounted socket (or switch) should be convenient to use - a switch under the sofa is as inappropriate as an socket on the ceiling.
  4. It is highly desirable to have the ability to quickly access the “point”. First of all, this concerns electrical outlets, which are often “hidden” behind furniture or household appliances.

If you do not take into account “specialized” premises (such as a kitchen, bathroom or bathroom), then usually the condition that determines the choice of location and height for installing the “point” is compliance with point No. 3. Simply put, wherever it’s convenient, we put it there. This is exactly how the notorious “European standard” appeared, which is not one at all - it is, in fact, simply the most frequently selected installation height:

  • For sockets - 20-40 cm from floor level;
  • For switches - optimally 80-100 cm from the floor level.

Height of sockets and switches

These figures are dictated by the following considerations: if the electrical point is located too low, there is a high chance of flooding it with water during wet cleaning floors And it’s often not very convenient to use - you have to bend down very low. If the socket is mounted much higher than 40 cm from the floor, the power cords of the electrical appliances included in it become too noticeable, which is quite unaesthetic, and from the point of view of most designers, even criminal.

For switches, the installation height is selected so that the power key falls “at hand” - for the average person this is just a little less than a meter from the floor.

An exception is children's rooms, where it is recommended that all electrical installations powered by a 220 V network should be placed at a height not less than 1.6 m from the floor level; however, this rule is not mandatory for the private residential sector.

A few words about “disposable” sockets

All of the above applies to electrical outlets, to which electrical equipment is systematically connected and disconnected. However, in every home there is a whole group of appliances that are used according to the “plug and forget” principle: these are refrigerators and freezers, air conditioners and water heaters, washing machines and even televisions.

Sockets for this household appliances usually designed in inconspicuous places. The height of the installation is absolutely not critical and is chosen solely for reasons of common sense - so that, if necessary, you can quickly get to it, but it does not “loom” in plain sight.

For example, electrical outlets for kitchen hoods, air conditioners and some shower cabins are installed at a height 1.8-2.5 m from the floor, for water heaters or wall-mounted TVs - 1.5-1.8 m, for microwave ovens and other kitchen appliances - 10-15 cm above the level of the working surface(countertops). Sockets for refrigerators and washing machines are usually installed below all - no higher than 60 cm from the floor.

When renovating 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, regarding 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, which 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.

Implemented now European standard allows 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 the 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 height 0.9-1 m from the floor so that, if necessary, it can be quickly turned off. But this arrangement spoils appearance kitchen, so the socket can be lowered, provided that it remains accessible.

Socket for exhaust fan it is best to place it close to it, but no less than in 20-25 centimeters from the ceiling.

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

When placing sockets in the kitchen, they should not be located:

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


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

Switch installation height

There are two options for installing switches.

  1. Installation at a distance of 160 centimeters from the floor level, as was customary in Soviet times. The switch is inaccessible to children, it will never be covered by furniture, and even for older people this option will be familiar.
  2. Installation at a distance of 90 centimeters from the floor, as modern standards allow. This option is more convenient, since using the switch does not require raising your hand.

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 of the door handle.

Mandatory requirements for installation distances

When choosing the installation height of switches and sockets, the determining factor is achieving comfort in the home. But at the same time, it is necessary that the conditions of the current rules and regulations determining the distances from the switch or socket are observed:

  • 0.5 m- before gas pipes, heating pipes and radiators;
  • 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 is installed separate rules.

Consider the location and dimensions of the furniture when choosing locations for installing switches and sockets. Access to them after the completion of repairs is blocked by cabinets or tables. Therefore, the layout of the electrical wiring and interior is developed jointly and carefully. After the repair is completed, it is impossible to move a switch or socket without major alterations, since the wiring is already sealed in the grooves and wallpaper is glued over it.

Lighting fixtures and electrical sockets are placed in all rooms of buildings under construction, apartments, and corporate offices in the most appropriate places to facilitate maximum ease of use.

The height of sockets from the floor is regulated building standards for the operation of industrial devices.

In contact with

Standards for installation of energy consumption units

Standards for installing sockets and switches, standard rules for electrical installations - PUE and SP 31-110-2003 require the installation of all electrical toggle switches for household use on the wall of the apartment on the side where the handle for opening the doors is located.

