home · electrical safety · At what height to install the outlet. At what height to install sockets: recommended parameters, how to connect sockets and switches. Socket Standards

At what height to install the outlet. At what height to install sockets: recommended parameters, how to connect sockets and switches. Socket Standards

Electrical outlets and switches, do you mean height from the floor and distance from corners?

Hello Svetlana!
The rules and regulations for electrical installation of sockets and switches are written in the PUE (rules for electrical installations). Since you did not write under what conditions you are going to install sockets and switches, we give the rules and regulations for installing electrical equipment in various rooms.
6.6.30. Plug sockets must be installed:
1. In industrial premises, as a rule, at a height of 0.8-1 m; when wiring from above, installation at a height of up to 1.5 m is allowed.
2. In administrative, office, laboratory, residential and other premises at a height convenient for connecting electrical appliances to them, depending on the purpose of the premises and interior design, but not higher than 1 m. It is allowed to install socket outlets in (on) specially adapted skirting boards made of non-combustible materials.
3. In schools and children's institutions (in the premises for the stay of children) at a height of 1.8 m.
6.6.31. Switches for general lighting fixtures should be installed at a height of 0.8 to 1.7 m from the floor, and in schools, nurseries and kindergartens in rooms for children - at a height of 1.8 m from the floor. Installation of switches under a ceiling with control by means of a cord is allowed.
7.1.48. Installation of plug sockets in bathrooms, shower rooms, soap rooms of baths, rooms containing heaters for saunas (hereinafter referred to as "saunas"), as well as in washing rooms of laundries is not allowed, with the exception of bathrooms of apartments and hotel rooms. In the bathrooms of apartments and hotel rooms, it is allowed to install socket outlets in zone 3 according to GOST R 50571.11-96, connected to the network through isolating transformers or protected by a residual current device that responds to a differential current not exceeding 30 mA.
Any switches and sockets must be located at least 0.6 m from the doorway of the shower cabin.
7.1.49. In buildings with a three-wire network (see clause 7.1.36), socket outlets for a current of at least 10 A with a protective contact must be installed. Plug sockets installed in apartments, living rooms of dormitories, as well as in rooms for children in children's institutions (kindergartens, nurseries, schools, etc.) must have a protective device that automatically closes the socket sockets when the plug is removed.
7.1.50. The minimum distance from switches, socket outlets and elements of electrical installations to gas pipelines must be at least 0.5 m.
7.1.51. Switches are recommended to be installed on the wall from the side of the door handle at a height of up to 1 m, it is allowed to install them under the ceiling with a cord control. In rooms for children in childcare facilities (kindergartens, nurseries, schools, etc.), switches should be installed at a height of 1.8 m from the floor.
After performing electrical work on laying the cable and connecting sockets, switches and other electrical equipment, it is required to carry out a set of electrical measurements: measuring the insulation resistance, measuring the resistance of the phase-zero loop, measuring the circuit between grounded installations and elements of a grounded installation, measuring automatic switches controlled by differential current (RCD).

Hello. Tell me how the household switch should be installed correctly, in terms of, on-push up or down and off. I spent about an hour on the Internet and found nothing on this issue.

Hello, please advise. what standard provides for the installation of email. sockets 500 mm. from earthed parts (pipelines, etc.).

Good afternoon Please tell me - is there a need to coordinate with Rostekhnadzor the installation of a mobile (on wheels and in a container) diesel generator designed to back up the facility's power supply? If yes, what documents regulate it?

  • Hello Valery!
    There is no such need.

    • Hello Vlad!

  • Good afternoon
    Tell me, please, are there any rules and regulations on the number of sockets installed in residential apartments? Give an example, how many sockets should there be in a 3-room apartment, 4-room apartment?
    The explanation of the installation of sockets in the bathroom is not very clear. If the bathroom is also used for washing clothes, then it is impossible to install or can sockets be installed in such a bathroom?

    Good afternoon Tell me, where is it correct to put the voltage control relay, before the meter or after the meter? It’s just that in my house there were repeated cases of zero burnout and appliances were on fire. Thank you!

    • Hello Alexey!
      Your question has been redirected to . You can register on the forum and discuss "" in more detail with the forum participants.

