Sockets in the kitchen: how to position and install correctly

Household appliances consume the most electricity in the house. Sometimes this value is more than half of the total. That is why, so that there is no malfunction in the operation of this entire system, the sockets in the kitchen should be located correctly. Incorrectly installed sockets and their insufficient number in the kitchen can even provoke a fire.

Power of electrical appliances in the kitchen

Before you begin, you need to make a plan. The result should be a certain scheme of outlets in the kitchen. Before this, it is necessary to calculate the power of all electrical appliances that will be located in the kitchen.

Let's make an example list:

• Lighting: 150-200 W;
• refrigerator: 100 W;
• cooking surface of the stove: 3500-7500 W;
• oven: 2000 W;
• microwave oven: 2000 W;
• dishwasher: 1000-2000 W;
• electric kettle: 2000 W;
• geyser: 2000 watts.

Obviously, you will not turn on all devices at the same time. However, the sum of capacities must be calculated. Typically, the value is in the range of 10000-15000 watts.

The maximum power at which several current collectors are turned on should not be higher than 7000 watts. Otherwise, think about sharing the load in phases and introducing 380 volts.

Which cable to choose for the kitchen

The next step is to calculate the cross-section of the common supply wire of the electrical panel and the outgoing wires to each current collector in the kitchen. To buy a good cable, follow the rules below:

• if the load of devices does not exceed 3500 W - cables made of copper VVGng LS 3 * 2.25m²;
• if the load of devices does not exceed 5500 W - cable made of copper VVGng LS 3 * 4m²;
• if the total load of all electrical appliances is up to 10000 W - cable made of copper VVGng LS 3 * 6m²;
• if the total load of all electrical appliances is up to 15000 W - copper cable VVGng LS 3 * 10m.

If your house has an old grounding system (that is, there is no third protective conductor), then installing a three-core cable is still a suitable option. This is done in order to further save you from replacement, reconstruction of wiring.

In any case, another wire will not be superfluous. It can come in handy in the event of a broken cable or any other damage.

Layout of sockets in the kitchen

You have selected the wiring. Now is the time to talk about how to place outlets in the kitchen. To do this correctly, it is necessary to coordinate this layout and design layout (if it is not ready yet). This is done in order to avoid situations when euro outlets are not located in the right place, but are hidden in a hard-to-reach zone, for example, behind a stove. To prevent this, first come up with a layout of the location of household appliances, and then the location of outlets.

Draw a kitchen plan on the album sheet taking into account all household appliances. Arrange sockets for each of them. It is not at all necessary to think over the distance from them and calculate the sizes. This is done to calculate the total number and purpose of each outlet. Having depicted all this on paper, you will already have a preliminary idea of ​​how to properly position the sockets in the kitchen.

Number of outlets in the kitchen

I would like to say right away that the optimal number of outlets in the kitchen should be 25% more than the number of electrical appliances planned to be connected. This theory is supported by one conviction. A person will be able to use some additional rarely used devices (meat grinder, mixer, food processor, etc.) In this case, there is no need to disconnect other electrical appliances or use extension cords.

Mandatory appliances are a refrigerator, stove, microwave, hood, dishwasher, TV (sometimes in the kitchen). You can add some small household appliances to this list (provided that it is operated daily).

Installing an outlet near the switch is a useful solution. After all, there will never be superfluous a place where you can take tension, which is not forced by anything, and has a convenient location (useful, for example, for a vacuum cleaner).

On the apron of the kitchen there must be euro outlets for connecting small appliances. At least one outlet on the right and left side.

Answering the question of how many outlets you need in the kitchen, we hasten to offer another calculation option: for each technique + 2 along the edges of the countertop + 1 near the dining table.

Distances and placements

Calculation of quantity is only half the battle. Now you have to do something like marking the walls on paper, where the location of the furniture will be displayed.

In this case, you will need the exact parameters of the room: length, width, height of the room. Alternately schematically draw all the elements of the interior and household appliances. Now take the plan and transfer it to the wall layout. There are rules for every electrical appliance that you should follow.

