Recessed sockets in the kitchen countertop - installation features

Household appliances that guarantee comfort in the kitchen and office require a connection to the mains supply. Numerous overhead sockets will not be a highlight in a designer interior, regardless of the purpose of the room. The best solution in such a situation would be a retractable outlet in the countertop. These devices are convenient to use, save space in the room and go well with any interior.

The location of the sockets in the kitchen

It is recommended to install sockets in kitchens in 3 tiers:

• Upper - for hoods and lighting of hanging cabinets.
• Central - located 10-15 cm above the countertops. Small household appliances are connected here: kettle, mixer, blender and others.
• The bottom one is the power supply for the most powerful built-in appliances that are constantly in the network: a dishwasher, an oven, a refrigerator, etc.

It is recommended to connect built-in appliances with high load through an RCD. There must be grounding.

Before installing hidden sockets for the kitchen in the countertop, you need to calculate the required number. To do this, you must be guided by several basic calculation rules:

• The number of outlets should be 25% more than the number of electrical appliances in the kitchen. Thus, a reserve will be made for connecting additional devices: a kitchen vacuum cleaner or a fan. Example - 10 sockets will need to be installed on 8 units of equipment.
• The power of the wiring is calculated in accordance with the total power indicator of all electrical engineering. This is necessary so that the wiring has a double reserve for powering the devices. Sockets are divided into 2 types: 16 A - load up to 2.2 kW; 10 A - load no more than 3.5 kW. You cannot supply more power to the outlet than its design load;
• Devices with a high power rating, for example, an electric stove or a boiler, must be connected through circuit breakers to a separate power line.

Retractable sockets are extremely convenient for use in the kitchen. This is especially noticeable when using those devices that do not require a permanent connection to the network.

Types and features of retractable sockets

Recessed sockets in a worktop - a block of 2 or more sockets mounted in a metal or plastic case, which is equipped with a pull-out mechanism. The device is removed from the tabletop by light pressing and just as easily plunges into it when pressed. A device of this type is a kind of surge protector, but at the same time it does not have wiring bundles that do not look so aesthetically pleasing. The modern market offers users several varieties of pull-out devices.

Vertical retractable worktop rosette

This type of sockets is used most often. At the same time, their design is not the most practical and durable, since the "tower" rising above the table top can be accidentally hit and easily damaged.In addition, the vertical retractable unit is susceptible to loosening as some force is required when inserting the fork.

Horizontal retractable socket

It differs from other retractable devices in the horizontal placement of the socket block and in the height of the retractable part. This design has high strength and is also more convenient to use. Horizontal units also have a significant disadvantage - problematic connection of equipment with side type plugs.

Retractable swivel socket block

Built-in pivot-type sockets are the most versatile among retractable designs. They are ideal for furnishing kitchen worktops, therefore they are very reliable and demonstrate a high level of ergonomics. The swivel blocks are tightly fixed in the plane and withstand frequent insertion / withdrawal of the forks, which means they are durable.

Unlike traditional pull-out blocks, this design is equipped with a swivel mechanism. It is triggered by pressing a finger on a certain area of ​​the front cover. After opening the sockets, the device is fixed at an angle of 45 degrees.

The swivel block of sockets has some structural drawbacks - locking and movable mechanisms, which fail after a while. It is also problematic to connect side-type plugs in them.

By the type of installation, the rotary blocks are divided into 2 types:

• mortise - installed directly into the plane of the tabletop;
• corner - mounted in 90-degree corners (wall joints, wall / hanging cabinet combination).

Hidden sockets

A hidden socket strip is considered the most reliable and durable, since it is devoid of movable mechanisms. In fact, this is a classic extension cord that is recessed into the furniture body or the plane of the countertops. Such devices are unable to change their position. A decorative cover protects the unit from penetration of dust and moisture. To connect electrical equipment, the cover must be lifted up or moved to the side. This is the only drawback of hidden devices - space on the work surface is hidden from the cover.

Classification of recessed units

Wall-mounted sockets are a stylish solution for kitchen and office spaces. They can be mounted both in the plane of the table top and in cabinets or tables. Such blocks are an excellent alternative to standard extension cords, demonstrating higher versatility and comfort of use. Conventional extension cords are not always appropriate, especially in spaces such as conference rooms or designer kitchens.

By design type, retractable sockets are:

• horizontal;
• vertical;
• hidden.

Blocks of horizontal type can have from 1 to 5 power connectors. In addition to traditional plugs, they can be equipped with USB, HDMI and Ethernet ports for connecting Internet access.

