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3.22. The Intricacies of Light Switches: Placement and Nuances

When developing a design project and drafting electrical installation schemes, the placement of light switches in an apartment or country house depends on several key factors:

 

  • The functional purpose of the room.
  • Convenience.
  • Client preferences.
  • Room design features.
  • Adherence to all safety rules, which is understood as essential.

 

If you attempt electrical installations on your own, it can lead to errors such as:

  • Placing switches and outlets too high or too low, creating hazards, especially with small children around.
  • Installing switches in bathrooms or toilets, which is strictly prohibited.
  • Thoughtlessly placing switches in areas that will later be obstructed by cabinets or appliances.

These mistakes can create inconvenience and potentially lead to more serious consequences. If you’re unsure of your skills, I recommend entrusting the creation of the electrical scheme to designers and involving qualified professionals for installation work.

Now, let’s discuss the standard norms and requirements for the proper installation of light switches.

Placement of Switches

From the above, it’s clear that switches and outlets should not be installed in high humidity areas. Also, avoid placing electrical installations near gas and water pipes, kitchen stoves, sinks, and heating radiators.

The height of switch placement is not strictly regulated. However, it’s best to adhere to the European standard of 50-80 cm from the floor. If there are small children in the house, it’s advisable to set the optimal height at shoulder level.

In the bedroom, one main light switch and two additional ones near the bed for night lighting are recommended. In modern kitchen designs, various lighting options often necessitate placing switches on the backsplash near the outlets. The main kitchen switch should be installed near the entrance.

In living room designs featuring multiple light sources, a three-button switch near the door for different groups is ideal, with additional switches near the light fixtures.

 

Wiring Features

 

You can opt for either open or concealed wiring. Open wiring is less safe but easier to install, while concealed wiring is hidden in walls but harder to change. The choice depends on you, but I suggest opting for concealed wiring. It’s safer, especially important for kitchens, bathrooms, and toilets, and enhances the interior by eliminating unsightly wires. However, some effective retro-style design solutions do feature external wiring.

 

Which Switches Are Best?

 

Quality should not be compromised. Cheap and low-quality switches are not only unattractive but can be unsafe. At the same time, excessively expensive and elaborate models aren’t advisable either. When choosing electrical devices, consider the following criteria:

 

  • Functionality of the design.
  • Safety and practicality.
  • Good technical characteristics.
  • Availability of a warranty – it’s always better to repair a device than to buy a new one.
  • Reasonable price range.

 

The appearance of sockets and switches should align with the overall design of the apartment if it has a unified style or be chosen individually for each room to match the interior and room color. Ideally, they should not stand out too much against the walls.

 

That’s all about light switches. Again, I warn against DIY electrical installations if you’re not a qualified electrician and lack sufficient knowledge.

If you need to change the wiring and the placement of switches and outlets in your apartment, calculations of loads and an electrical installation scheme are indispensable. I, designer Olesya Blaschenko, am ready to draw up a scheme for the installation of electrical devices and perform the necessary calculations, considering all safety standards and requirements.

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