Fridge

The outlet row should be located at the lower level. So that the connection is not visible. It is impossible to determine with precision what distance it should be. After all, you need to consider the features of the refrigerator. Experts say that it should be at least 10 cm from the floor, that is, approximately at the same level with the legs of the refrigerator. They prove their words by the fact that if you place the row higher, then it will rest on the forks. However, if you intend to turn off the plug often, then the lower location is unlikely to work. It will be more convenient to make a connection in the working area, rather than hide it behind the refrigerator.

Sockets of the working area and above the countertop

The height of the countertops varies in the range from 80 to 90cm. Next is the space with an apron of about 55-60cm, and above it are hanging cabinets.

The height of the outlets above the countertop in the kitchen should be 100-105 centimeters from the floor. They will be in the middle of the “wall” and it will be convenient to connect them to small kitchen appliances (blender, mixer, food processor, electric vegetable cutter). If there is a baseboard between the tabletop and the wall, then the distance should be at least 5 cm so that the socket does not touch it. How many sets of sockets to place? One between the kitchen sink and the hob, and the second in any corner.

That is, it is advisable to install 2 socket sets above the tabletop. If their appearance does not suit you, consider options in which they will have to be built into the countertop. The pulled out block looks like a small box. A socket is also needed for it, because pulling the cord from above is not aesthetically pleasing.

Cooker hood

From above, almost under the ceiling, an outlet for the hood is displayed. A major role is played by the brand of the device. Cheap models cost the output of the cable and connecting it directly from the inside of the hood. More expensive equipment comes with its own plug. If you cut it yourself, this will result in a loss of warranty. Therefore, if the hood breaks, you cannot repair it for free.

Cooking and Oven

Do you have a powerful hob? In this case, the cable is drawn and connected when the panel block is in direct contact. The second option is to install a special power outlet.

Ovens, unlike hobs, are available with conventional forks. You don’t have to invent anything here, everything is according to the standard - connecting to simple sockets.

It is very convenient when there are lockers with a door on the left or right side of the stove, oven. Then you can place the sockets directly inside them on the back wall. The indent is approximately 15-20cm. If it is not possible to mount the sockets in the cabinets, it remains to connect from the bottom group. When installing the oven separately from the stove, the outlet is located in the lower drawer at a height of up to 70 cm.

Dishwasher

• According to the set of rules for design and construction (design and installation of electrical installations of residential and public buildings 14.29) Do not place outlets near sinks or sinks. Therefore, always indent when mounting the outlet group for this plumbing.
• It is also forbidden to carry out sockets for dishwasher and washing machines for obvious reasons.
• One outlet can be placed next to the dining table (in the event that it is near the wall, and not in the middle of the dining room).
• When you have planned to receive guests, you will undoubtedly need additional appliances to prepare food or connect them upon arrival directly on the table (blender, juicer, slicer, chocolate fountain and etc.).
  Even on weekdays, another outlet in the kitchen will never be superfluous. For example, you can connect a laptop if you are used to working in this room sometimes.

Recommendations for wiring and machines

• a 16-volt circuit breaker is mounted for sockets in which devices up to 3500 W are connected;
• a 25 volt circuit breaker is mounted for sockets in which devices up to 5500 W are connected, in addition, you need to stretch a separate group here;
• the kitchen is always damp, so in front of the shield we set the RCD to a current of 0.003 A;
• all outlets must be grounded;
• a socket is installed on each current collector;
• do not use extension cords in the kitchen, because in addition to the additional load on the wiring, they can cause a short circuit (for example, when spilling liquid).

Common mistakes

1. Make installation in the absence of an action plan, markup, design coordination with the location of outlets.
2. Connect the refrigerator through an extension cord. This device has a short cord. Despite this, using an extension cord is prohibited.
3. Connecting water-related appliances (dishwasher, washing machine) without an RCD, using a conventional machine.
4. Installing simple outlets under a faucet or sink. Either indent 50 cm, or choose moisture-resistant models (in Moscow there is a huge selection of such devices).

If you do not have any skills in installation and construction, it is better to use the services of masters so as not to harm the wiring and yourself. They will help to install sockets in your kitchen with high quality, fast and inexpensive.