Recessed sockets in the worktop: types, device + tips for choosing and installing

A modern person in the kitchen uses all kinds of household appliances that require constant and periodic power supply. Therefore, when using several devices at the same time, it is quite often necessary to connect them one by one to the outlet. This makes the cooking process a lot harder, don't you agree?

To solve this problem with "little blood", you can install built-in sockets in the worktop. Such connectors do not take up much space, provide simultaneous connection of several household appliances and allow you to hide all the wires in the kitchen set.

But how to choose and install such a device? This is what we will talk about in detail in this material - we will consider the types of built-in units on the market, dwell on the features of their design. We will also give recommendations for the operation and self-installation of such outlets, supplementing the material with thematic photos and visual videos.

Features of built-in socket blocks

Any built-in socket is, first of all, a socket of electrical networks, which is used to power household appliances. The functionally built-in connector is no different from typical surface-mounted sockets and extension cords. It does not have any additional characteristics. The popularity of the connector is due to its decorative and practical value.

The built-in network unit allows you to connect several household appliances at one time. This makes it possible to get by in the kitchen while cooking without carrying and not looking for constantly free sockets on the apron. At the same time, the device in an inoperative state is hidden from prying eyes and is inaccessible to children.

Built-in sockets are modern extension cords, analogs of surge protectors, which now look more stylish and ergonomic. They expand the design possibilities and allow you to decorate the kitchen in any style.

Recessed power boxes help hide wires under the worktop, no matter how many. These sockets are compact and elegant in appearance. They help to efficiently use the workspace and are able to ennoble any interior.

Built-in sockets can be horizontal or vertical. Vertical network blocks are in the form of cylinders, along the entire length of which there are sockets for plugs. When inoperative, they are recessed into the countertop. Vertical retractable sockets are considered to be the most popular and widespread on the market.

Horizontal the socket strips are placed in round, square or rectangular boxes. They are often equipped with multiple power connectors. Due to their design features, they can be stationary or rotary. They have many working sockets, but are poorly suited for connecting plugs with wires located on the side instead of straight.

Types of built-in network blocks

All sockets built into the countertops of kitchen sets can be divided into stationary, pull-out and swivel.

Type # 1 - fixed outlets

Stationary blocks are mounted in the specified plane without the possibility of changing the position. They are protected from crumbs, water and various debris with covers. To plug the appliance into a power outlet, you only need to slide this cover.

Such connectors are simple and do not require any complex manipulations during operation.

The main disadvantage of stationary built-in sockets is that they take up a lot of space on the desktop.

The surface of the covers is not suitable for functional use. You cannot put anything on it, and therefore you have to use only the unoccupied part of the tabletop.

View # 2 - pull-out models

Due to the unsuitability of the covers of stationary models for operation, retractable sockets are more popular. Their surface can merge with the table top - in the non-working state, the cover of the power supply unit protrudes above the surface of the headset literally by 1-2 mm. This makes the kitchen look tidier and tidier.

To slide out the socket, you must press the cover or the button located next to it. After that, the retractable mechanism will work. It will push the network unit out of the tabletop completely or partially by 10-20 mm.

After that, the block must be pulled out by hand and fixed at the desired height. Many models are equipped with special buttons that allow you to fix the desired result.

The retractable socket is a specific connector. It functions as a standard electrical connector, but has a number of features.

It should not be used for household appliances that must always be connected to the network:

• refrigerators;
• conditioners;
• freezers;
• electric stoves (to connect them you need power socket);
• other.

The whole point of this connector lies precisely in the fact that it is hidden from prying eyes.

The built-in retractable socket is needed for short-term connection to the network of several electrical devices. These may include coffee makers, kettles, toasters, steamers and other appliances that do not require a permanent connection to the mains. When the appliances are turned off, the power supply unit can be recessed into the worktop.

Due to the design, the retractable outlet cannot be placed on the countertop area under which there are drawers or water pipes.

It belongs to rather fragile structures and, with frequent use, can quickly loosen. To increase the possible service life of the power supply unit when connecting or removing the plug from the socket, it is worth holding the device with your hand.

In more detail, we examined the retractable sockets for the tabletop in next article.

View # 3 - turning blocks

Rotary sockets are able to change their position in space. They are installed in the required position without loss of functionality. The tilt angle depends on the characteristics of the selected model and can reach 180 degrees. The values ​​of this parameter are indicated on the product packaging.

To use such an outlet, you just need to press on its cover or a button located next to it on the countertop or wall.

Such network blocks are horizontal structures. When using them, there may be some difficulties when connecting devices with L-shaped plugs.

Benefits of hidden sockets

Recessed sockets are ergonomic devices that eliminate unnecessary wires in the kitchen. They are absolutely safe for the user, unpretentious in maintenance and suitable for use in rooms with high humidity. Due to the absence of wires from the network blocks in the public domain, the general electrical safety is increased.

Children or pets will not be able to reach the cord. Concealed structures are generally well protected from children. This is especially true for models equipped with an electromechanical (push-button) opening mechanism.

