Standard height of sockets and switches from the floor. Installation height of sockets - standards, placement rules, diagrams and do-it-yourself connection options. Standards for installing sockets and switches

The installation height of sockets from the floor should be such that there is no threat of mechanical damage or water getting inside. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that the cords of electrical appliances must be taken out to connect to the network, because it is not advisable to use extension cords for safety reasons. Next we will look at the most optimal 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 height should be for installing 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 dates back to the times when European-quality renovations had just begun, according to which products were installed at a height of 30 cm above floor level. This distance was chosen only for reasons of practicality and no regulatory documentation, which prohibits the choice of a different distance does not exist.

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

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.

So that you are familiar with these references, we provide 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 combine both safety and practicality requirements 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

Standard installation height in the kitchen plug 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 electrical cord from technology. Some manufacturers produce household appliances with a short cord that will not even reach half a meter up.
20 cm above the countertop (in the area of the kitchen apron), a total of approximately 110 cm from the floor. This mark will be optimal for connecting small kitchen appliances, which are often located right on the table: microwave oven, kettle, mixer, multicooker, etc.
To install the hood, you need to connect the socket at a height of at least 2 meters from the floor.

IN visual video The lesson provides advice on where it is best to place electrical accessories:

Video instructions for installing electrical wiring in the kitchen

Bathroom

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

You yourself understand that attaching products near water is strictly prohibited, therefore you need to retreat at least 60 cm from the sink, shower stall and other objects, meter is better. The recommended height mark should also be practical, so that the cord from a hair dryer, electric razor or the same washing machine was not a stretch.

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

Here you should also pay attention to the very important nuance– there is no need 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 occur both when household appliances malfunction and when the owners forget. To prevent room flooding from becoming a threat to life (if water gets into the socket), you need to place electrical fittings at a safe height, at least not lower than 15 cm.

Bedroom

Everything is simple here, we place one electrical point by the bed, next to bedside table– for connection charger phone or night light. And the other according to the European standard is 30 cm above the floor covering.

Another one should be for reserve - for example, to connect a vacuum cleaner during cleaning or an air conditioner/fan. If you decide to either install it on the 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 advisable to install an outlet near the desktop, at a height of 30 cm from the floor.

As for the concerns of some “experts” who claim that the backup socket should be placed higher away from small children, these are all outdated concerns. Today, there are products with protective curtains and covers that will prevent dangerous contact.

Let's sum it up

So we provided useful recommendations about at what height it is more correct and safe 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 gating walls and installing electrical wiring in the house, draw up a diagram on which you mark the following elements:

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

Already on the created diagram, select the most suitable height for installing the sockets from the floor, so you definitely won’t go wrong.

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

Materials

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, when it comes to 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.

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.
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 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.

By doing electrical installation work The height of the sockets from the floor and the level of the switches are important. The ergonomic location of food outlets makes the house more comfortable and convenient for every resident, including children and people with disabilities. 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 specified in the instructions of PUE, GOST, SP. When performing work, you should be guided by the given standards.

The regulations look like this:

Power points are removed from the gas pipeline and heating radiators by at least 40 cm;
switch height from the floor - 1 m;
in the bathroom, plug sockets are moved 60 cm away from the shower stall, sink, bidet or bathtub;
from door jamb The feeding points are moved back 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 installing sockets and switches according to state standards:

the location of sockets and switches is determined by the home owner/customer himself;
There should be one power point per 4 m2 of living space;
in the corridor - one for every 10 m2.

The joint venture also prescribes certain standards for performing electrical installation work:

It is recommended to raise switches in rooms 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 points Catering, food production mounted from the floor at a height of 1-1.3 m.

If desired, the master can familiarize himself in detail with regulatory documents and pick up optimal level locations of sockets/switches for a specific facility.

Installation of power points according to European standards

According to the recently popular European electrical installation standards, it is better to mount all switches at a height of 90 cm from the floor, and sockets - 30 cm. This location of power points is considered convenient for all residents or guests in the house. The lighting intensity can be controlled without looking, simply by extending your hand. Electrical appliances are installed without unattractively laid or hanging wires.

According to 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 this particular arrangement of power points, unless the design provides for other options.

Soviet installation standards have a number of advantages:

all switches and sockets are located within visible reach of adult family members;
children cannot reach the power 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 again.

