Sockets without errors: how to position them correctly

“With electronics even more present in the home, it is essential to adapt the electrical points to the layout of the project”, teaches architect Cristiane Schiavoni

Fundamental for an efficient and safe architectural project, the electrical installation today it acquires even more importance. It’s just that everyday practicality is increasingly linked to the screens of mobile phones, computers, tablets and TVs, as well as the appliances that have become increasingly present in Brazilian homes.

It becomes even more essential to define the places where the sockets will be inserted, without neglecting the electrical part of a home. The Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) has standards that must be followed by architects and interior designers when choosing outlets.

In addition to the insertion of an exit every 3.5 m from the wall, the organ defines three ideal heights: low (about 30 cm from the ground), medium (about 1.20 m from the ground) and high (about 1.20 m from the ground).

To help with this problem, the architect Cristian Schiavoni gives important advice and emphasizes that it is up to the architect to adapt the sockets to the layout of the project, always keeping an eye on the needs, safety and ergonomics of the client, so that the daily life of the residents is more practical and enjoyable.

Keeping an eye on the schedule

When planning the electrical system, Cristiane suggests making an analysis of the layout, the carpentry project, the equipment and everything related to the electrical part. This will allow you to design and position your shots correctly.

“Right now, it’s ideal to be aware of ABNT regulations and know what the resident’s needs are for that environment and how the sockets will be used,” he explains.

After the analysis, it’s time to call a qualified professional to put it into practice. The architect says that, depending on the project, a qualified electrician can adapt the electrical needs to the rooms. But there are situations in which it is necessary to consult an electrical engineer for the sizing of the loads, in addition to a specific assessment of the lighting panel.

Care of the bedroom and living room

When it comes to rooms, the watchword is comfort and practicality. In this environment we use a large part of our electronics and the sockets must be positioned in an accessible way to make the routine more practical.

“It is an environment in which it is necessary to leave the sockets easily accessible, without having to pull the furniture to use them, for example,” says Cristiane.

The architect indicates that the best places to place the sockets are above the TV cabinet, the nightstand and next to an armchair. It is also necessary to set the correct height and position so that the magazines can be inserted and removed easily.

“Another interesting tip is to bet on USB sockets, which make it easier to charge our electronics,” he suggests.

In the living room, it is common to use a lot of stationary and portable equipment, from the TV and its devices to the tablet, cell phone and notebook, among other devices. Therefore, the ideal is to follow the same proposal for the environment.

“I always play a game where I imagine where the person will sit to turn on the notebook or charge the mobile phone and what will be the best way to position it so that it has easy access,” says Cristiane.

Kitchens

In the kitchen, safety issues are fundamental in the positioning of the sockets. The installation of the appliances must be carried out according to the manual of each, which specifies aspects such as the power and the position of the socket, in addition to the safety specifications.

“Also pay attention to the thickness of the wire, if it is too thin and the equipment has high power, it can heat up and catch fire,” warns the architect. In the sockets that are located above the countertop, the architect suggests going a little beyond the standard of 1.20 m to avoid getting close to the tap.

bath

In this environment, the position of the socket must be suitable for the good use of household appliances such as hair dryers, irons and razors. It is necessary to observe safety and allow use without risk of contact with water.

Caps and aesthetics

After defining the location of the sockets, it’s time to think about execution and aesthetics. “We must leave everything well leveled so that no light box is crooked and, thus, match the finishes of the sockets with the aesthetics of the project itself”, says Cristiane.

According to the architect, the finishes of the sockets give the final touch to a harmonious and stylized project. “You can choose the size, the colors and even the texture so that the piece is part of the whole project,” he concludes.

Source: Terra

Benjamin

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