Installing overhead sockets in the kitchen

Today, the kitchen is the room where not only food is prepared. Family members gather here to dine and receive guests quite often. Therefore, the kitchen requires a variety of household appliances that simplify and even decorate our lives.

The kitchen apron is the area above the work surface. It is very functional: not only does it protect the wall from splashes, but also because it is on it that there are sockets for electrical appliances used for preparing various dishes: a multicooker, an electric stove, a mixer, a meat grinder, etc.

But before you install sockets on the kitchen splashback, you need to determine their number, and this depends on how many appliances you plan to have in the future. Therefore, first of all, you need to make a project for your kitchen, which will describe in detail their number and location. But when installing sockets, you should also take into account the visual placement, namely at what height it will be best for you to use them.

Quantity definitions

The question of how many power points there should be is very simple. After all, you definitely know how many appliances there will be in your kitchen. To reach their number, you need to add a few more auxiliary sockets. You also need to consider the following nuances:

for powerful devices that require constant switching, you need to make separate sockets;
you need to install them separately for the fume hood;
for other kitchen appliances you need about 3-4 pieces.

When installing sockets, you must follow certain rules. What are they?

How to install correctly

Kitchen sockets behind countertops are installed at a height of approximately 10cm.

The cable that goes from the household appliance to the outlet should not exceed 150cm.

The outlet for the hood is installed at a height of approximately 50-60mm from the kitchen cabinets.

For small household appliances it is necessary to install at a height of approximately 1 - 1.4 m from the floor level.

For lighting, the height of the sockets should be 2000mm from the floor and 1100mm from the work surface.

But you should remember that experts recommend connecting at least three sockets in parallel above the work area. It is best to “throw in” a new three-core copper wire - for European-type devices.

Errors

When installing this type of device, inexperienced technicians can make a number of mistakes:

There is no need to place the outlet for the hood in the area where it is located.

There is no need to take into account the size of the plinth behind the work surface.

If the kitchen apron is made of plastic material, then installation should be done after it is installed.

The wall must be grooved on the apron.

Place the sockets as far as possible from the sink to prevent water from entering it - this can lead to a short circuit.

Installation should be carried out before installing the kitchen unit.

The wiring must be of an acceptable cross-section.

From the above we can conclude that when installing sockets you should be very careful, taking into account even the most insignificant nuances and details. The price of a mistake is very high!

Once you have drawn up a plan for the placement of devices, you can begin to implement it.

Suitable conditions for using outdoor sockets

Overhead double socket for open wiring
The open wiring socket has a closed design, all parts are located inside the housing. The main difference from internal analogues is that there is no need to make a hole in the surface to install the products.

The most suitable conditions for installing external sockets:

The wall is too thin. In such structures it is impossible to install socket boxes, as a through hole may result.
Connecting a new point after the repair is completed. There is no need to ditch the walls; exposed electrical wiring is hidden in a decorative box.
Electrification of auxiliary buildings (garages, barns, warehouses, cowsheds) where cables are laid in an open way.
Installation of sockets for external wiring with grounding on the external walls of residential buildings after through drilling for wires.
Outdoor devices can be easily installed on any type of surface - concrete, brick, tile, wood, plywood, drywall.

When choosing between open wiring products and internal analogues, for example, hidden ip54 sockets, you should take into account their disadvantages.

Surface-mounted devices are subject to mechanical damage, protrude above the plane, and there is a risk of electric shock when the cores move away from the contacts.

Preparing for installation

To visually mark where the devices will be, you need to mark their location with a simple pencil. When installing them, great importance is attached to the material from which the kitchen apron is made. If you have, for example, a tiled or plywood floor, then it is quite enough to just very carefully make a hole in it for installation.

Difficulties may arise when you have a glass coating. Then you need to know all the measurements and calculations in advance, make all the markings and give them to the manufacturer of such an apron, who can make the holes in advance according to your plan for the location of household appliances.

You should be aware that there is no provision for the installation of hidden power sources on kitchen surfaces.

This means that their connection is carefully wound together, then insulated and well fixed to prevent overheating. You also need to separate the phase and neutral wires in different directions.

After completing all these manipulations, we proceed to installation.

