Before planning the exact layout of electrical sockets in the kitchen, consider what type of appliances you will use. A modern kitchen is equipped with a growing number of electrical devices requiring constant connection to the network. You need to decide not only how many sockets you will need on one circuit but also where you will install them and at what height. Electrical outlets should be located in easily accessible places.
What will you learn from this article?
- What are the rules for placing sockets in the kitchen worth considering when proceeding to this activity.
- What does correct placement involve.
- How to achieve both an aesthetic and functional arrangement.
Plan the appropriate layout of electrical sockets
It is hard to imagine a modern and functional kitchen without electrical appliances. Besides pots and plates, it is electrical devices that are most important. Even if you cook with gas daily, you probably have essentials in the kitchen such as:
- electric kettle,
- toaster,
- mixer,
- coffee maker,
- microwave oven,
- fridge,
- dishwasher,
- radio,
- oven.
Moreover, an electric cooker – induction is increasingly appearing in the kitchen, and in the case of a gas stove, a spark igniter often requires electrical power. As you know, it is hard to imagine a kitchen without electricity in a typical home. Therefore, installing a sufficient number of outlets to match the number of owned devices is necessary. However, it should be remembered that appropriately placing electrical sockets requires some effort.
How many sockets on one circuit?
When planning the layout of electrical sockets, consider mainly the devices that require constant power connection. These devices are certainly the fridge and dishwasher, increasingly also the stove and kettle. With the most important appliances known, it is clear how many sockets must be in the kitchen. It is worth noting that several devices can be connected to one electrical socket, so it is good to choose at least double sockets.
It is assumed that kitchen sockets should be placed on opposite walls, at least one, but for convenience, more than one electrical socket is installed on each wall. It is also worth planning the lighting, especially if, besides ceiling lights, you plan lighting in the kitchen furniture housing and above the worktop. The number of lamps and lights determines the number of light switches.
Modern ideas for arranging sockets in a home electrical installation
Nowadays, entirely new methods allow placing an electrical outlet to make it as invisible as possible. Moreover, several other sockets connected to one outlet can be recessed into a worktop and pulled out only when needed. Electrical sockets built into the workspace practically take up no space and, in addition, are not exposed to the risk of being flooded or getting dirty during meal preparation.
A fascinating idea is electrical outlets with additional ports, through which, via USB cable, you can charge a smartphone or tablet. Thanks to this, you can charge your phone while in the kitchen without occupying any of the socket outlets there. Various types of electrical sockets are available on the market, and models can easily be found that will work not only in the kitchen but in every room in the house, although it should be remembered that electrical sockets in the kitchen should be closed to protect against moisture and simply dripping water – at least around the sink.
Rules for placing electrical sockets
- Modern kitchens are most often equipped with so-called built-in, meaning furniture is integrated with appliances such as a fridge, oven, stove, and dishwasher. In this situation, electrical sockets must be found behind the entire built-in furniture, preferably at the height of individual appliances. Electrical sockets are most often installed a maximum of 50 cm above the floor – this is the optimal height for every household member. A good idea is to create a collective strip with a switch where necessary sockets for plugging all devices will be.
- Besides large built-in appliances, each kitchen is also equipped with small household appliances such as toasters, blenders, sandwich makers, etc. Some of these devices are used daily, making it convenient to have the appropriate number of sockets to connect them. Electrical appliances used less frequently can be connected to those plug sockets that are currently free. This solution will work well in any kitchen.
- Probably, there is no optimal number of sockets because new appliances constantly appear in the home that need a power connection. It is, therefore, always worth placing more than currently needed.
The same rules for placing electrical sockets can be successfully applied throughout the house. Importantly, when placing electrical sockets above the worktop, it is good to ensure they are at least a few cm above it – this will help keep them clean.
Summary
Performing electrical installations in a detached house requires careful planning to ensure both functionality and safety. It is crucial to determine how many electrical points in the home will be needed to avoid circuit overload. It is also necessary to pay attention to the even distribution of load on individual circuits to prevent the installation from overheating. It is worth remembering that the maximum load of an electrical socket should not be exceeded to avoid failure or even fire. Additionally, the installation of electrical sockets should consider their practical arrangement, e.g., the height of sockets in the room or how many sockets under the TV will be needed to ensure ease of use.
In the case of sockets in a detached house, especially in the kitchen, it is essential to adjust their number to the household's needs. Consider not only the socket's load but also how often individual devices will be used. It is also worth considering how many fuses in the house will be needed to protect individual circuits. In the kitchen, where many devices are used simultaneously, it is important that the installation of electrical sockets is well-thought-out and considers both large appliances and those smaller, used occasionally. Thanks to this, we will avoid situations where there are not enough free sockets or circuits are overloaded. On our blog, you can find many other guides related to electricity, including information on wysokosc-gniazdka-przy-umywalce-i-nie-tylko-ile-powinna-.