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

Experienced craftsmen, before determining the installation height of sockets and switches, advise taking into account some points and doing the following:

Draw up a detailed layout diagram of the furniture, all household appliances and lighting points in the room. Be sure to include the proposed sockets/switches on the drawing.
Take into account the average height of the premises' residents or office employees.
Arrange all power points on the diagram (for office equipment, Internet, household appliances, lamps, sconces) so that they are accessible to the user and at the same time hidden from view as much as possible. This is especially true for stationary devices (TV, computer, refrigerator, washing machine and etc.).
For beds, bedside tables, and chests of drawers, power points are made 20 cm above the plane of the furniture.
For open sections of walls, the height of 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 convenient and ergonomic. The final height of the switches is determined experimentally. 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, and, if necessary, change something else at the planning stage.

Rules for the location of electrical points in different rooms

Bathroom power points

Location of sockets in the bathroom

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

The main prohibitions are installing power points under the sink, bidet, and bathtub. The sockets must be separated from them by 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. It is advisable to power the lamps and sconces near the mirror through a cord or a key switch on the side opposite the sink/bathtub.

Living room

For a TV and music center, it is better to make the socket 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 installed, the power point under it is installed at a level of 20-40 cm from the ceiling.

Kitchen

There are several standards for placing food outlets in this room. They vary depending on the technique used:

First level. It involves installing sockets at a height of 10-15 cm from the floor. A powerful oven, electric stove, freezer, refrigerator, waste shredder. The convenience of this arrangement is that after installing a 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. A whole block of sockets is installed here at a level of 110-130 cm from the floor in the area 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. Install power points for connecting an electric hood, TV, and lighting. The height of the location is 2-2.5 meters from the floor.

The switch is located right next to 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 the double bed (regardless of its size) there are double sockets and two-button switch. They are placed 70 cm from the baseboard. This allows a resting person to control the lighting and recharge without getting out of bed. mobile phone, read a book under a night light.
The main switch is placed in the room immediately at the entrance.
If the bedroom has dressing table, on both sides of it at a height of 70-90 cm there is a socket for connecting a sconce or hair dryer.

All power points in the bedroom are located in accordance with the selected set of furniture. It is quite possible that it will be non-standard. This happens especially often 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 points as high as possible in children's rooms. This ensures the safety of the child and eliminates the possibility of his contact with the electrical network. Today, all plug sockets are equipped with special locking covers. It takes effort for the baby to lift them. Therefore, such sockets can be installed in accordance with 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 of artificial lighting. It is better to install a separate standard socket with a cover under the night light.

Cabinet

For expensive equipment it is necessary to provide a system of protection against voltage surges

This space requires more power points. At least one block must be placed in close proximity to the table. Through it will be connected Personal Computer, monitor, router, printer and copier, audio speakers. The block is placed 30 cm from the floor level. The master decides how many power points it will include, depending on the amount of future equipment.

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

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

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

Old standard and new fashion trends.
Arranging new house, or changing the wiring in old apartment, the owners ask themselves: “At what height should sockets and switches be?” Representatives of the older generation may prefer the old-fashioned arrangement of switches, at shoulder level, and the height of sockets not lower than waist level.

Young people, exposed to the trends of fashionable concepts, will focus on the European standard when resolving this issue. It’s worth mentioning right away that the so-called “European standard” does not exist in the official rules governing the connection and location of data indoors electrical devices, there are only a few restrictions regarding their placement, regarding fire and electrical safety.

Requirements PUE (rules for electrical installations)

According to clause 7.1.48 of these rules and GOST R 50571.11, it is allowed to install sockets in bathrooms if there is an isolation transformer or a residual current device (RCD) with a current setting of no more than 30 mA.

Zones of different electrical safety

At the same time, there is a division of the bathroom into electrical safety zones relative to the source of splashing (shower, bathtub, washbasin). Sockets with a protective cover can only be installed in the third zone, which is located at least 60 cm away from the source of splashes.

location electrical outlets and other network elements

The same rules apply for the kitchen (no closer than 60 cm to the washbasin), and clause 7.1.50 also applies, which requires that the location of switches and sockets be no closer than 0.5 m to the gas pipeline.

location of sockets in the kitchen

Own standard

Since there are no other rules, you need to install sockets and switches in your house or apartment according to the restrictions described above, but according to your own “European standard”.

In this context, this word only denotes the concept of their installation with maximum convenience, comfort, ergonomics and safety for the user, and it is these criteria, and not a fixed height of location, that determine the so-called “European standard”.

For example, builders in the post-Soviet space believe that according to this standard, sockets must be installed at a height of 30 cm from the floor almost without fail. But, in fact, this is not so - the height and location of the outlet is determined separately, depending on the intended type of electrical appliances to be connected.

