Sockets in the kitchen: location, installation, standards

For the operation of almost all household appliances, sources of electricity are needed. We offer to consider how to install built-in and overhead sockets in the kitchen, how to position them correctly, as well as the standards and GOST of installation.

Regulations

We are guided by the following regulatory documents:

• GOST 7397.0-89 (installation of switches);
• GOST 7396.1-89 (installation of sockets);
• GOST 8594-80 (boxes for installing switches and sockets);
• SNiP 3.05.06-85 (technical requirements).

Sockets, as you know, are indispensable in any room at home. With their help, we power various electrical appliances. Most of the equipment in the kitchen, which needs power supply, must be constantly connected to the network: refrigerators, electric stoves, an oven, less often kettles, etc.

Before starting the installation of outlets, it is necessary to outline a plan on which you will mark all electrical appliances.

There are certain guidelines for installing outlets in the kitchen:

1. The height of the outlets in the kitchen should be from two centimeters from the baseboard (the standard diagram is shown below) for rooms with a standard socle. If you have a European-quality repair, then this will not cause any difficulties, all the more such are the safety standards for each room, except for the bathroom and toilet;
2. If you basically have built-in furniture, for example, a kitchen wall or a corner, then it is much more convenient to use internal outlets. They are mounted in the middle of the drawers, and are completely invisible, this does not spoil the interior of the room and improves security;
3. Often, switches are installed for outlets in the kitchen. They are located at a height of at least half a meter from the floor. If necessary, you can also combine these switches with a hood (for example, if this outlet is responsible for the operation of the electric stove);

   

4. Calculate the location of the outlets in such a way that they are a meter in diameter from the device that will be connected to them;

   

5. In addition to the main sources, which depend on the quantity of equipment, it is also necessary to consider the number of spare ones. They can be three or four in a small kitchen, and in the future they can be used by you to charge the phone, operate a vacuum cleaner, a blender, etc.

The outlet for the electric hood is located at the very top of the kitchen - under the ceiling, above the hinged drawer or directly behind the hood. This is a very sensitive topic, because the electric power source should not be in contact with the gas outlet, it should not be covered with corrugation and it should be placed at least half a meter from the window.

It is very convenient to place electrical outlets in furniture. This visually creates the appearance of their absence. Moreover, in this way, you can hide the power sources under the countertop of the worktop or dining table.

The location of the outlets in the kitchen has the same standards as in almost any other room with small additions:

1. Do not mount sockets near the sink and next to the gas stove;
2. You need to install sources only after consulting a specialist, or to entrust this matter to professionals in general;
3. Calculate the distance so that electrical appliances and power supplies are out of the reach of children;
4. As in bathtubs, during installation you need to take care of the waterproofness of the wires and contacts. Perhaps in a hurry you will turn on something with wet hands, and this will save your life;
5. The transfer of any outlet is carried out only after the inspection by the electrician;
6. During installation, avoid interference with the central water supply, gas duct and ventilation;
7. Also install additional sockets at the entrance to the kitchen.

Video: location of outlets in the kitchen

How to calculate the number of outlets

How many outlets do you need in the kitchen? Under the hood, for the stove, under the refrigerator, three spare ones (as discussed above for small household appliances). A total of 6 outlets is obtained, this number may vary depending on the number of electrical appliances, but we do not recommend reducing it. Even if at the moment you do not have a hood, there is no guarantee that you will not buy it in the future, and then you will have to install additional outlets, remodel repairs.

Remember, it is better to place additional sources evenly throughout the kitchen, but away from the gas stove. This requires safety, because if there is a voltage drop in the outlet or a spark appears, it may ignite an apartment or house. As for induction cookers, here a close proximity with outlets is permissible, at least 15 cm.

Installation

After you have determined what the placement of outlets in the kitchen will be, you need to start installing them. We discussed how to mount a power outlet for an electric stove. Now consider the general principle of installing outlets (in most cases they are hidden):

1. Initially, you need to distribute the sockets on the walls and on the apron, outline them and calculate the number of wires to each of the incoming voltage cable;
2. Almost all experts unanimously say that in the kitchen sockets should be internal. External wiring is more economical (no need to break walls, etc.), but not safe. Therefore, we lay paths for wires along the walls, for this you can use a puncher or a chisel;

   

3. After in the locations of the outlets you need to cut holes in the wall. They must correspond in height and depth to the size of the box;
4. We enter along the paths into the resulting recess of the power wire and install a plastic box;
5. Now it remains only to install the outlet, connect it to the network and check the performance.

Of course, each apartment has its own installation features, but the principle is approximately the same. In the same way, the outlet is mounted on the countertop in the kitchen. The most difficult thing is with the installation of sockets on the tile. The main disadvantage is that, most likely, you will have to damage the surface, if not for installing a hidden outlet, then for laying wires.

If you do not want to break the panels and walls, then there is another alternative solution - extension cords and surge protectors. They can be easily hidden or placed on sliding shelves in the kitchen, like sockets. On the wall surface (say near the floor), you can install special brackets for wires and carefully run the cable from the filter. If the interior allows, you can even decorate the wire or cover it with some kind of panel.

Are common installation recommendations:

1. Even for a small outlet, it is advisable to install a special cover, this will help protect it from pollution or ingress of water;
2. Making the right wiring in the kitchen is quite difficult. Installing outlets requires certain skills and experience, so if you are not confident in yourself, seek help;
3. Now very often in small-sized apartments they install corner outlets, they help to save space and are easy to operate;
4. If you need to transfer the socket without destroying the wall, then consider an option in which you can run the wire carefully along the baseboard. This will save you money and time, and will not spoil the decor of the room;
5. Install separate circuit breakers for power outlets in the kitchen (under the induction cooker, hood and refrigerator). This is correct from a security point of view and is so recommended in the documentation.