    Good afternoon On what surfaces can switches for outdoor wiring be installed in child care facilities (kindergarten)? Let's say it is possible to put an external switch on the side wall of a chipboard cabinet (respectively, at a height of 1.8 meters). And if possible, a link to legislation confirming or refuting such a possibility. Thanks in advance!

    Question: "At what height to make sockets?" worries every person who is faced with the need to replace the wiring in the apartment. In order to correctly calculate the distance at which it is worth placing elements, several objective factors that affect their location should be taken into account.

    You need to think about preventing the possibility of liquid getting into the outlet, minimizing the risk of mechanical damage to electrical accessories, unhindered connection of various household appliances to the network - appliance cords should reach the entrance to the network.

    Letting go of prejudice

    Almost all newly minted electricians who decide to replace the wiring in their home on their own are interested in information about European standards, according to which the height of sockets on the wall from the floor should be 30 cm.

    This is nothing but a myth, there are no regulatory documents confirming such a figure. Therefore, it is not at all necessary to place the “electrical points” in the apartment in this way.

    The "Rules for the Installation of Electrical Installations" (hereinafter referred to as PUE) say at what height sockets should be from the floor in rooms with high humidity, or rather, in bathrooms.


    This condition is put forward only for the safety of the population, it will help protect against electric shock. We will consider this issue in more detail in the next section.

    Mentions in regulatory documents

    So, some European standards for the height of sockets still exist. The requirements for the height of electrical fittings are described in several sections of the following documents:

    • GOST R 50571.11-96;
    • SP 31-110-2003.

    According to the PUE, sockets must be installed at a distance of at least 60 cm from the doorway of the shower cabin. The minimum distance from the “electrical point” to the elements of the gas pipeline system is also determined, it is equal to 50 cm. GOST mentions a similar requirement regarding a 60 cm distance to the door of the shower cabin.

    Having studied the joint venture, you can stumble upon the condition that it is forbidden to mount sockets under and above kitchen sinks.

    The height of their placement in schools and kindergartens is also discussed, electrical accessories should be installed at a distance of 180 cm from the floor level.

    Kitchen sockets

    The issue of placing power supply elements in the kitchen area is very acute. This is due to the presence of a large number of electrical appliances that are necessary for every housewife.


    So, the height of the sockets in the kitchen, which are used to connect the most popular household appliances, is:

    • for inclusion in the network of a refrigerator, automatic machine or dishwasher, the optimal value is 15 - 20 centimeters from the floor;
    • for connecting small household appliances (coffee machine, electric kettle, microwave oven, multicooker), the ideal height from the kitchen countertop is 20 cm, that is, 1 meter and 10 centimeters should be measured from the floor level;
    • the outlet for the hood is usually made at a distance of two meters from the floor.

    Electrical accessories in the living room

    Before you plan the points of installation of sockets, think about where the upholstered furniture, TV, air conditioning, desktop and so on will be located.

    The height of the sockets for the TV may vary depending on which method of installation of the equipment is chosen. If it is located on a low pedestal, it is permissible to install an “electric point” at a distance of 30 cm from the floor, if the TV is hanging on the wall, it is better to increase the height to one meter.

    Sockets near upholstered furniture are placed at a level of 75-90 cm from the floor, this solution provides convenient access to them for any appliances.


    Sockets for floor lamps, vacuum cleaners are located 30 cm from the level of the floor covering.

    Sockets in the bedroom

    With the sleeping area, everything is much simpler. One or two sockets can be installed near the bedside table, they will be used to recharge the smartphone, turn on the night light. If you plan to install an air conditioner, you must provide one point directly under the ceiling.

    You should take into account a couple more spare outlets that will be used to turn on the hair dryer, fan, vacuum cleaner. When there is a computer desk in the bedroom, the battery is provided near it at a height of 30 cm above the floor.

    It is not difficult to correctly draw up a schematic layout of new sockets in an apartment, the main thing is to think carefully about the placement of all electrical appliances.

    On the created drawing, do not forget to mark the optimal height, this will help not to make mistakes during the repair process.

