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Plan socket outlets correctly – heights, distances and room‑by‑room recommendations

Thoughtful placement of sockets and switches prevents power strips, loose cables and later rework.

This guide shows standard mounting heights, sensible distances and concrete recommendations per room – practical and aligned with standards.

Who is this guide for?

  • Home builders and renovators who want structured planning
  • Electricians and planners as a quick checklist
  • Interior designers for functional room layouts
  • Anyone who wants to consider future requirements

Standards and regulations

DIN 18015 – Minimum equipment

Defines, among other things, the minimum number and arrangement of sockets per room (equipment classes).

  • Sufficient sockets per usage zone
  • Separation of ELV and mains
  • Forward‑looking reserve for later expansion
  • Planning along installation zones

DIN 18015‑2/‑3 – Cable routing

Regulates installation zones and cable routing in walls and ceilings.

  • Observe horizontal/vertical installation zones
  • Observe protection areas in wet rooms
  • Minimize penetrations
  • Ensure mechanical protection

VDE 0100 – Safety

Electrical safety, protective measures and residual current protection.

  • RCDs for socket circuits
  • Choose matching cable cross‑sections and protection
  • Wet rooms: protection areas and IP ratings
  • Earthing and equipotential bonding

Note

The following recommendations do not replace professional planning. Always observe the applicable standards and have the installation carried out by qualified electricians.

General mounting heights and distances

Recommended mounting heights

Element Standard Accessible
Sockets (general) 30-40 cm40-85 cm
Sockets kitchen work area 100-120 cm85-105 cm
Light switch 105-110 cm85 cm
TV/Multimedia outlets 30 cm40-85 cm
LAN outlets 30 cm40-85 cm

Typical distances

  • From water sources: at least 60 cm distance to sinks/showers (unless suitable IP rating).
  • To corners/openings: 10–15 cm from door/window reveals.
  • Above worktop edge: 10–20 cm (kitchen).
  • Grouping: bundle sockets in multi‑frames rather than scattering them.

Measure and mark correctly

Standard procedure

  • Define finished floor level (FFL) – reference all heights to it.
  • Mark height lines around the room with laser/spirit level.
  • Draw installation zones and place boxes centered.

Marking on the floor plan

  • Mark sockets with symbol and exact quantity.
  • Write height (FFL) next to the symbol.
  • Label switch circuits and multi‑gang switches.
  • Clearly mark special outlets (LAN, SAT, USB, KNX).

Room‑specific recommendations

Living room

Basic equipment

  • Sofa/TV zone: 6–10 sockets plus 2× LAN and SAT/coax at media area.
  • Perimeter: A double socket every 2–3 m.
  • Lighting: Switches at doors, possibly two‑way/four‑way.
  • Floor outlet: Optional for freestanding furniture.
  • USB‑A/‑C: Plan single charge outlets.

Extras/comfort

  • Ambient lighting: Switched/dimmable sockets for lamps.
  • Network: LAN to TV, streaming, console.
  • Multimedia: Spare conduit to the media cabinet.
  • Smart home: Provide interfaces for keypads/actuators.
  • Shading: Sockets/connections at window groups.

Tip: Plan a media‑wall panel with flush outlets (230V, LAN, SAT, HDMI) behind the TV.

Kitchen

Basic equipment

  • Worktop: 4–6 sockets above the worktop (distributed).
  • Small appliances: Separate sockets for coffee machine, toaster, etc.
  • Major appliances: Dedicated connections for oven, dishwasher, fridge.
  • Island: Sockets in the kitchen island (pop‑up/floor box).
  • Tall cabinet: Socket for microwave/built‑in devices.

Safety/standards

  • Avoid splash zones; keep distance to sink/cooktop.
  • RCDs mandatory; plan sufficient circuits.
  • Dimension work area with sufficient load reserve.

