Kitchen

Placing and installing outlets in the kitchen

Sockets in the kitchen

The kitchen plays a special role in the life of every person. Here they gather as a family, cook and eat, discuss the results of the day. Accordingly, the room should be cozy, comfortable. Everyone determines the level of comfort for himself. It manifests itself in the rational use of living space, the style of the room, the right lighting, the presence of accessories, kitchen appliances, furniture.

Progress leads to an acceleration of the pace of human life, the emergence of complex mechanisms that perform part of the manual work. Many things that were considered relevant several decades ago are outdated, but new ones, mostly electric ones, have appeared. This circumstance led to greater electricity consumption, a shortage of available outlets. The increase in electric points in most cases is associated with a major overhaul, the implementation of which begins with a project that takes into account various factors.

Standards for installing outlets in the kitchen

Power sockets are used in every room of a house or apartment. They feed various electrical appliances. In the kitchen room used equipment that is constantly in need of electricity: refrigerator, electric stove, hob, dishwasher, oven. Due to the increased danger in this living space, the location of the outlets is very responsible, based on the following regulatory documents:

  • GOST 7397.0-89 (General specifications for circuit breakers);
  • GOST 7396.1-89 (main dimensions of plug connectors);
  • GOST 8594-80 (General specifications for switch boxes, sources with hidden wiring);
  • SNiP 3.05.06-85 (Electrotechnical devices).

From the list above, we consider the main points that you must first pay attention to when drawing up a plan:

  1. Free access. The source of electricity is installed so that the distance to the appliance does not exceed one meter.
  2. Safety of use. A separate line must be drawn for each powerful device. The installation height should exceed two centimeters from the baseboard. It is necessary to exclude the possibility of liquid. Electric points are installed out of the reach of children.
  3. Proper planning. It is necessary to provide for the presence of additional sources, to which you can later connect the necessary devices.When designing, you should avoid the possibility of laying wiring near a gas pipeline, ventilation, water supply.

The quick release connector used to power the hood must be located under the ceiling. At the same time, it can not be hidden behind the corrugation, installed at a distance closer than half a meter from the window.

Sockets on the kitchen wall

Calculation of power of electrical appliances

Before starting repair work, at the time of design, it is necessary to determine the number of electrical appliances used, and also consider options for installing additional elements in the future. This will allow you to calculate the cross section of the cable being laid, the number of electrical points, wiring methods. For each individual device, power indicators will be individual, depending on its type, class, manufacturer. However, as an example, you can use the averaged values, based on which to make the necessary calculations, make a reserve for the maximum load, increasing the diameter of the core.

Table of average energy consumption indicators for kitchen appliances:

Namepower, kWtOpening hours minutes per day
Electric oven260
Electric stove10120
Washer290
Dishwasher272
Water heater2120
Refrigerator0,3420
Freezer0,3420
Electric kettle210
Microwave115
Blender0,210
Cooker hood0,330
Food processor0,520
Coffee maker0,812
Toaster0,810

The main load is created by large equipment, for which a separate cable should be provided. When making calculations, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of connecting all elements at the same time, including taking into account the use of additional items, for example, a laptop, a TV.

Electrical appliances in the kitchen

Which cable to choose for wiring

After calculating the power consumption of all electrical devices, you can begin to choose the type of cable products, determine the required cross-section of conductors. For this, we use the data from the table of permissible currents.

Aluminum cable has not been used for electrical wiring in private homes and apartments for a long time. It is better to use more expensive, very reliable copper wires. With the same core diameter, they withstand heavy loads, have less resistance, do not break. This is especially true for kitchens that consume up to half of all the electricity in the house.