Installation process

Before installing sockets on the apron, that is, above the kitchen work area, you need to make sure that you have everything for this. You will need: hammer drill, grooving chisel and bit, internal boxes, screws, distributor box, dowels, three-wire cable and double 16 Amp sockets. At the same time, you need to remember that they need to be installed at a level where small children cannot reach them. Overhead fastenings must be done so that other communications in the house are not damaged.

After the layout of the sockets has been drawn up, we begin their installation in the wall:

Using a hammer drill you need to increase the size of the recess. If in place of the new outlet there was an old one, you should turn off the electricity supply and dismantle it.
Install the distribution box.

Use a hammer drill to drill holes for electrical boxes.

Grooves are made in the concrete structure.

The wiring needs to be placed in grooves and secured. The wire sheath will help with this.

Wiring is placed in special boxes.

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Single-color wires need to be connected only to one side of the future outlet; on the other side they are connected with three express terminals. As a result, each terminal should have 5 identical wires coming from the sockets and one wire of a certain color that needs to be routed to the junction box.

A sand-cement mixture is made, which is used to cover the grooves for wiring.

Check the correct connection and, if everything is correct, the sockets need to be secured.

Today, very often, so-called retractable sockets are used. They are located inside an MDF apron. Therefore, there are no wires on the surface. This product can be rotated in any direction. But this is most likely just beautiful than practical. When installing, remember:

the cable must connect uninterruptedly to the network;
constant access to socket fittings so that when they break, they can be replaced;
there should be a lot of space under the surface, and this excludes the presence of cabinets and bedside tables.

You should also take into account that if you have a decorative kitchen apron, you should not place a rosette on the design or ornament, so as not to spoil its appearance.

Consider all these criteria, and then your renovation will not bring you much trouble.

Kitchen renovation begins with design. At this stage, it is important not only to think about the style of the interior and the location of furniture, but also to plan the placement of sockets. The effective functioning of household appliances, safety and ease of work in the kitchen area depend on the correct layout. Do-it-yourself installation of sockets in the kitchen is done according to the rules. Recommendations from specialists will help you complete the installation. This article will help you find out how to hide sockets in the kitchen with your own hands.

Colored sockets look original in the kitchen

Sockets are placed depending on the location of household appliances and the configuration of furniture structures.

Proper layout of sockets: how and where to hide them

Planning for the placement of power supplies is carried out before repairs. The design takes into account where the furniture sockets will be located and where the equipment will be placed.

Wall grooves for cables and wiring are carried out before finishing.

A place is determined for the stove, refrigerator, hood and dishwasher.

A kitchen outlet is planned for each electrical appliance. At the same time, the recreation area provides the opportunity to connect chargers or a laptop.

Sockets are available in the following varieties:

Surface-mounted sockets in the kitchen are installed on an open cable. In this case, the cable is routed along the surface of the ceiling or wall. They are characterized by ease of fastening and high-quality fixation.
Built-in electrical sockets are located at the same level as the work surface. They eliminate the need to run cables through the room and serve as a decorative element.
Portable mechanisms are a design with a special housing that protects the device from external influences. In this case, extension cords with a power plug at the end are used.

Sockets in the countertop - very convenient in the kitchen

How many sockets will you need?

At the planning stage, the number of outlets is determined. For convenience, kitchen equipment is divided into sectors:

In the lower sector there are devices that are intended for large-sized equipment. These are appliances that are located under the countertop. These include ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, and cooktop outlets.
The middle sector is used to connect mobile household appliances that are used on the work surface but stored in other places. This type of equipment includes a food processor or coffee maker.
A device for connecting an air conditioner, hood or TV is mounted in the upper tier.

The electric stove or refrigerator must be constantly connected to the network. In addition to the main power sources, spare ones are planned. For a small room there can be 3-4 of them.

When choosing power supplies, you should pay attention to the following points:

for the kitchen, models with moisture-proof properties are selected, which are equipped with seals and lids;
powerful items of household devices are installed on separate wiring of the electrical network, this is how the socket for the hob is mounted;
main devices are installed taking into account the amount of large equipment;
The power supplies are switched on;
if there are children, choose devices with plastic curtains or plugs.

A retractable socket block is used, with the help of a rotating mechanism the devices are hidden or opened for use.

Rosettes are made on a beautiful apron

The best information outlets

Excellent models for connecting a telephone, cable Internet or TV, increasing convenience in the home or workplace.

