How many sockets and switches does each room need?
Updated 5 Aug 2026
A well-planned electrical installation is a foundation of comfortable renovation. Too few sockets or poorly placed switches quickly become an everyday inconvenience.
Use the room guide below as a starting point and adapt it to furniture, appliances, lighting and future needs.
Good planning improves comfort and safety and avoids chasing new channels into finished walls later.
Living room
- Sockets
- 8–12
- Switches
- 2–3
- TV, internet, audio, chargers, lighting and air conditioning.
- Switch at the entrance and separate control for main, spot or LED lighting.
Bedroom
- Sockets
- 6–10
- Switches
- 2–3
- Sockets on both sides of the bed, plus TV, chargers, lamps and air conditioning.
- Entrance switch and bedside control; two-way switching is useful.
Kitchen
- Sockets
- 10–16
- Switches
- 2–4
- Plan for the fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher, hob, extractor, coffee machine and kettle.
- Provide separate controls for the main light and under-cabinet LED lighting.
Bathroom
- Sockets
- 3–5
- Switches
- 1–2
- Use at least IP44 and keep sockets outside zones 0, 1 and 2; plan for the mirror, washing machine and hairdryer.
- Provide entrance control and, where needed, separate ventilation and mirror lighting.
Separate WC
- Sockets
- 1
- Switches
- 1
- For a bidet shower or other equipment.
- Control for light and ventilation.
Entrance hall
- Sockets
- 2–4
- Switches
- 2
- For a vacuum cleaner, shoe dryer and charging.
- Entrance and corridor lighting control.
Hallway
- Sockets
- 2–3
- Switches
- 2–3
- Place sockets according to corridor length and cleaning equipment.
- Use switches at room entrances or two-way switching.
Utility room
- Sockets
- 4–6
- Switches
- 1–2
- Allow for washing machine, dryer, boiler, pump, ventilation and other equipment.
- Plan lighting and separate circuits where needed.
Children’s room
- Sockets
- 8–10
- Switches
- 2–3
- Computer, chargers, lamps, TV and games console.
- Entrance and bedside control.
Home office
- Sockets
- 8–12
- Switches
- 2
- Computer, printer, router, chargers and other equipment.
- Entrance switch and task-light provision.
Balcony or terrace
- Sockets
- 1–2
- Switches
- as needed
- Outdoor socket with IP44 or higher protection.
- Switch according to the outdoor lighting plan.
Planning rules that work in practice
- Do not save on sockets; adding them after completion costs much more.
- Put sockets on both sides of the bed.
- Give each fixed kitchen appliance its own planned connection.
- Use the correct protection and keep bathroom sockets outside the required zones.
- Prepare enough connections for TV, internet, speakers and future electronics.
- Add a few sockets beyond today’s plan; household technology usually grows.
Important details
Safety
Follow current standards and have the installation checked.
Socket height
A common recommendation is 30 cm above the floor.
Switch height
A common recommendation is 105–110 cm above the floor.
Qualified installation
Use a qualified electrician for the installation.
Frequently asked questions
How many sockets are needed in a kitchen?
Usually 10–16, depending on the appliances and worktop. Built-in appliances need planned connections, while five to eight worktop sockets is a useful starting point for small appliances. Major appliances often need separate protected circuits.
Can there be a socket in a bathroom?
Yes, if it is outside zones 0, 1 and 2, has at least IP44 protection and is protected as required by the electrical design. Confirm the exact position with a qualified electrician.
When should sockets be planned?
Before channels are cut, after the furniture layout is known. Moving a socket during first-fix work is inexpensive; after plastering and painting it means new work and repairs.
Related service
Apartment renovationsComplete turnkey renovation of apartments and houses - from demolition to final clean-up. We take on projects in Prague and the surrounding area.