When installing a hood in the kitchen, along with choosing a suitable place for it, the issue of connecting to a household electrical network is being resolved. The easiest way to do this is using a standard installation product - a separate outlet located in a place provided for this in advance. The outlet for the hood should be located so as not to interfere with the installation of wall cabinets and other samples of kitchen utensils. In addition, it is not recommended to mount it too close to their walls.
Types of hoods and their features when connected to the mains
From the point of view of connecting to a household electrical network, the models of hoods presented on the domestic market differ in the following characteristics:
- constructive performance;
- installation method;
- power consumed by the unit from the network.
In accordance with the first sign, kitchen hoods are domed, with inclined planes or horizontal. Most of the known designs do not particularly interfere with the installation of a wall outlet. On the second basis, the choice of options is also diverse. The devices are available in the following versions:
- suspended;
- built into a wall cabinet;
- wall-mounted;
- corner and island.
Most modern hoods are somehow connected with a hinged kitchen cabinet located above the hob, or simply suspended as an independent structure.
It is most convenient to place a socket for a built-in hood in a kitchen in a wall cabinet or directly above its top panel. If the kitchen area has a wall-mounted exhaust unit, it is installed in the duct cover. The best option for the location of the electrical outlet is at a height of 110 cm from the countertop of the kitchen set. In this case, the installation site is suitable for almost all models of exhaust devices. The choice of the type of socket product and the power cable for connecting it depends on the power of the model installed in the kitchen.
Choice of socket and cable
If a separate socket is provided for the hood in the kitchen, its choice depends on the electrical power consumed by the device from the home network. For most modern models, this figure does not exceed 1.0 kW, which allows you to install a standard product designed for a current of up to 10 Amperes.
At high values of power consumption, it is possible to install a special power outlet that can withstand significant currents (up to 25 Amperes). In this case, it will require laying a separate power cable with the following technical indicators:
- wire brand: VVG or similar;
- the number of copper veins - 3 or 4;
- section - not less than 2.5 mm square.
Such a socket and a cable are connected through a circuit breaker installed in the switch cabinet, designed for a cut-off current of 25 Amperes.
Seat selection
If you decide to make a separate outlet for the kitchen hood, you need to choose a suitable place for this. The following criteria are taken into account:
- compliance of the product with the requirements of the standards (PUE);
- ease of use;
- the possibility of hanging other pieces of furniture;
- compliance with the interior of the kitchen.
Particular attention is paid to the height of the outlet in the kitchen, which, according to the requirements of the PUE, must be at least 1.0 meters from the floor. When it is located in the upper part of the wall plane with the same positions, it is not allowed to approach the ceiling closer than 10 centimeters.
If there is a large amount of furniture, the installation site is selected based on the possibility of free installation and ease of connection.
Installation methods
There are several known options for installing a socket under a kitchen hood. They are distinguished according to the following criteria:
- for built-in modifications of exhaust devices;
- for samples of suspended type hoods;
- if possible, install the socket in a protective casing.
In the first case, the outlet for the built-in hood is most conveniently located inside the wall cabinet itself. For suspended models, the area above the top panel, located near the duct, is optimal. In this case, the power cord is reliably hidden behind the structure and does not spoil the overall appearance of the kitchen. The last of the proposed options is good in itself, since the socket is reliably hidden, its location does not violate any of the requirements of the current standards.
The standard length of the electrical cord for hoods rarely exceeds 80 cm, which must be taken into account when choosing a convenient place. At the stage of electrical installation, you will need to prepare a clear plan of the kitchen with the zones indicated on it for the location of the gas stove and home wiring in order to accurately determine the place that is optimal for installing the power outlet.
Connection options
It is allowed to connect the hood in the apartment through the socket or directly to the switchboard (circuit breaker installed in it). The benefits of the latter switching method are as follows:
- the number of connecting contacts and wires is reduced, the reliability of the supply line is increased;
- the cost of purchasing installation products is reduced - there is no need to purchase a separate outlet with all its fasteners;
- no need to select a place for the outlet.
The disadvantage of this connection option is the ability to turn off the hood only with the help of a protective AB located at a considerable distance from the kitchen area.
The advantage of the first connection method is the convenience of switching the exhaust unit (the socket is always at hand) and the saving of space in the switchboard. Its disadvantage is the need to allocate a special place and the cost of arranging an outlet with local grounding.
Electrical safety and quick disconnect capability
Since the range hood and cooker are made of conductive material, the presence of a power outlet in the vicinity poses a hazard to the user. In case of accidental damage to the insulation of the installation wires, a dangerous voltage for a person may appear on the hood or plate. For this reason, in accordance with current regulations and safety requirements, the electrical outlet itself and the housings of the hobs and hoods must be reliably protected. To do this, you will need to connect the conductive parts of the equipment with a grounding device specially equipped in the house or apartment. For this purpose, the kitchen socket must have a separate terminal specially designed for the indicated purpose. For quick shutdown in an emergency, it must be located away from protruding parts of the equipment.