Schneider Electric Glossa GSL000181K

★★★★★

editorial assessment

97%

buyers recommend this product

A high-quality socket for telephone or Internet is installed in a hidden way. Moreover, installation can be done using one screwdriver. The use of colored frames allows you to adjust the style of the outlet to the desired design solution. The body of the model can be attached with screws or spacers.

The socket is used to work with a class 5E network cable, which is widely used to connect devices. The model has a standard degree of protection IP20, that is, it can only work in dry rooms.

The surface is made of durable plastic, protected from ultraviolet radiation and resistant to physical impact. The mounting frame is made of galvanized steel and is not afraid of corrosion. The relatively high price of the model is justified by ease of installation and high-quality construction.

Pros:

Easy to install.
Reliable and durable.
Uses 5E network cable.
Concealed installation, including the option of installation under plaster.
A good selection of multi-colored decorative frames.

Minuses:

The price is above average.

A good and durable model that is perfect for placement near a home computer or in an office workplace.

Werkel WL08-60-11

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

93%

buyers recommend this product

A high-quality socket, which is a two-way connector, is used to connect a monitor or TV to a game console or computer via an HDMI cable. Its important advantage is the ability to mount the cord into the wall to reduce the number of hanging wires.

The design is made of high-quality metal, the outer casing is made of polycarbonate. The overall reliability of the model is at a good level, despite the lack of an external cover or protective curtain. At its price, the socket compares favorably with some analogues.

Pros:

Easy to install.
Reliability of the design.
Ease of use.
Strict modern design.

Minuses:

Lack of additional protection for the nest.

A relatively inexpensive option for an HDMI outlet, which is suitable for use in residential premises, eliminating unnecessary wires. A good model for a home cinema.

Telecom TC-SB-2-8P8C-C5E-WH

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

85%

buyers recommend this product

The socket for connecting to computer networks has two sockets, which make the model more functional and productive. Telecom supports the use of 5E network cable. Installation is carried out without the use of special tools in an overhead manner, so installation may require additional space.

The body of the model is made of plastic. The prefabricated structure does not have protective curtains or a special cover, so the nests remain vulnerable to external physical influence. The quality of the socket corresponds to its price. The rated voltage is 150 V.

Pros:

Good functionality due to two sockets.
Relatively easy to install.
High quality construction.
Ease of use.

Minuses:

Occasionally, defective specimens are encountered.

An inexpensive and fairly reliable model is suitable for connecting devices to a local computer network in an office or other work area.

Rules for installing sockets and work regulations

After completing the plan with markings of all electrical appliances, installation is carried out. The power source for the hood is mounted under the ceiling. In this case, the device should not come into contact with the gas outlet and should be mounted at a distance of at least half a meter from the window opening.

Some interiors require hiding sockets in the kitchen. At the same time, the space is not cluttered with unnecessary elements.

It is difficult to install a nest next to the stove. This requires damaging the surface.

To avoid breaking panels and wall surfaces, a variety of surge protectors and extension cords are used that can replace triple sockets for the kitchen.

There are certain rules governing the installation of power supplies:

The minimum height for placing power supplies is 20 mm from the baseboard.
For built-in furniture, internal power supplies are used. They are installed inside the drawers or the socket is mounted in the countertop.
Switches are installed at a height of 500 mm from the floor surface.
The place for placing sockets is located at a distance of a meter from electrical equipment.
Spare devices are being installed. There must be at least three of them.
Maintain a distance of 50 cm from the electrical socket to the gas line.

Installation work is carried out after communication with a specialist.

Read also: Designation of the oil switch on the diagram

The placement of power supplies is carried out in compliance with the recommendations:

Do not install devices near a sink or gas stove.
Electrical sockets and devices are located in places that are difficult for children to reach.
It is worth taking care of the waterproofness of the wires.
The relocation of an outlet in a panel house is carried out after an electrician has inspected the room.

Corner socket - ideal option

Sequence of installation work: should height and other parameters be taken into account?

Ventilation, gas and water lines must not be touched when carrying out electrical work. Additional sockets are installed at the entrance to the kitchen. It is recommended to install double sockets in the free corner.

The spare device is placed under the dining table.

For a regular outlet, the following installation sequence is recommended:

Places for devices are marked on the walls and apron. The number of wires from the incoming cable is calculated.
The overhead socket is easy to install, but it is not safe. Therefore, indoor installation is recommended. To do this, paths for wires are made along the surface. A hammer drill and a chisel are used.
At the locations of the power sources, holes are made that correspond to the dimensions of the box.
Wires are laid along the laid grooves, which are first placed in a special corrugation. This is the material that protects the wire. Then a plastic box is mounted.
An outlet is installed and connected to the electrical network. A functionality check is being performed.