Extras/comfort

  • USB charging outlets at the worktop.
  • Wi‑Fi AP/LAN in the kitchen for devices.
  • Under‑cabinet lights: provide sockets/switches.
  • Steam oven/wine cooler: accessory sockets.
  • Smart devices (e.g., KNX actuators) in the cabinet.
  • Worktop channel with integrated outlets.

Note: Check load distribution and use separate circuits for work appliances.

Planning tips

  1. Do not hide sockets behind built‑in appliances.
  2. Plan enough outlets at counters/bar areas.
  3. Spare conduits to island/tall cabinet.
  4. Consider appliance heights and depths when placing.

Bathroom

Protection zones in bathrooms

Protection zones according to DIN VDE 0100‑701 (example)

Protection zones

Zone Area Installation
0 Inside tub/shower Only SELV equipment, no sockets
1 Up to 2.25 m above tub/shower Fixed devices with suitable IP rating, no sockets
2 60 cm around zone 1 Luminaires IPx4, sockets only outside zone 2
3 Outside the zones Normal sockets with RCD permitted

Safety notes

  • 30 mA RCD required.
  • Observe IP/protection rating.
  • Additional equipotential bonding.
  • Professional installation only.

Basic equipment

  • Socket for hairdryer/razor at the mirror.
  • Connection for washing machine/dryer (if provided).
  • Mirror cabinet with integrated socket.
  • Switch/keypad possibly outside the bathroom.

Extras/comfort

  • Socket for shower‑toilet/bidet.
  • Supply for towel radiator.
  • Moisture‑proof speakers/multimedia.
  • Smart mirror cabinet/lighting.
  • Spare outlets in vanity units.

Bedroom

Basic equipment

  • Each bedside table: 2× sockets (lamp + charging).
  • Switch at the door, possibly central off.
  • 1–2 sockets at dresser/TV area.
  • LAN/SAT at TV area if needed.
  • Spare conduits for future additions.

Extras/comfort

  • USB‑A/‑C charging outlets at the bed.
  • Reading light separately switchable/dimmable.
  • Floor outlet for floor lamp.
  • Shutter/blind connections.
  • Presence/night‑light sensors.

Tip: Plan double socket inserts at each bedside (charging + lamp).

Home office/study

Basic equipment

  • 6–10 sockets at the desk (PC, monitors, chargers).
  • At least 2× LAN at the desk.
  • Separate socket for printer/scanner.
  • Provide outlets on both sides of the desk.
  • Good lighting switchable/dimmable.

Technology/network

  • UPS for critical devices.
  • Dedicated circuit reduces interference.
  • Structured LAN cabling and PoE as needed.

Modern setup

  • Provide USB‑C PD outlets/docking station.
  • PoE for access point/camera.
  • Cable raceways/management for a tidy workspace.
  • Outlets near the monitor arm.
  • Connection for height‑adjustable desk.
  • Consider acoustics/conference tech.

Tip: A central tech/network cabinet creates order and reserves.

Hallway/staircase/cellar

Hallway

  • A socket every 3–4 m (vacuum cleaner).
  • Socket at coat rack area.
  • Night‑light or lighting with motion detector.
  • Check door intercom/router position.
  • Reserve for decoration/Christmas lighting.

Staircase

  • Lighting via motion detector/stair timer.
  • Plan a socket at bottom and top.
  • Provide position for repeater/access point.
  • Optional handrail lighting.
  • Consider sensors (smoke/CO).

Cellar/utility room

  • Multi‑outlet sockets at workbench/work area.
  • Sockets for freezer/heater.
  • Laundry room: separate sockets for washer/dryer.
  • Connections for lifting system/filter/pump.
  • Neatly place network equipment/UPS.
  • Plan reserves and spare conduits.

Summary & checklist

Quick check before execution

Check needs per room: usage, furniture, media zones.

Observe standard heights and distances.

Dimension sufficient circuits, RCDs and cross‑sections.

Provide reserves and blank boxes.

Plan special outlets (LAN, SAT, USB, KNX).

Reconcile documentation and plan status.

With forward‑looking planning you avoid power strips and create comfort – today and in the future.