Location of sockets in the bedroom

For example, in the kitchen it is absolutely illogical to hide sockets under the table, where it would be more convenient to install them at a certain height above the countertop. To connect floor systems For lighting, the location of the socket at the shortest possible distance from the floor, but not closer than 10 cm, is suitable.

In each specific case, when choosing a height, you should be guided not by generally accepted dimensions, but by optimal functionality.

Ease of use

So, having understood the social paradigm of the word “European standard”, we accept that the installation height of sockets should facilitate their ease of use and correspond to the length of the power cord for each specific consumer of electrical energy.

That is, for frequent connection of the vacuum cleaner, it will be convenient to locate the outlet near the floor. To work with an iron, the length of its cord is of fundamental importance, so it is better that it is connected at the level of the ironing board. And the location of the outlet under the ceiling may be the only way to connect an air conditioner or fan without using extension cords.

Location of various electrical elements in the corridor

Criteria for choosing location parameters

Thus, taking into account that the PUE rules do not impose any additional requirements or restrictions regarding the placement of sockets and switches in living rooms apartments and houses, calculate the height and installation location of each device follows from:

Furniture arrangement - there should always be free access to switches and sockets;
Furniture designs – in Lately gaining more and more popularity hidden installation sockets In this case, you need to know down to the millimeter required dimensions to make a slot in back wall cabinet or kitchen set coincided exactly with the position of the socket on the wall;
The presence and location of household appliances and all equipment - you should always avoid the use of extension cords and tees when installing required amount sockets

If it is impossible to determine in advance the number and nature of the connected load, sockets are installed one on each wall, or every 1.8 m at a height of 20-40 cm.

Approximate location of sockets and switches

Switch installation height

According to the recommendation of the PUE clause 7.1.51, switches are installed on the wall no closer than 10 cm to the doorway on the side door lock at a height of about a meter. It is also possible to install switches controlled by a cord under the ceiling.

This height of 100 cm is comfortable for all family members. But in the premises of children's institutions (schools, kindergartens, nurseries), the installation height should be 180 cm. To turn on the lighting on the balcony, in the toilet or bathroom, the switch must be located outside these rooms.

If someone likes the old Soviet standard, then regulations It is not prohibited to install the switch at eye level.

Bottom line

Thus, by following the above rules, you can calculate the number, location and height of sockets and switches based on your needs and considerations of your own comfort. Ergonomics and accessibility are a good sign of safety - the ability to quickly pull out the power cord can save it from fire, and the electrical appliance itself from breakdown.

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

Naturally, young people strive for a more modern “European standard” in order to keep up with latest trends fashion. The old guard prefers the “Soviet standard”, when the socket is placed at a height of about 1 meter, at waist level. It’s 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 located at a fairly high height;
This location is very convenient when there is a need for an outlet for an air conditioner or any other devices that do not require constant connection to the network;
An adult does not need to bend over to plug an electrical appliance into an outlet.

Height of sockets according to “European standard”

This method is gaining increasing popularity in the post-Soviet space. The 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 construction of electrical installations (PUE)

The PUE regulates the placement of sockets 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 sockets located in the apartment must have an RCD;
It is prohibited to install electrical equipment closer than 0.5 m to the gas installation;
It is prohibited to place in baths and saunas.

SP and GOST requirements

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 sockets need to be installed;
One socket is placed for every 10 sq. m of corridor area (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 was 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, etc.

Second level. Next come the sockets for portable electrical appliances: kettle, microwave oven, blender, etc. They require a height of 110 to 130 cm.

Third level. It is characterized by 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 with almost permanently high humidity. Therefore, for maximum safety, it is necessary to install the electrical outlet together with a splash-proof cover. Minimum height for the socket - 15 cm, so that water does not get inside. All safety precautions and common sense must be followed during installation.

For ease of use various devices You can use the following socket height parameters:

For hair dryers, razors and other small electrical appliances, it is recommended to install the socket 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 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

Here everything depends on the owner’s imagination. The number of sockets is calculated so that it is enough for all the equipment that will be in a given room. But it is better to use several levels: first and second, in order to ensure convenient use all electrical appliances.

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

Own standard

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

You can install sockets in your home at your own 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 ease of use.

It is necessary to choose a placement that will allow you to use 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 necessary in order to avoid the use of extension cords.

Conclusion

The key importance in choosing the location of outlets is safety and comfort. By following these two factors, you can simplify your life as much as possible. This should not be neglected. Good luck.