The installation process requires electrical knowledge and certain skills. If you have no experience in this matter, then it is better to entrust the installation to a specialist.

When performing installation, you should follow some recommendations:

The nests are equipped with special covers that will prevent water or dirt from getting into them.
The wiring is carried out according to a previously drawn up project.
Corner sockets save space.
If it is necessary to move the socket without damaging the wall, then the cable is routed along the baseboard. This method will not spoil the kitchen decor.
Separate switches are mounted under the power supplies.
The cross-section of the wires must be at least 2.5 mm.
For electrical appliances, plugs are important. There are models with straight plugs and those turned 90 degrees.

It is worth remembering that the total power of electrical appliances should not exceed the allowable limit for the power source.

Equipment with a metal casing that can come into contact with water is pre-grounded and connected through a circuit breaker. Some power supplies are equipped with special protection during production.

With electrical knowledge and skills, you can install sockets yourself. This allows accommodation to be tailored to individual needs.

In modern houses and apartments, the kitchen is the room that is filled with a variety of household appliances more than others. For this reason, a large number of electrical outlets are usually installed in the kitchen, and in this article we will talk about how to do this correctly, without resorting to the help of specialists.

The best built-in sockets

High-quality and inexpensive sockets designed for internal wiring hidden in the wall. This technique is universal and suitable for placement in almost any room.

Legrand Valena 774370, 16A

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

97%

buyers recommend this product

A stylish double socket is mounted in one socket box using hidden installation. This method allows you to hide the housing in the wall, but in some cases it is possible for the frame of the socket to protrude by 10-20 mm. This is due to the more massive structure, the thickness of which is slightly greater than the standard one. The presence of a grounding contact increases the safety of the model.

Despite the single socket used, Legrand Valena does not lose in the quality of the electrical connection or the amount of transmitted power. It has a standard protection class of IP20, the terminals are equipped with screw terminals.

Pros:

High build quality.
Reliability of the design.
Two nests.
Placement in a single box.
Safety of use.
Nice design.

Minuses:

Sometimes it protrudes significantly from the wall.
It costs more than its analogues.

A double socket using one socket is suitable for cases when you need an additional socket, but there is no way to cut another hole in the wall.

Schneider Electric Glossa GSL000143, 16A

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

87%

buyers recommend this product

An inexpensive socket with one socket and grounding that protects against accidental electric shock is installed in a small socket box and does not take up extra space. The terminals are arranged in one row, which increases ergonomics. The model has a standard degree of protection IP20 and is made in a pleasant design.

Heat-resistant plastic housing adds reliability to the design and increases its service life. The caliper plate is made of corrosion-resistant steel. Mounting tabs that fit tightly to the body facilitate the installation process. The socket screws are universal - you can use any screwdriver, which also simplifies installation.

Pros:

Easy to install.
Durability and reliability.
Low cost.
Ergonomics.

Minuses:

Sometimes there are defective items.

A good socket, characterized by simple installation and an affordable price, is a reasonable choice for budget repairs or placement in small enterprises.

UNIVersal Seville S0022, 16A

4.6

★★★★★

editorial assessment

80%

buyers recommend this product

An inexpensive single-socket outlet does not provide grounding, which deprives the user of additional protection. High-quality screw terminals, used to connect wires with a cross-section from 0.1 to 2.5 mm², ensure reliable contact.

Protection against moisture and dust is at a standard level corresponding to class IP20. The rated input voltage is 220-250 V. The socket is installed hidden in the wall.

The contacts are made of brass, the body is made of plastic to save money. The service life of the model is about 5,000 cycles, which is lower than some analogues in this price category, but still quite decent.

Pros:

Versatility.
Easy to install and dismantle.
Contact groups made of brass.
Very low cost.

Minuses:

Lack of grounding.

Thanks to its ease of installation, simple design and low cost, this socket is a good option for installation in both living rooms and office spaces.

What you need to know about kitchen sockets

The location of sockets in the kitchen has some features:

due to the fact that there is water and fire in the kitchen, sockets must have the appropriate protection class;
the location of sockets in the kitchen is directly related to the placement of electrical equipment and the height of the kitchen furniture;
There are a large number of places in the kitchen where sockets can be placed: worktop, kitchen cabinets.