    Photo sockets

    In fact, there are no strict rules in construction regarding the number and location of sockets and switches, either in an apartment or in a private house. But there are two documents that say how and where it is better to place sockets and switches. The first document is SP 31-110-2003, which says that the switches should be placed on the side of the door handles, the distance from the floor to the switch is not more than one meter. Sockets can be placed anywhere, but also at a height of up to a meter. The second document is the Rules for the Arrangement of Electrical Installations, which talks about safety rules when installing sockets and switches. The distance from sockets and switches to gas pipelines is normalized, it must be at least 50 cm. In bathrooms, it is allowed to install sockets at a distance of 60 cm from sinks, bathtubs, showers, etc. Such sockets must be protected by an RCD with a trip current of up to 30mA (residual current device).

    At present, the European standard for installing sockets and switches has firmly entered the "fashion", according to which sockets are installed at a height of 30 cm from the floor, and switches at a height of 90 cm from the floor. This arrangement of sockets and switches is convenient for all family members. Since the child himself can turn on the light, and the adult does not even have to raise his hand to the switch, because he is at arm's height. Cords from electrical appliances plugged into sockets lie on the floor and do not interfere with the passage. Comfortable!

    Figure 1. According to the European standard, sockets are installed at a height of 30 cm, and switches 90 cm from the floor level.

    Earlier in the Soviet Union, the standard for installing sockets and switches was used, according to which sockets were placed at a height of 90 cm from the floor, and switches were placed at a height of 1.6 m from the floor. This standard also has its advantages, and it is no worse than the European standard. Therefore, at present, many prefer this standard. For example, the switch is always in front of your eyes, and you can insert the plug into the socket without bending down. According to what standard to put sockets and switches to choose for you personally, both options have their pros and cons.

    Figure 2. According to the Soviet standard, sockets are installed at a height of 90 cm, and switches 160 cm from the floor level.

    There are no prohibitions and restrictions on the height of installation of sockets and switches in the kitchen, as well as in other rooms, therefore they should be placed for reasons of practicality and ease of use, but taking into account the requirements of the PUE. Which says the following.​

    7.1.48. Any switches and sockets must be at least 60 cm away from the doorway of the shower cabin. Therefore, from the sink.

    7.1.50. The minimum distance from switches, socket outlets and elements of electrical installations to gas pipelines must be at least 50 cm.

    Based on the standard dimensions of kitchen furniture, a certain standard has been formed for the height of the installation of sockets and switches in the kitchen. According to which it is customary to install sockets at three levels.

    First level 10-15 cm from the floor, on which sockets for an electric stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, waste disposer are installed ... This height is optimal in terms of access to sockets, because after installing the "kitchen" it will be possible to get close to them only from below.

    Second level 110-130 cm from the floor, on which sockets are installed for connecting a kettle, blender, multicooker, microwave oven, that is, for those electrical appliances that will be used on the work surface (table) and used for cooking.

    Third level 200-250 cm from the floor, sockets are installed here to connect the hood and lighting. This height is also chosen taking into account the possibility of access to sockets. It is enough just to stand on a chair and sockets in front of your eyes. And standing on the floor they are not visible behind the upper kitchen cabinets.

    Figure 3. In the kitchen, sockets are installed at three levels. Switches can be installed both according to the European standard and according to the Soviet standard.

    Installation height of sockets and switches in the bathroom.

    The bathroom is a room with high humidity, so all sockets installed in the bathroom must be connected through an RCD and have a degree of protection against moisture of at least IP44, with a splash-proof cover on a spring, this is required from us by the PUE and common sense. Install sockets and switches, once again, it is necessary at a distance of at least 60 cm from sinks, showers. It is also not allowed to install sockets under and above the sink. But the installation height of the sockets must be chosen so that it is most convenient for you to use such household appliances as a hair dryer, an electric shaver.

    Figure 4. Sockets in the bathroom are installed at a distance of at least 60 cm from the shower cabin and sink, and are connected through the RCD, in accordance with the requirements of the PUE.

    Recommendations for installation height and location of sockets and switches in the bedroom.

    My clients often ask me where to install sockets and switches in the bedroom? Based on personal experience, I give the following recommendations, which are based on comfort and ease of use. For example, if a double bed is installed, the option is suitable when on both sides of the bed there is a socket and a two-gang switch at a height of 70 cm from the floor. Sockets in order to lie on the bed, you can connect, for example, a phone for charging, and switches so that you can turn on or off the light in the room or sconces without getting out of bed.

