Currently, no one can do without outlets. They are needed everywhere. In the room, in the bathroom, and especially in the kitchen. It is worth noting that it is in the kitchen that there should be an order of magnitude more outlets than in other rooms. To arrange all the devices correctly, you need to follow the recommendations and basic rules. It is also very important to choose the right height of the outlets above the countertop.
You need to remember that you need to arrange appliances in the kitchen before the start of the proposed repair. A large percentage of people neglect this advice and begin installation after arranging the furniture. But this is a completely wrong step, since the sockets should be in those places where the main equipment is.
Key points
Therefore, before you begin, you must create an installation plan. First of all, you need to determine where the mandatory equipment will stand. This includes:
- fridge;
- machine for dishes;
- plate;
- extractor hood;
- microwave
- kettle, slow cooker;
- TV set.
It is also worth considering that you may need additional outlets to connect other appliances that are not related to the kitchen. For example, there will be a need to turn on the vacuum cleaner or charge a laptop, phone. For such cases, it is advisable to install at least one outlet. Roughly speaking, there should be several more outlets than mandatory appliances.
The most important thing in this matter is to choose the right outlets that are best suited for the kitchen. The humidity in this room is too high, and the air temperature can constantly change, so such devices must be equipped with moisture protection and not pose a danger to people.
They can even be installed near a sink where there is a risk of water ingress. In any other places in the kitchen it is allowed to mount ordinary sockets. It is recommended to use Eurostandard devices to protect children from electric shock.
Types of Outlets
Before you consider at what height to make outlets above the countertop, it is worth finding out what types of these devices are.
- Corner Great option for the kitchen. They can be identified under the cabinet, at the junction of the walls. Sockets can be single or modular. They are as easy to install as simple ones.
- Retractable. A good option in the absence of an extension cord. They can be placed above the countertop. There they are protected from water and dust. Using them, you can connect a small number of devices.
- Hidden. They are also called embedded. Basically, they are built into the countertop, and therefore they have an ideal look. Most often this is a unit that consists of several outlets. This option is equipped with connectors for charging phones and other similar devices. These sockets are very convenient to use. The unit itself is hidden in the countertop, and if you need a socket, you just need to click on the housing cover.
- Overhead. They require a completely normal installation, but in modern times almost no one uses this type, because they are suitable only for open postings.
Based on the foregoing, we can say that the most popular sockets are pull-out and built-in. The system is built in such a way that they can be easily hidden and also placed on any surface, even on the most complex.
Next, we will consider at what height the sockets above the countertop are best installed.
Wiring rules
It should be noted that there should be a large number of lines so that they fully supply power to all devices. But the most powerful devices need their own line. This applies to the refrigerator and electric stove.
All devices with a metal housing must be earthed according to the standard. This procedure can be carried out independently or resort to the help of a master in this matter. Do not forget that the connection must be made through the machine.
Outlet layout
First of all, you need to know how many appliances are in the kitchen and how many may appear in the near future. After this, it is necessary to clarify the power of all devices.
Great technique
- electric oven - from 2500 W;
- washing machine - 1500 W;
- refrigerator - from 200 to 1000 watts;
- freezer - 300 W;
- dishwashing - from 1000 W;
- water heater - from 1500W.
Small kitchen appliances
- microwave - from 800 W;
- electric kettle - from 500 W;
- blender - up to 300 W;
- food processor - from 1200 to 1500 W;
- coffee brewing machine - from 900 watts.
Other devices
Also in the kitchen can be connected and other appliances:
- TV - 200-330 W;
- laptop - 50–75 watts.
Installation location and height of the outlet above the countertop
Installing outlets should be in accordance with the schemes and basic rules. It is recommended to place them next to devices that will definitely be used.
Most importantly, start by installing an outlet above or near the refrigerator. Then you need to do the same near the stove and one more with a dishwasher. But in no case do not put them near the sink so that water does not get there, as this is very dangerous. Then you can arrange the outlet for the TV, if it is planned.