Important! Most kitchen equipment has high power. This factor must be taken into account when selecting the optimal sockets to avoid fire from overvoltage.

From an installation point of view, overhead sockets for the kitchen are the simplest solution.

Sockets of this type have certain advantages:

Ease of installation . Not in all cases it is necessary to groove walls to lay power wires. This helps to avoid additional cash costs and saves time.
Ease of use. Kitchen overhead sockets are especially convenient when new powerful electrical appliances are installed in the kitchen. It is much easier to install the socket on top of the wall covering without violating its integrity.
Relatively low price.

Under what circumstances and where should they be installed?

A big advantage is that there is no need for gating (making special channels in the walls for electrical wiring). Meanwhile, an overhead socket can help when the room has already been renovated. Its installation will not require any disruption to the finish.

This device can be easily installed on ceramic tiles. To do this, you will need to make several holes for the mounting screws with a special drill.

This type of socket is also popular in country houses.

Placing overhead sockets in the kitchen

The location of sockets in the kitchen is directly related to the location of electrical appliances that will be connected to the electrical network.

All electrical equipment in the kitchen can be visually distributed into three levels:

Lower level. It houses built-in appliances in the lower cabinets for the kitchen: washing machine, oven, stove. Overhead kitchen sockets at this level are mounted at a height of about 15 cm from the floor level. It is prohibited to install a socket directly behind an electrical appliance. Each electrical appliance that must be turned on at all times requires a separate electrical outlet. A practical option for a refrigerator, washing machine and dishwasher would be to install surface-mounted electrical outlets with grounding.
Average level. This includes equipment that is installed on the worktop: toaster, blender, mixer. Typically, outdoor electrical outlets are installed either immediately above the backsplash or under the upper cabinets. Socket blocks consisting of 3 or more electrical outlets have become very popular.
Top level. It contains electrical appliances that are located at the top: lighting, hood. The installation height of electrical sockets on the upper level is about 10 cm from the top plane of the kitchen cabinets. In addition to the work area, you need to remember about electrical outlets on other walls.

Determining how many sockets need to be installed in the kitchen is not difficult at all. It is necessary to count the number of electrical appliances that will be installed permanently, that is, they will be constantly connected to the network, then the number of electrical appliances that will be used periodically, as needed (mixer, blender) is calculated. To this number you need to add another 2 to 5 points, and the result will be the number of sockets that will need to be installed.

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After purchasing the necessary equipment and materials, installation work can begin. The process of installing electrical outdoor sockets can be divided into several stages. If necessary, you can find many photos and videos on the Internet that show in detail instructions for installing surface-mounted electrical sockets.

By following simple instructions, you can connect an outdoor outlet in the kitchen with your own hands.

Features of surface-mounted switches

The most common single-key switch is a two-position switching device with normally open contacts. The principle of its operation is extremely simple.

Inside the device there is a mechanism with a moving contact. The latter, when you press a key, takes one of two possible positions: on or off. In the first case, the electrical circuit is closed, in the second, it is opened.

A surface-mounted switch, like a socket, is installed on top of the base. Most often used with open wiring

Important note: only the phase should be connected to the switch contacts. The design of the device is extremely simple and includes two main elements: a working mechanism and protection parts. The latter includes a key designed to switch modes and a frame-housing. The contact group of a single-key switch consists of two contacts. One of which is considered outgoing, the other is considered suitable.

The first is connected to the phase that goes to the lamp, to the second is the phase that goes to the switch. The manufacturer usually labels the contacts of the operating mechanism to indicate the appropriate and outgoing contacts.

However, if there is no such marking, there will be no problems, since in any variation the device should work equally well. Like switches, contact terminals can be screw or press-type.

The steps for installing a surface-mounted switch are similar to the sequence of work for installing a surface-mounted socket. First, a similar socket box is attached to the wall, then the mechanism to which the wires are connected

The former are considered more reliable in operation, the latter are easier to install. The main difference between surface-mounted switches is that they are installed directly on the wall surface.

The appearance of such devices is inferior to their built-in counterparts, but they are easier to install. Surface mounted switches with open wiring are used, but can also operate with a hidden system.

Surface-mounted switches are used for open wiring. Retro-style models go well with the interiors of country houses