    Figure 5. In the bedroom, we select the height of sockets and switches based on the conditions of comfort and ease of use.

    In such a scheme, you can fully control the lighting from three places, one switch is traditionally installed at the entrance and the other two are on both sides of the bed, as shown in the figure. It is very comfortable!

    Dear visitors of the site, in conclusion of the article, I want to invite you to watch a video on how exactly you do not need to install sockets and switches in the apartment. This video provides specific examples of the most common mistakes in all rooms of the apartment. Watching this video will help you avoid problems and mistakes, because after installation, you don’t want to redo everything!

    When performing electrical work, the height of the sockets from the floor and the level of the switches are important. The ergonomic location of food outlets makes the house more comfortable and convenient for every tenant, including kids and people with disabilities.

    Regulated standards

    When choosing the location of sockets, you need to take into account the standards of PUE, GOST, as well as the layout

    The level of location of power points is prescribed in the instructions for PUE, GOST, SP. When performing work, you should be guided by the above standards.

    The regulation looks like this:

    • from the gas pipeline and heating batteries, the power points are removed by at least 40 cm;
    • switch height from the floor - 1 m;
    • in the bathroom, the sockets are moved 60 cm from the shower, sink, bidet or bath;
    • from the door jamb, the power points are moved 10-15 cm.

    When installing power points in the bathroom, it is imperative to connect them through the RCD.

    GOST and SP requirements

    Requirements for the installation of sockets and switches according to state standards:

    • the location of sockets and switches is determined by the owner of the house / customer;
    • 4 m2 of living space should have one power point;
    • in the corridor - one for every 10 m2.

    The joint venture also prescribes certain standards for electrical work:

    • switches in rooms are recommended to be raised from the floor at a level of 1-1.5 m;
    • if the question is about children's institutions - the distance is increased to 1.8 m;
    • power sockets at catering points, food production are mounted from the floor at a height of 1-1.3 m.

    If desired, the master can familiarize himself with the regulatory documents in detail and select the optimal level of location of sockets / switches for a particular object.

    Installation of power points according to the European standard

    According to the recently popular European wiring standards, it is better to mount all switches at a height of 90 cm from the floor, and sockets - 30 cm. Such a location of power points is considered convenient for everyone living in the house or guests. Light intensity can be controlled without looking, just by reaching out. Electrical appliances are installed without unattractively laid or dangling wires.

    According to the standards of the former USSR, the installation height of sockets was equal to 0.9 m from the floor. The switches were mounted at a level of 1.6 m. Until now, master electricians prefer just such a layout of power points, if the project does not provide for other options.

    Soviet installation standards have a number of advantages:

    • all switches and sockets are located within visible reach for adult family members;
    • children cannot reach the food point, which ensures safety;
    • accidental pressing of the switch is excluded;
    • mounted furniture does not block access to the lighting keys.

    According to Soviet standards, the plugs of electrical appliances are inserted without the need to bend over once again.

    Before designing the wiring, you need to clearly define where the furniture will be located.

    Experienced craftsmen, before determining the installation height of sockets and switches, are advised to take into account some points and do the following:

    • Draw up a detailed layout plan for the arrangement of furniture, all household appliances and lighting points in the room. Be sure to put the intended sockets / switches on the drawing.
    • Take into account the average height of the residents of the premises or office employees.
    • Arrange all power points on the diagram (for office equipment, the Internet, household appliances, lamps, sconces) so that they are accessible to the user and at the same time hidden from view if possible. This is especially true for stationary appliances (TV, computer, refrigerator, washing machine, etc.).
    • At beds, bedside tables, chests of drawers, power points are made 20 cm higher than the plane of the furniture.
    • For open sections of the walls, the height of the sockets from the floor according to the European standard is 30 cm. This is especially true for equipment used periodically (vacuum cleaner, portable fan, etc.).
    • It is better to place switches on the side of the door handle at a distance of 10-15 cm from the jamb. It is comfortable and ergonomic. The final height of the switches is determined empirically. Usually it is 80-100 cm.
    • According to the type of room, all switches are located with maximum convenience for the user. In the bedroom and living room, you need to ensure that a person controls the lighting without getting up from the sofa or bed.
    • For the corridor of an apartment / house / office, it is better to make power points at the beginning and at the end of the room.
    • With a clearly drawn up plan, the master has the opportunity to visually assess the future result of the work performed, if necessary, change something else at the planning stage.