Cable section, mm²Paved openLocated in the pipe
Current loads, Apower, kWtCurrent loads, Apower, kWt
220380220380
CuAlCuAlCuAlCuAlCuAlCuAl
0,5112,4
0,75153,3
1173,76,41435,3
1,52358,7153,35,7
226215,74,69,87,919144,137,25,3
2,530246,65,2119,121164,63,57,96
4413297161227215,94,6107,9
55039118,5191434267,45,7129,8
108060171330225038118,31914
161007522163828805517123020
25140105302353391006522143824
35170130372864491357529165128

Cable

Popular types of kitchen outlets

Proper planning, placement of electrical points, proper compliance with all requirements during installation will create a functional room. The appearance of the kitchen space can emphasize the competent choice of the appropriate type of outlets. Manufacturers offer many options, among which there are models of the following types:

  • Overhead. Installation and dismantling is carried out with minimal time and money. The best option when installing new powerful electrical appliances when there is not enough available capacity, and a complete repair is inappropriate. They are not popular, they spoil the overall appearance of the kitchen set, sometimes they interfere with the work process.
  • Corner Very convenient option. Designed for installation at the junction of two surfaces, a wall and a kitchen cabinet, countertops. Products have an elegant, original design. They are made mainly of plastic, both single and modular models are available.
  • Retractable. Characterized by aesthetic qualities. Produced in blocks, have additional outputs for charging, connecting various accessories. Depending on the location of the structure are divided into horizontal, vertical. Convenient to use. You can embed in countertops, walls, even the floor. If necessary, connect the mechanism, just click on the housing cover, after which the unit smoothly extends. Among the shortcomings, one can single out the inconvenience of connecting the side forks to installations perpendicular to the floor.
  • Hidden (embedded).Allow to secure a workplace. They are located in lockers, drawers, countertops. Save space. Used as additional points. They are divided into single and double (rarely used in practice) models.

Overhead sockets

Outlet layout

The correct location of the electrical points depends on the correct layout. Planning must be carried out on the basis of the finished design of the kitchen, which will help to avoid problems in the future, for example, outlets can be closed by a refrigerator, an oven. To prevent this, to make an accurate installation, a plan of kitchen furniture is taken, on which the notation is made. They can be done by hand, following the general rules:

  • Electric points should be located in accessible places, so that in case of replacement, repair, cleaning of equipment, it was easy to disconnect it from the power supply.
  • You need to start marking up with large and built-in household appliances that are installed for a long time, their movement is not planned in the near future. It is forbidden to install sockets in the kitchen directly behind appliances, it is better to place them next to the wall, hide behind the walls of neighboring cabinets.
  • For the simultaneous connection of an electric stove and an oven, the use of double connectors is not allowed.
  • Mounted above the countertop, hidden, corner structures are used to connect small electrical appliances: a kettle, a blender, a toaster, a meat grinder.

Layout of sockets in the kitchen

Determine the quantity

Calculating the total number of outlets required for the kitchen room is not difficult. Everyone can do this on their own. It is enough to use simple arithmetic, calculate the number of electrical appliances used to determine how many electric points are needed:

  • Electric stove;
  • Refrigerator;
  • Water heater;
  • Dishwasher;
  • Cooker hood;
  • Washer;
  • Electric kettle;
  • Microwave
  • Additional devices (blender, coffee maker, juicer);
  • Other components (TV, auxiliary lighting).

Having completed the counting of all items, add stock, you need to increase the resulting amount by a quarter. At the same time, the cost of work will increase, but in the future, with the advent of new devices, additional cabling will not be required, which is not always possible.

Four sockets on the kitchen wall

How to determine placements and distances

Having decided on the preliminary scheme, having made the calculation of the required quantity, we proceed to the solution of the question of the location and indentation of outlets. To do this, it is necessary to draw up an accurate detailed drawing of the kitchen, to plan in it the specific dimensions of the installed objects, depicting them in the form of geometric shapes. For the correct location of the connectors, it is advisable to adhere to a circuit consisting of three levels:

  • Lower. Electric points are installed up to 30 cm above the floor. They feed large electrical appliances.
  • Average. Designed to connect the main part of the equipment to the network. Above the working surface, you can position the outlet and switch at a height of up to 20 cm.
  • Upper. Installation starts at 2 meters. The main purpose is to power the hood, additional lighting.

Based on the recommendations, previously performed calculations, you can begin to transfer the elements to the development of the walls. For each appliance, certain rules should be followed.

Outlets under the cabinets

For the refrigerator

Manufacturers advise placing the outlet block directly below the product, hide the point. This is necessary so that the plug does not interfere with other equipment. This location is inconvenient, access to the connector is difficult. If the equipment is planned to be often turned off, it is better to install at the level of the working area. However, it is also worth considering the design of the appliance:

  • Freestanding models. Installation directly behind the refrigerator is allowed, but in practice it is more convenient to indent 5 cm on either side.This will provide a free approach, if necessary, turn off the device, it does not have to be moved.
  • Built-in options. Installation height varies between 20-75 cm, indent to the side - up to 20 cm. The best place is the adjacent cabinet.

