Installing a socket or switch is not so difficult - it’s harder to decide on their location, because it will be much more difficult to transfer and dismantle when the repair is already completed.
Eurostandard for installation of sockets and switches
When repairing a room, the question arises as the installation height of switches and sockets. Many masters resort to such a method of installation as the European standard. For some users, this is not only modern, but also comfortable.
At the same time, the distance from the floor cannot exceed 90 cm. If you take into account the average height of an adult, then, passing by such a device, you can easily turn it on or off, just raising your hand to it, you do not need to bend or stretch it further. But this does not mean that such an
installation height of
sockets and switches (European standard) is the only right decision. You can place this or that device at any level convenient for the user and place, at the same time observing safety measures.
Installation of switches
There are three main methods that are used when installing a circuit breaker.
- Common in Soviet times, when the installation height of switches and sockets was approximately 160 cm from the floor. Users are used to the fact that the switch is located at eye level, this is a rational approach when there is low furniture in the room.
It is also a protection against young children who like to click them. In this case, such pampering is excluded.
- Eurostandard. The height from the floor to the installed switch is only 90 cm. This is very convenient, because when you pass by, you can easily pass your hand and click on it.
- Installation in a place convenient for the user. There are non-standard solutions in the design and interior that do not allow the switch to be positioned according to generally accepted standards. Therefore, if there are no safety claims, the device can be installed anywhere.
Outlet Installation
- The Soviet approach. In this embodiment, the height of the outlets from the floor is not less than 90 cm.
- The European standard provides for the installation of outlets at a shorter distance from the floor - 30 cm. At the same time, this option is more convenient, since it is more convenient to connect the equipment and hide its wires.
When choosing an installation option, remember the purpose of the room and which devices will be connected. So, in the kitchen it will be wrong to place the sockets on the floor, because all the equipment is located at the table level. Therefore, it is more convenient to use the outlet at the same level.
Note one more nuance. Sockets of the past sample do not always allow you to connect a modern device. It is better to choose European standard units, then there will be no need to use adapters, which can lead to a voltage drop and fire.
The differences in the sockets of the European standard and the Soviet one are in the diameter of the pins, while the “Europeans” have more than 0.8 mm. Also a different distance between them. Naturally, the current strength is different. Soviet ones have only a range from 6.3 to 10 A, but European ones from 10 to 16 A, which increases the possibility of using various equipment.
Installation Recommendations
Users note a significant difference in the convenience of the “Soviet” installation and the European standard in favor of the latter.
- You need to install a socket or switch in the place where it will be expedient and comfortable to use, of course, without forgetting about safety measures. Sockets in the floor will be an appropriate solution only in the place necessary for this.
- In rooms that have a large area, you should install several switches to ensure maximum comfort of movement in the dark.
- Care should be taken when installing outlets in plumbing rooms. They must be provided with a special device that protects against current leakage, that is, have grounding. It is advisable to take the outlet (for example, for a washing machine) outside the premises.
- Outlets in the kitchen deserve no less attention, especially in a place where there is a large concentration of household appliances. In this case, you need to install sockets above the tabletop by 5-10 cm.
“A few additional outlets in the kitchen will not interfere, since there is always the possibility that you need to connect a couple of extra appliances at the same time.
- The number of switches and sockets in the house should be taken such that it will be sufficient for the comfortable use of electrical appliances and lighting.
Outlets in the kitchen. General norms
The installation height of switches and sockets in the kitchen is a separate issue, since there is increased humidity and the risk of flooding.
- At the work table, the height of the outlets from the floor is 10 cm.
- Sockets for built-in appliances are mounted not lower than 30 cm from the floor, but not higher than 60 cm.
- The wire from the device to the outlet must not be longer than 150 cm.
- From the hood to the appliance should not be more than 20 cm.
- If the outlet needs to be installed under the sink, then its degree of protection against moisture should be appropriate (at least IP 44).
- For other household appliances, sockets can be installed anywhere in the apron. But it should be remembered that their installation directly above the stove or sink, behind a drawer, behind built-in appliances is prohibited.
Normative documents
Fashionable now, the “Eurostandard” is nothing more than the norms for installing sockets and switches adopted by the masters of Western Europe.
But no documents on this score are provided. There are norms that regulate the installation height of switches and sockets. SNiP 31-110-2003 - one of the documents in which the corresponding numbers are written.
It contains rules and some provisions for the installation of such building elements. It means that the installation of the switch in the apartment from the side of the door handle should not be higher than 1 meter from the floor. And the height of the switches in a public place should not exceed 1.5 meters from the floor.
Outlets should be equipped with special protection against children, especially in rooms where they are expected to be present for a long time. At school, outlets should be located more than 1.8 meters above the floor. There is also GOST R 50571.11-96, it contains a regulation on the installation height of switches and sockets in sanitary rooms.
Installation electricians
A well-made installation of electrical switches and sockets is the key to safety and comfort. The aim of the repair work is to improve the design of the entire room and provide access to devices.
Mostly installation of sockets and switches is carried out before the start of finishing work. In this case, there are such significant advantages:
- Significantly improved design.
- You can increase the number of required outlets.
- The arrangement of devices is selected taking into account the arrangement of furniture.
- It becomes possible to install modern sockets, the boxes of which completely exclude pulling out with the plug.
- Concealed wiring and the selected installation height of switches and sockets make the room look harmonious.
- Power and reliability of wiring are increasing.