What are the standards for placing switches and electrical outlets in the design of the house?

Today, electricity is one of the basic needs of our life. To use the power sources, we need to install the switches and sockets correctly. Installing the switch and socket seems like a simple task, but it should be done according to specific standards and by the best engineers in this field.

Outlet height standards from the floor

The Iran Standards Organization has determined the height of the outlet from the floor in different places of the building as follows:

  • Bedrooms and living rooms:  30 to 40 cm
  • Kitchen:  60 cm
  • Bathroom and toilet:  90 cm
  • Balcony and terrace:  120 cm

Practical tips for installing switches and sockets

  • Switches and sockets are one of the most important elements in any building. They are needed for lighting, connecting electrical appliances and other applications. Installing the switch and socket seems like a simple task, but it should be done according to certain standards.
  • Here are some practical tips for installing switches and sockets in buildings:
  • Before starting work, check the building’s electrical plan. This will help you find the exact location of the electrical wires and avoid damaging them.
  • Use standard and high-quality wires. Poor quality cords can pose a risk of electric shock.
  • Use the right tools. To install the switch and socket, you need tools such as a screwdriver, a drill, and a wire cutter.
  • Install switches and sockets correctly. Improper installation of switches and sockets can cause problems such as power outages.

Safety tips for installing switches and sockets

Be sure to turn off the power to the building before starting work. This will help you avoid the risk of electric shock.

Use insulated gloves when working with electrical wires. This will help prevent your skin from meeting electrical wires.

Use wire cutters to cut the wires. A wire cutter is a good tool for this and prevents the wires from being cut with a knife or scissors.

After installing the switch and socket, be sure to connect the electricity to the building and check their operation.

 

Aesthetic tips in installing switches and sockets

In addition to the safety aspect, the installation of switches and sockets can also contribute to the beauty of the interior decoration. For this, you can use keys and sockets with a color and design in harmony with other decoration elements. Also, you can use backlit switches and sockets so that they are easily visible in the dark.

Here are some tips for installing switches and sockets with aesthetics in mind:

    • Use switches and sockets with a color and design in harmony with other decoration elements.  This will make the keys and sockets invisible and help the beauty of the interior decoration.
    • Use backlit switches and sockets.  This makes it easy to find the switches and sockets even in the dark.
    • Use keys and sockets with creative designs.  This work can help the beauty of the interior decoration.

By observing the safety and aesthetics points, you can install the switches and sockets of your building correctly and beautifully.

Installation and distances between switches and sockets in bedrooms and living rooms

To install switches and sockets in bedrooms and living rooms, you must observe the following points:

  • Install switches and sockets in appropriate places. For example, the bedroom light switch should be installed next to the bed so that it is easy to access.
  • Use standard and high-quality wires.  Poor quality cords can pose a risk of electric shock.
  • Install switches and sockets correctly.  Improper installation of switches and sockets can cause problems such as power outages.

Distances between switches and sockets in bedrooms and living rooms

The Iran Standard Organization has determined the distances between the switch and socket in bedrooms and living rooms as follows:

  • The distance between the light switch and the power outlet:  30 to 40 cm
  • Distance between two light switches:  90 to 100 cm
  • The distance between the light switch and the telephone or TV socket:  60 to 70 cm

Here are some examples of suitable distances between switches and sockets in bedrooms and living rooms:

  • Beside the bed:  the light switch and the power outlet should be installed next to the bed. The distance between them should be 30 to 40 cm.
  • Next to the desk or TV table:  The light switch and the power outlet should be installed next to the desk or TV table. The distance between them should be 60 to 70 cm.
  • Next to the entrance door:  The light switch should be installed next to the entrance door. The distance between it and the entrance should be 90 to 100 cm.

Installation and distances between switches and sockets in kitchens

  • Distances between switches and sockets in kitchens

It has determined the distances between the switch and the outlet in the kitchens as follows:

  • The distance between the light switch of the sink and the electrical outlet:  30 to 40 cm
  • The distance between the light switch of the gas stove and the electrical outlet:  30 to 40 cm
  • The distance between the refrigerator light switch and the electrical outlet:  30 to 40 cm
  • The distance between the light switch of the cabinets and the electrical outlet:  30 to 40 cm

Here are some examples of proper distances between switches and sockets in the kitchen:

  • Next to the sink:  The light switch of the sink and the power outlet should be installed next to the sink. The distance between them should be 30 to 40 cm.
  • Next to the gas stove:  The gas stove lighting switch and the electrical outlet should be installed next to the gas stove. The distance between them should be 30 to 40 cm.
  • Next to the refrigerator:  the light switch of the refrigerator and the power outlet should be installed next to the refrigerator. The distance between them should be 30 to 40 cm.
  • Next to the cabinets: the light switch of the cabinets and the electrical outlet should be installed next to the cabinets. The distance between them should be 30 to 40 cm.

 

Installation and distances between switches and sockets in bathrooms and toilets

It is not recommended to install an electrical outlet in the bathroom for safety reasons. But if you want, you can install the outlet at a distance of at least 30 cm from the faucet and the sink and by observing the standard for the height of the outlet from the floor. It is also important to install light switches in places that have easy and convenient access. It is recommended to install the light switches near the door and the places where you need light.

In addition to the mentioned items, it is better to use sockets for the bathroom that have the IP44 standard or higher. These sockets are resistant to splashing water and provide more safety in the humid environment of the bathroom.

CONCLUSION

Well, now that we are familiar with the electrical outlet installation standards, there is another important point that we should pay attention to. In some special cases, we may need a more accurate height. For example, if we want to install an outlet to use a specific device such as a refrigerator or a washing machine, we must calculate the height of the outlet more accurately so that the device can be easily connected to the electricity. Or, for example, if we want to install outlets near the beds, we must adjust the height of the outlet so that it is comfortable for people and they can access it from the bed.

In any case, it is always better to consult with an expert electrical technician to determine the exact height of the sockets based on the specific needs of the installation location and ensure compliance with safety standards.

You must know that sockets should be installed at a height that is out of the reach of children. For this, you can use special socket protectors. Socket protectors are usually made of compressed plastic and are attached to the socket with a screw. These protectors prevent children’s hands from entering the outlet and ensure children’s safety against electricity.