      Rules for the location of electrical outlets in different rooms

      Bathroom food points

      Location of sockets in the bathroom

      The bathroom is a room with high humidity. Therefore, it is extremely important here to know at what height to make sockets and switches so that they do not pose a danger.

      The main prohibitions are the installation of power points under the sink, bidet, bathtub. From them you need to move the sockets at least 60 cm to prevent accidental ingress of water. It is advisable to make the switch outside the room or also away from the washing items. Lamps and sconces near the mirror should preferably be powered through a cord or a key switch on the opposite side of the sink / bath.

      Living room

      For a TV and a music center, it is better to make a socket at a height of 90-140 cm. The distance from the floor to the switch should be at least 0.9 m.

      Kitchen

      In this room, there are several standards for the placement of food outlets. They vary depending on the technique used:

      • First level. It implies the installation of sockets at a height of 10-15 cm from the floor. A powerful oven, electric stove, freezer, refrigerator, waste chopper are connected here. The convenience of this arrangement lies in the fact that after installing the built-in kitchen, it will be impossible to get to the sockets in any other way than through cabinets or a table from below.
      • Second level. Here, a whole block of sockets is mounted at a level of 110-130 cm from the floor in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen apron. Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to successfully connect an electric kettle, blender, microwave oven, mixer and other small household appliances that are convenient to use on the work surface.
      • Third level. Mount power points for connecting an electric hood, TV, backlight. The height of the location is 2-2.5 meters from the floor.

      The switch is located immediately at the door at a height convenient for the user. As a rule, it is close to European standards and equals 90-110 cm.

      Bedroom

      An example of the location of electrical points near the bed

      • On both sides of a double bed (regardless of its size) they make a double socket and a two-gang switch. They are located 70 cm from the plinth. This allows a resting person, without getting out of bed, to control lighting, charge a mobile phone, read a book under a night light.
      • The main switch is placed in the room immediately upon entering.
      • If a dressing table is provided in the bedroom, on both sides of it, at a height of 70-90 cm, an outlet is made for connecting a wall lamp or a hairdryer.

      All food points in the bedroom are arranged in accordance with the selected set of furniture. It is possible that it will be non-standard. Especially often this happens when arranging a bedroom for a person with disabilities or when developing a design project.

      Children's

      Even 10 years ago, experts recommended placing all food outlets as high as possible in children's rooms. This ensures the safety of the child and eliminates the possibility of his contact with the mains. Today, all socket outlets are equipped with special locking covers. To lift them, the baby needs effort. Therefore, such sockets can be mounted according to the European standard.

      The switch in the child's room is made according to his height. It is advisable to install an adjustable power point, with which you can increase or decrease the intensity of artificial lighting. It is better to install a separate standard socket with a cover under the night light.

      Cabinet

      For expensive equipment, you need to provide a system of protection against voltage surges.

      This premise requires more food outlets. At least one block must be placed in close proximity to the table. A personal computer, monitor, router, printer and copier, audio speakers will be connected through it. The block is placed 30 cm from the floor level. How many power points will be included in it, the master decides for himself, depending on the amount of future equipment.

      If a library is provided in the office, it is necessary to mount an outlet under a floor lamp. It is installed in the reading area. The power point for the floor lamp is also made at the Euro level of 0.3 m.

      On the free wall there will be 1-2 more outlets. They are used to connect temporary equipment.

      With common sense and a clear layout of furniture in the room, the master can safely design the levels of the sockets / switches at his discretion.

    When creating design ideas for decorating rooms, they often deviate from the previously established traditional ways of placing sockets and switches on building elements.

    Now more and more attention is paid to ease of use, safety of operation, and the preservation of the health of residents.

    When repairing electrical wiring, a home master analyzes existing solutions and chooses the one that is most suitable for his family members. Let's analyze them briefly on small examples with pictures.