Socket for the refrigerator

For hood

Much depends on the type and manufacturer of this product. For low-cost open-type models, a direct connection is provided when the cable is started and connected via terminal blocks. The method is unsafe, such installation is not recommended. Disconnecting the device from power is much more difficult. Requires additional calculations for the wiring pin.

The second option involves the use of a plug. In this case, the sockets are installed at a height of 2-2.5 meters. If the ventilation pipe is closed by a cabinet, then it is most acceptable to place an electric point inside, stepping away from the chimney 20 cm. With this arrangement, special blocks are often used that feed additional lighting.

Socket for hoods

For hob

For a powerful installation, the connection can be made directly through a special power outlet. At the same time, an RCD + automatic machine is installed in the shield. The second option is more convenient, if necessary, turn off the device, for example, during wet cleaning, just pull out the plug.

For direct connections, the correct cable routing is required. When powered through a stationary connector, you must determine the place for it. The optimum height from the floor should not exceed 90 cm. It is also forbidden to install the socket box at the same level as the panel. It is taken out in one of the parties. If an oven is located under the surface, installation is carried out below its level.

It is not recommended to install close to the floor. Flooding, water leakage can lead to unpleasant consequences.

Hob socket

For the oven

Unlike hobs, ovens are equipped with standard forks. When connected, a stationary electrical point is sufficient.The main thing is that each installation has its own separate line.

If the cabinet is located under an electric stove, then the optimal height from the floor to the outlet is 15-20 cm, while the same distance is selected when indenting to one side. In the case of using freestanding structures located at chest level, an electric point can be installed in a cabinet located below from a height of up to 75 cm.

Socket for the oven

For dishwasher

The installation of the equipment itself is tied to utilities, namely the supply of pipes and drainage of water into the sewer. Therefore, the equipment is located in close proximity to the sink. According to regulatory documents, it is unacceptable to place the sockets above or below the sink, it is also prohibited for the item in question. The slightest leak can cause a short circuit and fire.

Connection can be made directly from the shield, but be sure to use a bunch of RCD + automatic. If the power goes through the plug, then a cabinet next to it will be the best place to place the point, it will serve as additional protection. You can do the installation on the wall, stepping back from the floor to a height of 20-40 cm, away from the appliance no more than one meter.

Dishwasher outlet

For washing machine

As well as a dishwasher, this technique applies to high-risk appliances. Requires the presence of underwater and diversion communications. The principle of connection, both to the sewage system and to the mains, is identical to the above example.

The most convenient option is to use both items in pairs when they are located on opposite sides of the sink. If this is not possible, you can choose a compact model of the dishwasher and place it on top of the washing machine. In this case, it is possible to arrange the distribution of electric points at the same level.

Socket for washing machine

For sockets of the working area and above the countertop

The largest number of fixed connectors is located above the work surface. They feed small electrical appliances.At the planning stage it is necessary to pay special attention to this moment. You need to think in advance which technique will be used. Subsequently, such actions will make the cooking process comfortable.

The height of the countertops can reach 90 cm above the floor. On top of it is a wall, the distance from which to the upper cabinets is 60 cm. It is this gap that is used to place outlets, here they must be distributed. Corner models can be installed at the junction of any two surfaces, indented from gas devices and washing by 50 cm (this also applies to wall outlets). Retractable options are mounted in the working plane. For structures located on the wall, the indent from the countertop up should be more than 5 cm. Consideration should be given to the presence of built-in appliances located in the upper cabinets, for these products it is better to use hidden points.

Sockets in the working area

How to mount sockets

Installation varies by model. The easiest is to install outdoor options. The principle of operation is the external laying of the cable from the shield to the place of installation of the electric point marked on the plan, which is simply attached to the wall surface using self-tapping screws. Such a choice spoils the interior of the room.