Modern models of network blocks are multifunctional. They can be easily integrated into systems like "Smart home".

Devices are equipped with:

• USB and HDMI connectors;
• servos controlled by a special touch switch;
• remote control module from the remote control;
• backlight, etc.

The sockets built into the worktop can be installed after the completion of the repair and installation of the kitchen unit. They work like an extension cord, and therefore their installation does not require changing the wiring. Thanks to their spectacular high-tech design, such network blocks easily fit into any design interior.

Step-by-step installation instructions

For ease of installation, most recessed outlets are manufactured with a plug. This allows you to install them yourself.

To mount the unit you need:

1. Prepare the necessary tools: a screwdriver, a drill, a milling cutter with a suitable nozzle, a jigsaw with file for wood, meter or regular ruler, Phillips screwdriver, construction glue, file, simple pencil.
2. Determine the installation location of the outlet and free it from unnecessary items. The distance from a fixed outlet to a built-in outlet is determined by the length of the cord of the latter.
3. Make the necessary calculations in accordance with the dimensions of the purchased network unit.
4. Mark the outline of the hole with a simple pencil.
5. Make a hole in the countertop with a drill or puncher according to measurements. You can drill it with a margin of a few millimeters so that the device quickly snaps into place.
6. Sand out any unevenness.
7. Clean the drilling site from sawdust and dust.
8. Remove the socket housing by unscrewing the screws on the front part, leaving only one socket.
9. Disconnect the power supply to the apartment / house for safety reasons.
10. Wear heavy rubber gloves.
11. Take out the block and fix it in the hole using the elements that come with the connector.
12. Drill blind holes in the worktop for attaching the lugs for the socket outlet.
13. Fix the flush plate with the lower screw fastener. If necessary, glue or construction clips can be used.
14. Insert the sockets into the socket box and fasten them with screws. At the same time, you can add silicone around the perimeter of the countertop to increase the sealing of the network unit. This will provide additional protection for the device in case water spills.
15. Treat the cut ends of the slab with a water-repellent agent at the installation site of the block.
16. Fasten the wires of the power supply unit inside the furniture (for this, you can additionally use a special corrugation for wires).
17. Make a small hole on the back or side of the headset and pull the cord out of the unit through it.
18. Connect the device to the network and check its performance.

The built-in socket should be installed away from the sink and cookers (minimum distance 60 cm). You also need to take care of grounding. All work on installing the socket takes from 10 minutes to an hour (depending on experience and the availability of the necessary tools).

Rules for choosing inline blocks

A rich assortment of built-in sockets makes it difficult to choose the right device - there is a great temptation to buy a device, guided by absolutely wrong conclusions. For example, choose the cheapest device.

But the price cannot become the main selection criterion. To purchase the most suitable network unit, it is more advisable to first decide on its purpose and features of further operation, and then look at the technical characteristics network block.

When choosing, a number of parameters should be taken into account:

1. Number of ports and slots required (connectors). It is determined by how many household appliances will be connected to the network at the same time. Standard flush-mounted network boxes contain 2-6 slots, symmetrically arranged.
2. Socket block power. It is necessary to estimate in advance the total power that will be needed when all equipment is connected at the same time, and choose a device with a two-fold power reserve. If you correctly calculate the permissible load, you can avoid overvoltage in the network.
3. The degree of protection of the device from dirt and moisture. Modern built-in network units are protected from any external influences. For the kitchen, it is best to choose sockets with a degree of protection IP44 according to the international classification. In accordance with it, protection against water splashes and dust with a diameter of up to 1 mm is provided. Usually IP degree of protection indicated on the product packaging.
4. Device size. The installed unit should not interfere with cooking and any other manipulations in the kitchen.
5. Device design style. The built-in socket must fully comply with the design of the headset and the entire kitchen as a whole. In this case, the power supply unit will not be conspicuous and will become a stylish addition to the interior.

The network block must be of high quality. When buying it, you should pay attention to the reliability of materials, fasteners and build quality.

In the long term, it is worth choosing sockets of famous European brands. Cheap appliances made in China will quickly break down and become unusable. Models from the brands Simon, Kondator, GTV and Evoline have proven themselves best.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

More detailed information on choosing a place for mounting the outlet and on the installation of the network unit itself can be found in the following video:

The built-in socket is an ergonomic and multifunctional device. Such a network unit can be seamlessly integrated into any interior. You just need to carefully consider its location in relation to the main electrical appliances in the kitchen, taking into account the maximum ease of use.

Guided by step-by-step instructions, you can build an outlet into the countertop with your own hands. The recommendations given in the video and in the article are relevant for network blocks of any brands. They can be used to install built-in sockets in the kitchen.

If you have already installed smart sockets in the kitchen and are actively using them, we and other visitors to our site will be glad to hear about your experience. Please share your impressions of the operation - the comment form is located below. Also here you can add original photos of your built-in socket, tell about the difficulties you encountered during installation and how you were able to cope with them.