    Traditional old ways

    Two or three decades ago in our country there were two options for the location of switches and one for sockets, which were mounted in almost all residential premises.

    Switch placement

    When a person enters his apartment from the street, his eyes are rebuilt from the perception of sunlight to twilight. For a comfortable stay in the room, you need to turn on the lights. Therefore, switches are placed near the front door. They are also convenient to turn off the light when leaving the room for a long time.

    Previously, the switch was installed in two ways:

    1. directly under the ceiling;
    2. at shoulder height for an adult.

    Ceiling structures

    The switch, according to the method of installation, was called - ceiling. It was located at a high altitude, and for convenient control, a cord was lowered down.

    In this case, it was required to lay the minimum length of electrical wires from the junction box, and a push-button design with spring self-return was used for switching lighting circuits.


    To turn on the light, you just had to pull the cord and immediately release it: the lamp lit up reliably. Re-tensioning and releasing the cord removed the voltage from the bulbs: they went out.


    The picture shows the control option for a one-contact switch in the corridor for a single light bulb. Similar models of ceiling devices can have two contacts that sequentially control different groups of lamps, for example, in a chandelier.

    wall structures

    They are also located at the front door, but are mounted in the wall at the level of the shoulders of an adult or a little higher, who just needs to raise his hand to turn on the light.


    The distance from the floor of 1.6 ÷ 1.8 meters was considered optimal, many got used to it from childhood.


    At the same height, a side of switches with a socket was placed. They were often placed between bathroom and toilet doors.

    Outlet placement

    The installation of sockets was carried out at a height of about 90 cm of the floor.


    Their small number is clearly not enough now, people have to connect tees or extension cords. The best solution is to replace them with blocks. However, it should be understood that the load on the old wires should be constantly taken into account. Otherwise, in such wiring.


    Most apartment owners still live in houses with a similar arrangement of sockets and switches, they are used to it, they consider it quite convenient.

    Modern design solutions

    Our population often pronounces the word "Eurostandard" when carrying out repairs, explaining to them that the existing construction methods are borrowed from European countries. However, like the term "Euro-renovation", it is used only as a marketing device for construction companies.

    In fact, modern building codes and the rules in force in electrical installations do not strictly limit the height and number of sockets with switches inside residential buildings. They do not prohibit placing electrical switching devices at the discretion of the owner where it is convenient for him to operate them.

    The main thing in this matter is to carry out the wiring so that it excludes the factors of electric shock to residents.

    Technical limitations

    Modern construction standards:

    • recommend user-friendly locations;
    • require the use of protective measures in the electrical circuit;
    • specify hazardous areas of increased risk;
    • prohibit the use of conventional devices that are not adapted to these operating conditions.

    For example, building regulations SP 31-110-2003 recommend that apartment owners use switches mounted near the entrance door handle to the room at a height of about one meter. In this case, a person does not need to perform unnecessary actions: the hand is already near the switch.

    They also allow you to control the light by ceiling models with a cord, mount sockets where it is convenient to use them and do not limit their number. Indeed, the lack of sockets in modern premises with a large number of electrical consumers makes it necessary to connect various tees, use extension cords that do not always correspond in power to the connected load, and create a fire hazard.

    Electrical equipment in the kitchen

    The rules prohibit placing sockets and switches close to the equipment of gas stoves or gas pipelines. During electrical switching, especially breaking powerful loads, arcing, sparking is possible, and the appearance of gas in such a place will lead to a fire or explosion.

    Therefore, it is forbidden to install sockets and switches closer than 50 cm from any gas appliances.

    Bathrooms

    In the interior of the bathroom, a humid environment is formed, which is a good current conductor. Therefore, the entire volume of the premises is divided into security zones that take into account this factor. They are shown in the picture.


    It is better not to use sockets in the bathroom.

    As an exception, the rules allow their installation only in zone No. 3, limiting the approach to any water equipment of a bath or sink by 60 cm. Moreover, according to the requirements of GOST R 50571.11-96, protective devices must be used in such premises: isolation transformers.

    Compliance with these requirements is a guarantee of human safety.

    The convenience of using sockets and switches must be thought out in advance, planned before the start of repairs, the implementation of design ideas. For each room, it is recommended to make a sketch of it, taking into account the detailed arrangement of furniture and electrical appliances.

