Kitchen Electrical Installation: Sockets, Circuits and Special Connections
The kitchen has the highest electrical demand in the entire house. At the same time, socket positions are decisive for later comfort. This guide shows how a good kitchen installation is planned.
Circuits in the kitchen
DIN 18015-1 requires at least two separate circuits in the kitchen. In practice, you often need more.
| Circuit | Fuse | Cross-section | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stove connection | 3× 16 A | 5×2.5 mm² | 400 V, 3-phase, own circuit |
| Worktop sockets | 16 A | 3×2.5 mm² | Own circuit, max. 6-8 sockets |
| Major appliances (dishwasher) | 16 A | 3×2.5 mm² | Own circuit, own socket |
| Refrigerator / freezer | 16 A | 3×1.5 mm² | Own circuit recommended |
| Lighting | 16 A | 3×1.5 mm² | Ceiling and under-cabinet lights |
| Special connections | 16 A | 3×1.5 mm² | Oven, microwave, extractor hood separately |
Detailed socket planning
Good socket planning considers worktop, appliances and reserve.
Worktop
At least 5 sockets, better 6-8. Recommended: a socket every 60 cm or a power strip with 5-way connection.
Appliance sockets
Dishwasher, fridge, microwave, oven, extractor: one own socket each, optimally behind the appliance.
Special functions
USB sockets for phone charging, Schuko with USB charging port, dimmable lighting via motion sensor.
Lighting concept
Three light levels make the kitchen functional and cozy.
Ambient lighting
Ceiling spots or LED panels for even illumination. Switch at the entrance.
Worktop lighting
LED strip under wall cabinets. Own switch, preferably dimmable.
Accent and dining-table light
Pendants over the table, indirect lighting. Own circuit, dimmable.
The most common kitchen electrical mistakes
Too few worktop sockets
Four sockets aren't enough today. Toaster, kettle, mixer, coffee machine, phone — all at once.
Refrigerator without own circuit
If another fuse trips during summer holidays, fridge and freezer thaw. Own circuit prevents that.
Sockets behind appliances too high
Socket 50 cm behind dishwasher at 30 cm height = inaccessible. Note the appliance manual's standard height.
Lighting only ceiling spots
Anyone with only ceiling spots works in their own shadow. Under-cabinet LED is standard today.
Tips for kitchen electrical planning
Involve the kitchen studio
Before the electrical installation, the kitchen planning from the studio should be ready — keyword: appliance positions.
30 mA RCD for sockets
There's splash risk near the sink. 30 mA RCD for all kitchen sockets makes sense.
Reserve conduit to the middle
A conduit from the ceiling to the middle of the worktop enables island solutions or extra lighting later.
Conclusion: the kitchen is a special case, not a standard room
Anyone planning the kitchen like a normal room will notice on move-in: too few sockets, too few circuits. With the right concept, the kitchen is comfortable and safe for decades.
💡 Tip: Work directly with the kitchen studio's 3D plan — so you see where each socket disappears behind an appliance.
Visualize kitchen electrics in the plan
myElectricPlan shows socket positions directly in the kitchen floor plan including furniture layout. Immediately visible where to adjust.
Plan kitchen now