How to plan sockets in your home? Instructions for investors.
, by Tomasz Sawicz, 6 min reading time
How to plan sockets and switches in a house or apartment?
This is a question most people building or renovating a property ask themselves. The correct placement of electrical outlets and light switches has a huge impact on the comfort of everyday use, the safety of installations, and the aesthetics of interiors.
Unfortunately, many investors make mistakes at the design stage. Most often, it's an insufficient number of outlets or their poor placement.
In this guide, we'll show you how many sockets you should have in each room, at what height light switches should be mounted, and the most important rules for planning electrical installations in your home or apartment . You'll also learn how to avoid common mistakes and how to prepare your installation for future smart home solutions.
How many sockets do you need in your home?
This, of course, depends on your own preferences and expectations. However, you can specify a minimum that will ensure comfortable use.
The table below shows the optimal number of points for specific rooms.
| Room | Recommended number of sockets | Practical tips |
|---|---|---|
| Living room | 5–8 | By the TV, on the couch and in the corners of the room |
| Kitchen | 8–12 | Household appliances + additional ones above the countertop |
| Bedroom | 4–6 | On both sides of the bed, at the desk |
| Bathroom | 2–3 | Only sockets with IP44 protection |
| Garage / workshop | 4–6 | Including 1 power socket (3-phase) |
| Hall | 1–2 | For a vacuum cleaner or a lamp |
In this matter, it's worth following the principle of "more is better than less." This will save you a lot of time and money on any potential modifications.
At what height should electrical sockets be installed?
Many homeowners install sockets "by eye," which ultimately results in inconvenient access or the need to use extension cords. Therefore, it's worth knowing proven standards and practical rules:
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Living room and bedroom - the standard height is approximately 30 cm from the floor to the socket axis . This allows sockets to be discreetly placed, yet easily accessible.
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Kitchen - It's best to install sockets above the countertop 10-15 cm above the worktop (usually about 100-120 cm from the floor). This ensures convenient connection of a kettle, coffee machine, or blender.
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Bathroom - sockets must be at least 60 cm from the edge of the bathtub or sink and placed at a height of 110-120 cm from the floor . They must be IP44 rated and have a differential circuit breaker.
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Desk / dressing table / workstation - preferably 80 - 100 cm from the floor , so that the plugs are at the height of the tabletop.
How to plan sockets in specific rooms.
| Room | The best places for sockets | Practical tips |
|---|---|---|
| Living room / sitting room | Behind the TV and electronics, by the couch, in the corners of the room | It is worth providing points for floor lamps and chargers |
| Kitchen | Above the worktop, next to the stove and refrigerator, under the dishwasher and oven | Plan sockets in work areas, not right next to the sink |
| Bedroom | On both sides of the bed, at the desk/dressing table, optionally behind the TV | Convenient phone charging and night lights always at hand |
| Bathroom | Next to the mirror, next to the washing machine and dryer | Always keep a minimum distance of 60 cm from water, splash-proof sockets (IP44) |
| Garage / workshop | On each wall, near the workbench, additional ones at the gate | Power socket for larger machines, also practical outdoors |
| Hallway/hallway | Near the entrance door or in the central part of the corridor | Perfect for a vacuum cleaner, decorative lamp or Christmas tree |
A well-planned electrical installation is an investment that will last for years. An adequate number of sockets and their thoughtful placement in each room make everyday use of appliances convenient and safe. Properly installed sockets and switches ensure ergonomics and prevent costly future modifications.
When planning your installation, remember this rule: it's better to plan ahead than to struggle with extension cords later . It's also worth considering future-proof solutions right away, such as smart home-ready outlets.
If you're looking for proven and aesthetically pleasing solutions, check out our selection of electrical outlets. At EuroBox, you'll find products that will allow you to create an installation perfectly tailored to your needs.