    Do not forget about low-current circuits: communications, television, signaling, computer systems, video surveillance, etc.

    Creating a small supply of sockets and space in cable channels for future room renovations is fully justified.

    Features of the placement of switching devices

    How to arrange sockets

    Stationary electrical appliances

    To connect large-sized stationary consumers of electrical energy, such as freezers, refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, it is desirable to place sockets outside the normal field of view of a person. Then they will not have a significant impact on the overall design of the room.

    But, this does not mean that an electrician's access to the outlet should be limited, because over time it will have to be inspected, checked and, quite possibly, repaired.

    Portable electrical appliances

    Sockets designed to power periodically connected devices, for example, a vacuum cleaner, are installed uniformly on the wall, raising their level by the same distance of about 30 cm. The look of an ordinary person notices them less with this arrangement, and ease of use is not disturbed.

    Do not be afraid to install sockets every two or three meters along the perimeter of all rooms. They facilitate the operation of a large number of electrical appliances operating in everyday life.

    Tables and bedside tables

    How to position switches

    Mounting the light switch near the front door handle is the most convenient for the user. It should be removed from the opening by more than 10 cm and placed from the floor to a height of 90 ÷ 100 cm. In this case, an adult does not raise his hand high, and a child from four years old can independently use the light without the help of parents.

    When ceiling switches are used, the end of the control cord is also directed to the same point.

    If the apartment has a long corridor, then two walk-through switches are mounted at its ends, allowing you to control the light of one lamp from opposite points.

    Near the entrance doors to small, nearby rooms, it is convenient to place a block from a socket and a three-gang switch that controls the light of each room from this place.

    Inside the bedroom, it is customary to turn off the light directly from the bed, without getting up from it, but simply by raising your hand.

    In most cases, the removal of switches by 90 cm from the floor level, and sockets by 30 is considered universal and is justified in practice.

    Features of planning the places of sockets and switches

    The explanations provided in the pictures are intended to help create a working sketch for wiring in various rooms.


    One of the convenient options for the location of electrical wiring elements inside the corridor involves the placement of:

    • apartment electrical panel with protections and switching devices;
    • an electric meter, which can be placed not only inside the shield, but also separately, when required by local conditions;
    • switches or a block of them;
    • sockets;
    • branch box.


    A convenient option for placing sockets and switches in the bedroom is shown in the following image.


    Part of the article is already devoted to the bathroom. It can be supplemented with the following picture.


    In the kitchen, it is always necessary to use various appliances at the same time: a hood, an electric or gas stove, a refrigerator, a slow cooker, a bread machine, a food processor. They require a large number of outlets. It is better to mount whole blocks.

    They are installed above the floor at a height of 30 cm and raised above the level of the table by 10 ÷ 15 cm. The outlet for the hood is mounted to a height of about 2.65 meters.


    In the living room, the location of sockets for the telephone, computer, TV, intercom is taken into account.


    In rooms intended for technical purposes, such as a garage, the installation of sockets and switches should also be well thought out.


    Usually they are located no closer than 10 cm from the wall opening at a height of 140-150 cm. This allows you to conveniently use an electric tool.

    Examples of placement of sockets and switches in modern apartments

    Due to local conditions, corridor switches and sockets had to be mounted next to the front door on the side opposite from the handle.


    The socket for the electrified children's railway rises 20 cm above the table.


    Sockets for video equipment and low-current circuits are closed by the TV screen from prying eyes, and access to them by the home master remained free.


    In the kitchen, safety plastic plugs are installed inside the outlet contacts, preventing accidental contact of the child with the mains voltage.


    The lower socket block, hidden under the cooking table, is designed for permanently connected household appliances.


    The above photographs clearly show that when creating a room design, it is not necessary to accurately maintain the recommended height and location of sockets or switches. It is enough to observe the permissible distances to areas dangerous for electrical wiring, and the installation of switching devices should be carried out taking into account the individual characteristics of the premises, ease of use by residents.

    To avoid making typical mistakes that complicate living conditions, we recommend watching an instructive video on the inconvenient location of sockets, switches, lamps and furniture. It clearly allows you to learn from the mistakes of others and not make your own.