How is the location and installation height of switches and sockets determined?

The safety and usability of household appliances and lighting depends on a properly selected installation height of switches and sockets, as well as an accurate calculation of the number and location of such points. If everything is calculated correctly at once, then in the future it will be possible to avoid overloads, you will not have to use extension cords. Accurate calculation will also allow you to avoid chipping the walls for additional sockets or wiring.

Installation guidelines

The optimal arrangement of sockets and switches on the walls of the rooms is determined taking into account the requirements "Rules for the installation of electrical installations" (PUE), GOST R 50571.11−96, SP 31−110−2003 and other regulatory documents. Compliance with the recommended parameters is checked by the relevant authorities when putting housing, commercial or industrial premises into operation.

In most cases, the location of electrical devices is chosen taking into account the following standards:

• the distance from the floor to the outlet or switch is not more than 1 m (0.9 m);
• the installation height of the circuit breaker must be within 1.5-1.6 m;
• distance from doorways of rooms with high humidity (showers, bathrooms, etc.) ) choose more than 0.6 m;
• installation near gas equipment or pipes is carried out at a distance of at least 0.5 m.

To connect electrical devices in rooms with high humidity, it is necessary to turn on into the diagram of the appropriate devices that ensure the safety of operation (RCD, gas station, etc.) etc. ).

Preparing for installation

In everyday life, people use many electrical appliances that are connected to the household power supply, so the optimal location of the connection points is of great importance. By choosing a sufficient number of outlets, the convenience of working with irons, washing machines, printers and other equipment is guaranteed without connecting extension cords. In this case, you do not have to think about how to hide the wires that will stretch along the floor and interfere with the passage, access to power sources will not be limited.

To find the best option for an apartment, house or office, you need a responsible approach. Planning and preparation of the installation diagram for switches and sockets according to the European standard:

• determine the installation height, taking into account the peculiarities of connecting the selected equipment (TV, refrigerator, computer, heater, etc.) );
• according to the expected load, calculate the amount in each room or room;
• take into account the presence of sources of moisture and remove electrical devices as far as possible, but not closer than 0.6 m;
• create blocks in places where a large number of electrical appliances are connected;
• prepare a wiring diagram and current sources, taking into account the further installation of furniture or possible rearrangements.

The planning of the location of electrical devices is carried out as part of the preparation of project documentation before the repair or redevelopment of premises. You can entrust such work to specialists or choose a convenient location of the outlets yourself, based on the provisions of the rules and standards.

Connection point allocation guidelines

In addition to the requirements of the standards, there are also recommendations for the installation of electrical devices based on the experience of operating such equipment. These are the average values ​​of the number of points, the height of the switch from the floor according to the European standard, the distance of the sockets from doorways and sources of moisture or gas, which guarantees maximum convenience of switching on and off electrical appliances. In most cases, the following recommendations are followed:

1. Upper (main) lighting switches are installed near the doorway at the entrance to the room or room from the side of the door handle. Depending on the average height of residents or employees, the installation site is selected taking into account the recommended height of the sockets from the floor according to the European standard. The location of the switch should ensure that the lighting is switched on / off without noticeable arm lift or muscle effort (approx. 800 mm).
2. Sockets and switches inside rooms or premises are installed in places that provide quick access for repair or replacement, the convenience of turning on electrical appliances.
3. It is recommended to mount the connection points for rooms with high humidity outside these rooms.

The choice of places for electrical devices is carried out taking into account the existing or planned wall decoration, the installation of decorative structures and the location of doorways.

Advantages of accommodation according to current standards

The installation of sockets or switches taking into account the current standards is not only a documentary requirement, but also the ability to ensure the optimal distribution of connection points in the room. This approach allows you to take advantage of a number of advantages of such solutions:

• sockets and switches are in a convenient position, and you do not need to pull extension cords to them;
• with a sufficient height for the location of electrical devices, they will not interfere with the installation of furniture, decorative structures;
• correctly placed sockets will ensure the connection of as many household equipment as possible without additional devices;
• guaranteed convenient use of switches without any effort;
• electrical appliances will be partially hidden and will not affect the decoration of the walls.

Application of standard norms for the placement of sockets and switches at a distance of up to 300 - 600 and 900 - 1600 mm accordingly, it makes it possible to choose the option that will be most convenient for the selected premises.

Installation of sockets in rooms

The installation of sockets and switches differs in features that are determined depending on the purpose of the selected room. For the safe operation of such connection points, you need to adhere to some rules and take into account the technical characteristics of the rooms (humidity, temperature). In doing so, the following should be taken into account:

1. No more than 1-2 sockets are installed in the corridors. For the convenience of connecting household appliances, they are mounted at a height of up to 200 mm. Leave space for connecting stabilizers, distribution boards, low-current networks.
2. For bathrooms and showers, 3 sockets are enough for washing machines, heaters, dryers, hair dryers. The installation height from the floor must be at least 600 mm. The sockets must not be installed near water-taps. Connection safety is ensured by the use of waterproof electrical devices (IP 44) with grounding.
3. Living rooms are equipped with a sufficient number of sockets, taking into account the electrical appliances used (6 - 10 pieces). The height of each such point is chosen according to the length of the wire of the TV, computer or other devices in order to ensure convenient switching on. To connect floor equipment, the sockets are installed at a height of up to 150 - 300 mm.
4. Connecting household appliances in the kitchen requires not only compliance with safety measures due to the possible ingress of moisture, but also the placement of outlets near large-sized equipment (refrigerators, ovens, hoods). It is allowed to raise the connection points to a height of up to 2000 mm, position them above the countertops of kitchen furniture for the convenience of using juicers, electric kettles, etc. Electric stoves and ovens are connected to grounded sockets.
5. In bedrooms and children's rooms, connection points are installed next to the beds for the convenience of turning on bedside lights, chargers, media equipment.

Separately, sockets are provided for turning on air conditioners in living rooms, if this equipment is not connected directly through circuit breakers. The connection point is installed at a distance of up to 300 mm from the ceiling.

Lighting switches in rooms

In housing, office and other premises, switches with one, two or three keys are installed according to the number of groups of lighting fixtures. In addition, to turn on the lighting devices, electrical devices with remote control are mounted. It is also possible to equip the premises with devices that are already built into household appliances. The simplest, most reliable and economical option is to install key switches.