This makes it more comfortable for a person to turn on the lights and insert plugs into electrical appliances.

For electrical switches the rules prescribe a location at a distance from the flooring of up to one meter, in any convenient location on the plane of the room wall.

Quantity andlocation of sockets in the apartmentis not regulated in any way by standards. Until recently, Russian new buildings were equipped with electrical outlets for networks at a distance of 100 cm from the floor of the room.

Since the rules for installing sockets require only one parameter - height, they are often installed at different points in the room. The devices are located next to door jamb, in the middle of the walls, near . Often, new settlers, having received, alter the electrical networks at their own discretion.

Safety rules for placing sockets and switches

When installing electrical equipment, the following rules and regulations must be observed:

  1. The planned number of outputs for connecting electrical appliances must correspond to the volume of equipment that will receive power through them. To avoid subsequent cluttering of networks with a myriad of adapters and network extension cords, you should take into account all household electrical appliances - computers, irons, vacuum cleaners, children's network toys, devices for charging mobile phones. The installation height of sockets is allowed to a lower distance from the floor - less than one meter.
  2. When installing sockets on both sides of the common wall of the apartment, it is necessary to position them mirrored in relation to each other. In this case, they can be connected in parallel, making the connection through a solid niche in the wall. This connection was practiced in house construction in past years. In this case, the height of sockets and switches must correspond Russian standard– up to one meter.
  3. The connection of the common unit to the distribution network system must be carried out exclusively through machines with RCDs.

Eurostandard

The height of sockets from the floor according to the European standard differs from domestic parameters. These standards for the placement of switchgear in residential and office premises appeared in Russia only after perestroika, in the 90s of the last century.

In accordance with European regulationsdistance from the floor to the socket according to European standardsmay be different for different electrical devices.

When working in the lower zone of the apartment, it is most convenient to turn on the vacuum cleaner at a height of 30 cm from the floor. For computers and irons, the most comfortable height for inserting the plug into the socket is at the height of a person’s lowered hand. Therefore, the distance from the floor to the outlet for them should correspond to a height of 1 meter. Therefore, the European standard provides for a similar level for sockets in residential premises and offices.

Note! The European standard is considered more convenient option location of electrical switches in residential apartments and office premises. Connectors for vacuum cleaners allow you to connect machines when cleaning premises, without rising to a height of 1 meter. Light switches are much more comfortable to use when they are located at arm height.

How to install sockets

When installing electrical wiring, you should adhere to the following order:


Location and height of sockets in the kitchen

The number of places for connecting to the electrical network in the kitchen is directly proportional to the volume of equipment used. According to the rules electrical installations, the following household appliances must have their own branches:

  • electric stove;
  • washing machine;
  • dishwashing machine;
  • fridge;
  • oven with a power of more than 5 kW.

Important! Kitchen appliance consumers are equipped with their own branch working area: electric kettle, microwave oven, TV, mixer, coffee grinder, blender. Two machines - a dishwasher and a washing machine, installed in one kitchen unit, are connected to one branch protected by an RCD. The total power should not exceed 4 kW. It is not advisable to have both machines running at the same time.


For long term uninterrupted operation The refrigerator must be connected to its own power consumption branch
.

Select the appropriate plug and socket and install grounding.

The height of sockets in the kitchen is equal to the distance to the floor surface of 30 cm. This applies to gas stove, dishwasher, washing machine, oven.

For an electric kettle, microwave oven, blender, the height of the sockets above the countertop in the kitchen should be 15 cm.

Location and height of sockets in the bathroom

Used in bathrooms special devices with protection from moisture. They are equipped with rubber sealing rings. The outside of the case is closed with thick plastic curtains. Electrical outlets in the bathroom are located according to a safe scheme:

  • the room is divided into zones: 0 – critical, 1 – dangerous, 2 – less dangerous, 3 – neutral;
  • the height of sockets in the bathroom in these areas must be at least 60 cm;
  • there must be at least 60 cm from the connection point to the nearest water source.

Electrical installation devices can be installed in zones 2 and 3 in compliance with all safety measures.

Useful video: how to correctly position sockets in height

The correct location of sockets and switches in the apartment contributes to the rational consumption of electricity, compliance with all safety regulations and fire safety. Thoughtful, technically competent installation of all sources of electrical energy creates convenience for their use, long-term and reliable operation.