Socket Placement Schemes in the Bathroom + Detailed Guide from a Professional

Let's try to list the main electrical appliances you usually use in the bathroom? Washing machine, water heater, towel warmer, hair dryer, electric razor, electric toothbrush — this is just an average set.

The world doesn't stand still, and more convenient devices are appearing that firmly enter our lives. It's important to think about this in advance and plan additional sockets in the bathroom. Designer Marina Pod'yachyeva tells how to place them correctly.

Marina Pod'yachyevaDesignerInterior Designer and Studio Director NewArchFormWhen placing electrical appliances, including sockets, in the bathroom, you must first consider increased humidity and possible contact with water.

Determining the number of sockets

Which appliances will be used constantly and which only need charging? For example, for connecting a washing machine or electric towel warmer — you need two or three special sockets with covers and a protection rating of at least IP44, connected to a residual current device (RCD) in the electrical panel.

For connecting such a powerful appliance as a water heater, a regular socket may not be enough. It is connected directly using a special mechanism — cable entry.

Design by Julia Vlasova

Sockets for additional appliances can be placed inside the drawers of the sink cabinet or mirror cabinet. This way, hanging wires won't bother you.

Calculating safe placement

Sockets are placed at a height of no less than 25 cm from the floor. A safe socket height is determined by the principle 'the higher, the better', but we may not have enough cable length. A perfectly acceptable distance from the floor and mixer is 60 cm. In case of flooding, water should not reach the level of electrical equipment. Sockets and switches must be special — with a protection rating of at least IP44.

Socket for towel warmer

A socket for a towel warmer should be placed next to it, not underneath. This prevents water from wet clothes from dripping onto the socket.

Socket for washing machine

For convenience, a socket for the washing machine is placed at 100 cm from the floor. But in some cases, for example, when there are small children in the family, it's better to hide the socket behind the washing machine at a height of no less than 60 cm. The socket must be special — with a protection rating of at least IP44.

Design by Anna SukhovaCable entry for water heater

The cable entry for a water heater is placed after choosing the water heater itself, when its size and method of water connection are known — from below or behind.

Additional sockets

Sockets in mirror cabinets are better placed after you decide on the cabinet itself.

Design by Irina Primak

Don't forget about switches

It's better if a bathroom switch is double-pole — one for general lighting and another for the exhaust fan. This is convenient: if you want to lie quietly in the bathroom, the noise of the exhaust fan won't bother you.

Another switch is needed for mirror lighting, which can be placed in the same frame as sockets. The electrical outlet should be installed after purchasing the mirror or mirror cabinet.

And just in case about the thermostat

It is not recommended to place thermostats inside bathrooms or shower rooms. The reason — the possibility of moisture, splashes, and even water jets entering the device. It is better to install it at the entrance to the room.

Where to mount it depends on the preferences of the homeowners and how often it's used. Usually, this is either 200 mm or 900 mm from the finished floor. In some cases, it's installed at eye level.

If you still want to install a thermostat inside the room, it can be linked with switches, but always choose a model that has moisture protection.

Design by Elina Musina