According to the method of access to the sockets, the blocks are divided into retractable and rotary ones.

Selected models of socket blocks are equipped with a 180 or 360 degree rotation function. Most of them are backlit for ease of use in the dark and for the formation of an appropriate style.

Rotary-type devices have a high degree of reliability. They practically have no drawbacks, with the exception of one factor - the impossibility of interaction with side forks.

Retractable sockets can be placed:

• In wall cabinets.
• In the plane of tables / countertops.
• At the corner joint between the wall and the worktop.

One of the main characteristics of the socket outlet is the presence of IP44 protection (resistance to dust and moisture).

Features of the device of retractable structures

Retractable outlet blocks make it possible to save space, since they eliminate the need to lay a separate power line for installing additional network points.

The main features of such devices:

• the number of integrated connectors is from 1 to 5, all of them are grounded;
• cable length varies within 3-5 meters, depending on the device model;
• the unit can be connected to the general power supply using a stationary plug or by means of electrical terminal blocks.

The principle of operation of the withdrawable units is quite simple. In a static state, the structure is completely hidden in a cabinet or countertop. To connect any electrical appliance, you just need to press the decorative cover, after which it will begin to slide out, freeing up access to the sockets. There are models that independently rise completely or move forward only a couple of centimeters. They need to be pulled up by hand.

To hide the outlet blocks, you just need to press on them from above and lower them into the tabletop until they click.

Pros and cons

Retractable outlet blocks are becoming more and more in demand in modern interiors, as they have a whole set of undeniable advantages:

• High versatility.
• Does not take up space on the work surface.
• Suitable for connecting small kitchen appliances that are not constantly used.
• There are models on the market with protection against moisture and dust. There are also devices with a childproof function.
• The perfect combination with any interior style.
• Possibility to choose between vertical and horizontal blocks.
• Availability of additional connectors, for example, USB or HDMI.
• Can be mounted on any surface - table / tabletop.

In addition to the mass of advantages, the devices have several disadvantages:

• Quite high cost.
• When installed in a hanging cabinet, its internal volume is hidden.
• The impossibility of installation in areas of the countertop, where there are drawers under it.
• Vertical units can be easily damaged due to their heights.

All the disadvantages of retractable sockets are compensated by their versatility. The non-working block is invisible to the naked eye, its shape resembles a usual decorative ring / rectangle on the table surface.

Features of choice

When choosing a retractable socket block, you need to be guided by the price / quality ratio, and also pay attention to the following factors:

• The required number of network connectors and the presence of additional ports for USB devices, audio equipment and others.
• Unit power density - an indicator of the total power of all electrical engineering should not exceed it.
• The ability of the socket block to withstand voltage surges (filter function).
• The quality of materials for the manufacture of sockets. Cheap plastic will not withstand frequent plugging / unplugging. Such devices have a short service life.
• Availability of protection degree IP44. Prevents dust and moisture from entering the unit. This is especially important when choosing outlets for kitchens.

Many users, when choosing outlet retractable blocks, try to save money on purchase, giving their preference to Chinese brands. There is nothing bad here, provided that you purchase a truly branded device. The main thing is not to buy copies of well-known manufacturers who sell for a low price, allegedly for a share. Such blocks, in addition to their low durability, are also dangerous: their plastic cracks when exposed to temperature and moisture, which can lead to a short circuit.

Installation rules

When installing retractable sockets, it is necessary to adhere to several basic rules.

It is strictly forbidden to install blocks near the stove and near the sink. A short circuit can be caused by moisture and high temperatures. The sockets must be installed at a distance of at least 60 cm from the sink and stove.

Installation process for hidden sockets

The installation of retractable socket blocks is not difficult, home craftsmen will do it on their own without difficulty.

Algorithm of actions:

1. De-energize the room.
2. Mark the installation site of the unit.
3. Using a crown or jigsaw, make a hole (diameter 65 mm) for mounting the sockets in a table, cabinet or worktop.
4. Fix the device using the fasteners that come with the kit.
5. Connect the unit to the network.

If the necessary tools are not available at home, it is better to seek help from specialists.

Selecting the location of the device

Retractable sockets are best installed in the following places:

• In work areas of countertops and tables, where food is prepared. The optimal installation here would be to install a block for 4-5 network connectors.
• In the eating and dining areas.
• In places of rest for the whole family. Here, the most rational would be the installation of socket blocks with combined connectors, with the presence of USB and HDMI. This will allow telephones and laptops to be connected to the network and the Internet.

The placement of each pull-out unit must be thought out in advance. This will save the owners from situations when one block is not in demand, and the other is overloaded.