Installation zones for power cables

Where in my walls are power cables located?

Whether it's renovating, hanging a new picture frame or replacing a switch or a socket - you simply don't want to damage any wiring by drilling or hammering in a nail. To avoid something like that, it would be good to know where cables may be laid in the walls. It helps to know the so-called "installation zones" in residential and commercial buildings.

Installation or laying zones for power lines

Installation zones or laying zones are the wall areas in which electrical cables for switches and sockets are laid. Minimum distances from cables to room corners and installation heights for installations are also defined. These definitions were made in order to prevent damage to cables by drilling or hammering in nails. For ergonomically good operability, switches should be installed at a height of 105 cm in living and working areas. To ensure that sockets in workrooms and kitchens are installed above work surfaces and cupboards, an installation height of 115 cm applies here. Switches, socket outlets and junction boxes installed outside these areas are wired with a vertical supply line from the nearest installation zone above or below. Horizontal cables are laid 30 cm above the room floor or 30 cm below the room ceiling. In addition, there is the middle horizontal installation zone at a height of 115 cm in width 30 cm. Vertically running cables should have a distance of 15 cm to room corners or door and window cut-outs.

Switch and socket installation

Learn more about installations with junction boxes, switch boxes or distribution boxes.

Switch and socket installation

Switch-off, alternating and series circuits

Here you will find detailed illustrations of disconnection, alternating and series circuits.

Circuit forms

Comparing wireless systems

Compare the smart home systems Philips Hue, Casambi, EnOcean and Tuya in our comparison.

Comparing wireless systems

Retrofit switches

Learn how to retrofit the Hidden Socket | Versteckdose® on existing wired switches.  

Support