Do not forget that at least three devices must be installed above the countertop. The height of the outlet should not exceed ten centimeters.
If the house or apartment has built-in appliances, then appliances should be done next to them. The height of the outlet above the countertop should be approximately 10 centimeters. The hood outlet must be installed directly above it. It is forbidden to place appliances behind built-in appliances.
From the floor they can be installed at a height of one meter from the baseboard. You can also put one near the dining table. It will be very convenient. In this case, you need to maintain a distance of 30 centimeters from the floor.
The height of the outlets from the floor above the countertop primarily depends on the people. Some want them to be placed below, while others are uncomfortable. Therefore, everyone chooses a certain height and version of the device itself. There are no special standards for installation and the height of the outlet above the countertop. Here you have to be guided solely by the convenience of their location.
Installation
Before starting the process, you need to distribute the sockets on the walls and make marks that need to be connected to the voltage cable (what we should consider the height of the sockets above the countertop in the kitchen).
Then in these places you need to make holes in the wall. This requires a hammer drill. Use a round nozzle.
Now you need to put the socket and securely fix it.
In the end, you need to draw power lines and also fix. Check their work.
How to move the outlet to another location?
Such situations happen that the outlet needs to be moved to another place. To implement this plan, a rotary hammer will be needed again. You need to act according to the basic rules:
- Using a pencil, draw a line to the intended point. Drill small recesses about one centimeter with a puncher.
- The drill changes to a blade, after which you need to align the stroba in length.
- Draw a pencil on the wall with a pencil for the socket and drill it around the perimeter.
- After that, you need to remove the former outlet, while maintaining the box and remove the wires. To them you need to screw the terminal strip.
- The new wire must be laid in the shtroba, make holes in the box and connect to the last wire in the terminal block. Then tighten the screws well.
- Insert the box for the new point into the hole for the socket and pass the wire through the side gap.
- After this, it is necessary to moisten the strob with water and fix the wire with the box. All this will need to be covered with gypsum or other material.
- After the solution has dried, you need to mount a new outlet in the box, carefully screwing the wire to it.
Basic Rules
Installing outlets should be in accordance with the basic rules. These rules must be observed in order to avoid unpleasant situations that may occur in case of improper handling of electrics.
- It is important to remember that the total amount of power of the devices that are turned on must be acceptable. For example, it is not recommended to include a kettle and a microwave in one outlet.
- In the kitchen you need to draw so many lines for outlets so that they are enough to use additional appliances.
- For devices with high power, you need to get other lines with the correct cross-section.
- Devices with a metal housing require mandatory grounding. On this basis, sockets for such devices can only be switched on through a special switch or residual current device.
- It is impossible to put them behind built-in appliances. It should be placed at a distance of about 20 centimeters.
- Above the countertop, the outlet should be installed, after having retreated about 10-15 centimeters. This rule must be observed in order to prevent the ingress of fat and water into the outlet, otherwise huge problems can form.
- Under the sink and stove, installation is also prohibited, since there are pipes that can break through. Therefore, this option should not even be considered.
Output
So, we examined what should be the height of the outlets above the kitchen worktop and the connection rules. We can conclude that before installing these devices, you need to read all the recommendations in order to install correctly and in the right place. This is a completely simple procedure that does not take much time and saves money, since you do not have to pay the wizard for the installation. Nevertheless, if there is absolutely no experience in the installation, then it is better not to take the risk and still call a specialist who will do everything quickly and efficiently. Also, the master can advise the correct places for installing outlets, which will save the owners of the house from unnecessary trouble.
Information in conclusion
It is important to remember that the kitchen must have its own style and should be comfortable in it. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that all devices and sockets are located correctly. Kitchen design depends on it. Unfortunately, a large number of people do not listen to the advice of specialists and make many mistakes. When installing devices, you need to consider every detail and do not miss anything. The most important thing is the height of the sockets above the countertop and the correct location near the appliances. Only by fulfilling all the conditions can a positive result be achieved.