Height of installation of switches and sockets according to the European standard

Install the outlet or switch is not so difficult - it's harder to decide on their location, because moving and dismantling with already completed repairs will be much more difficult.

Eurostandard in the installation of outlets and switches

When repairing the room there is such a question as the height of the installation of switches and sockets. Many masters resort to such a method of installation as the European standard. For some users it is not only modern, but also comfortable. At the same time, the distance from the floor can not exceed 90 cm. If we take into account the average growth of an adult person, then passing by such an instrument, it will be possible to turn it on or off easily, simply by raising a hand to it, it does not need to be bent or stretched. But this does not mean that such a height of installation of outlets and switches (European standard) is the only correct solution. Place this or that device at any user-friendly level and location, while observing safety measures.

Installation of switches

There are three main methods that are used when installing the circuit breaker.

- Common in Soviet times, when the height of the installation of switches and sockets was about 160 cm from the floor. Users are used to the fact that the switch is located at eye level, this is a rational approach when the room is low in furniture. It's also protection from small children who like to click them. In this case, such pampering is excluded.

- Eurostandard. The height from the floor to the installed switch is only 90 cm. It is very convenient, because passing by, you can easily hold your hand and press it.

- Installation in a place where it is convenient for the user. There are non-standard solutions in the design and interior, which do not allow you to locate the switch according to generally accepted standards. Therefore, if there is no claim to safety, the device can be installed anywhere.

Installation of sockets

- The Soviet approach. In this version, the height of the sockets from the floor is not less than 90 cm.

- The European standard provides installation of sockets at a shorter distance from the floor - 30 cm. At the same time, this option is more comfortable, since it is more convenient to connect the equipment and hide its wires. When choosing an installation option, remember the appointment of the room and what devices will be connected. So, in the kitchen to place the sockets in the floor will be wrong, because all the equipment is located at the level of the table. Therefore, it is more convenient to use the outlet at the same level.

Let's note one more nuance. Sockets of the past sample do not always allow you to connect a modern device. It is better to choose units of the European standard, then there will be no need to use adapters, which can result in a voltage drop and fire. Differences in sockets of the European standard and Soviet - in diameter of pins, thus at "Europeans" they are more on 0,8 mm. Also a different distance between them. Naturally, the current is also different. Soviet only have a range from 6.3 to 10 A, but European ones - from 10 to 16 A, which increases the possibility of using different techniques.

Installation Recommendations

Users note a significant difference in the convenience of the "Soviet" installation and the European standard in favor of the latter.

- Mount the outlet or switch necessary in the place where it is appropriate and comfortable to use, of course, while not forgetting about safety. Sockets in the floor will be an expedient solution only in the necessary place for this.

- In rooms that have a large area, several switches should be installed to ensure maximum comfort of movement in the dark.

- Care should be taken to install the sockets in the plumbing. They must be provided with a special device that protects against leakage of currents, that is, have a ground connection. It is advisable to take out the outlet (for example, for a washing machine) out of the room.

- No less attention deserves and sockets in the kitchen, especially in a place where a large collection of household appliances. Mount the sockets at the same time you need 5-10 cm above the countertop.

- Do not interfere and a few additional outlets in the kitchen, because there is always the possibility that you need to connect a couple of extra devices at the same time.

- The number of switches and sockets in the house should be taken such that it will be sufficient for comfortable use of electrical appliances and lighting.

Sockets in the kitchen. General rules

The height of the installation of switches and sockets in the kitchen is a separate topic, since there is increased humidity and risk of flooding.

- At the work table, the height of the sockets from the floor is 10 cm.

- Sockets for built-in appliances are mounted not less than 30 cm from the floor, but not more than 60 cm.

- The wire from the appliance to the socket must not be longer than 150 cm.

- From the hood to the appliance should not be more than 20 cm.

- If the socket needs to be installed under the sink, then its degree of protection against moisture should be appropriate (not less than IP 44).

- For other household appliances, the outlet can be installed anywhere on the apron. But it should be remembered that it is forbidden to mount them directly above the stove or sink, behind the drawer, behind the built-in appliances.

Normative documents

Fashionable now "eurostandart" - this is nothing like the standards adopted by masters of Western Europe installation of sockets and switches. But there are no documents on this subject. There are norms that regulate the height of the installation of switches and sockets. SNiP 31-110-2003 is one of the documents in which the corresponding figures are spelled out.

It contains rules and some provisions for the installation of similar building elements. It appears that the installation of a switch in the apartment from the door handle should not be more than 1 meter from the floor. And the height of the switches in a public place should not exceed 1.5 meters from the floor. Sockets should be equipped with special protection from children, especially in rooms where their long-term presence is expected. In the school, the sockets should be located at a height of more than 1.8 meters from the floor. There is also GOST R 50571.11-96, it contains regulations on the height of the installation of switches and sockets in sanitary facilities.

Electrical installation

Qualitatively executed installation of electric switches and sockets is a guarantee of safety and comfort. The purpose of repair work is to improve the design of the entire room and provide access to the devices.

Advantageously, the installation of the sockets and switches is carried out before the beginning of the finishing work. Thus there are such essential pluses:

- Significantly improved design.

- You can increase the number of required outlets.

- The arrangement of the instruments is chosen taking into account the arrangement of furniture.

- It becomes possible to install modern sockets, the boxes of which completely exclude pulling together with the plug.

- Concealed wiring and the selected height of the installation of switches and sockets contribute to the fact that the room looks harmonious.

- The power and reliability of the wiring increases.