For internal outlets, the installation principle is fundamentally different. In this case, the process proceeds as follows:

  • On the surface of the walls, the kitchen apron, according to the drawing, markings are made, the points of location of all nodes are marked, lines for wiring the copper cable are drawn.
  • Using a punch cutter, a groove is grooved in the wall along the planned lines, where the wiring is subsequently laid, is covered with plaster.
  • Holes are made in the locations of electric points with the help of a rotary hammer with a round nozzle, a socket box is installed in them, which must be well fixed, after which wiring is introduced into it.
  • Next, the outlet is fixed to the cores with the help of phase contacts, installed in the socket, check the performance.

Socket Installation

Features of mounting countertops built into the countertop

The installation procedure is simple, you can do it yourself. There are horizontal and vertical models. The former are the most popular, but less practical; the latter do not provide for connecting side forks. However, despite the different design, the installation for both mortise options is similar, is as follows:

  • Before starting work, the required area is de-energized, special rubber gloves can be additionally worn for protection.
  • For designs of the vertical type, the corresponding diameter of the nozzle on the hammer is selected, with which a hole is drilled in the countertop. Horizontal views require rectangular holes that can be made with a drill and jigsaw.
  • After installing the outlet in a prepared place, it must be fixed with clips, screws, and other fasteners.
  • Connection to the mains can be done using a conventional plug, laying a separate cable.
  • At the final stage, it remains only to check the operability of the product.

Countertop socket

Recommendations for wiring and machines

Depending on the power of the appliance, the cable section is selected. From its diameter depends on what maximum current can pass through the wires, not causing them to overheat. To choose the optimal section, you can use Ohm's law and other rules from electrodynamics.

For instance:

  1. For 220 volt network
    I = (L1 + L2 + ... + Ln) / 220, where:
    I is the current strength;
    (L1 + L2 + ... + Ln) - the total power of all devices.
  2. For a network of 380 volts
    I = (L1 + L2 + ... + Ln) / √3 / 380.

Using these formulas, you can make a simplified calculation, here the standard value of the load is taken into account, the norm for Cu is 10 A / mm², and for Al - 8 A / mm². In order to make accurate calculations, it is necessary to take into account the cable length, resistivity, power factor correction, allowable load.

The best option for appliances with a consumption of up to 3.5 kW will be a three-core copper cable with a cross section of 2.5 mm² and a 16 A circuit breaker, if the total consumption reaches 7.2 kW, then cores with a diameter of 6 mm² are used, a 32 circuit breaker is installed in the panel A.

The kitchen, like the bathroom, is a room with high humidity, so an RCD is installed in front of each machine. Sockets must be earthed, comply with protection class IP 44, made of ceramic. To large powerful consumers a separate line is drawn.

Electric machine

What mistakes to avoid

The accuracy of correctly executed installation work is very important. Security depends on it. Because of inexperience, many make mistakes, especially when they do everything with their own hands. There are minor flaws that the maximum can lead to inconvenience during operation, but gross ones are fraught with serious consequences. To avoid this, consider the most common errors:

  • You can not perform wiring until a clear plan appears, with a detailed drawing of all kitchen elements.
  • For many household appliances, manufacturers prohibit their connection to the network through carrying. Therefore, when choosing a place for installing an electric point, it is necessary to make accurate calculations, calculate the cable length, the width of the object, and take into account the side of the location of the cord outlet.
  • It is recommended to use an RCD or differential circuit breaker for any line. However, there are cases that they are not even set for items directly related to water, for example, a boiler, washing machine, dishwasher.
  • Particular attention must be paid when choosing a place to install the outlet, it must comply with all standards. A common mistake is to install them under the sink, near gas pipes, over cooking surfaces.
  • At a height of up to 25 cm from the floor level, water is usually routed in the wall if the sink or dishwasher is removed from the general sewer.Not knowing the exact location, it is better to install electrical connectors according to European standards at a height of 30 cm.

Kitchen table with sockets

Conclusion

Manufacturers produce a wide range of products represented by different models. If you correctly select the elements that match the style of the room, you can emphasize the interior of the room. For installation, it is necessary to draw up a drawing, accurately calculate the cross-section of the cable cores, select the optimal location, perform the correct installation and wiring. The work can be done independently, but in order to avoid mistakes and inaccuracies, it is better to entrust it to specialists.



Graduated from St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technology and Design. More than 100 completed design projects.


Stars: 1Stars: 2Stars: 3Stars: 45 Stars (1 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
Loading...

Add a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *