ᐅ Electrical Planning for New Construction – Experiences and Feedback

Created on: 1 Aug 2021 20:15
J
jspawn1
J
jspawn1
1 Aug 2021 20:15
Hello,

I am currently working on the electrical planning for our new build. To be honest, I have never dealt with these matters before, so I would really appreciate your opinions on the placement and number of power outlets, as well as any comments on what might be missing or unclear in the drawing.


Top-Down floor plan of an apartment with living room, kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, and terrace


Thank you very much!
bauenmk20201 Aug 2021 20:40
Tip:
Install an electrical outlet in every corner. At first, you might think "an outlet there would look odd." But later, you will only notice the missing outlets!

- Terrace: at least 1 exterior outlet + interior switch
- 1 exterior light + interior switch
- Exterior roller shutter? If yes, plan for an electric connection here as well
- Mandatory vacuum cleaner outlets in every room (below the light switch)
- Bathroom: lighting outlet above the mirror cabinet
- Dining room and living room: 1-2 wall outlets each for wall lamps or ambient lighting
- ...
T
Tassimat
1 Aug 2021 20:46
The plan is still a bit minimalistic, but I’m sure it will improve.

A few key points:
For starting the planning, I recommend installing a double electrical box in each corner of the rooms and one by the door. Certainly none behind the wardrobe, but in the children’s room I would add more boxes to keep it flexible in case you want to rearrange.
There is no network wiring at all. Don’t forget the position of the access points for Wi-Fi.
There is no satellite wiring either, in case you need it.
Where is the doorbell located?
Maybe add recessed ceiling lights in the kitchen?
More electrical outlets in the kitchen are needed. Coffee maker, toaster, kitchen mixer, and kettle quickly use up all available sockets.
Do you have electric shutters? Decide whether the switches should be at the window or the door.
Maybe add some more indirect lighting for a nicer atmosphere.
The position of light switches is completely missing. This is important in rooms like the living room and hallway.
H
hampshire
1 Aug 2021 20:51
For me, there would be too few power outlets, unless you are a fan of multiple extension cords.

In addition to the tips from @bauenmk2020:

Power at the dining table is practical – toaster, raclette grill, laptop charger...

Better to have more outlets near the bed – bedside lamp plus space to charge one or more devices

Only 2 outlets at the desk? – monitor, printer, computer... oops

Ever sat on the sofa with a screen device on your lap and the battery almost dead? An outlet nearby is very convenient (floor boxes under the sofa are ideal)

For reading on the sofa, a floor lamp is probably the cozier solution (see above)

No power in the hallway? That’s very minimalistic.

Do you like light decorations for festive occasions? Outlets are helpful.

Outside without power is certainly nice, but with...

Is your wardrobe going to have lighting? If so, where will you get the power from?

Count your electrical devices and imagine where you will use or charge them (e-bike battery in the hallway?, vacuum cleaner, iron...)
M
motorradsilke
1 Aug 2021 21:06
Off the top of my head:
Light fixture directly above the dining table
Power outlets near the sofa
More power outlets near the TV
At least one power outlet in the hallway
Kitchen: stove connection, power outlets for dishwasher, refrigerator, extractor hood, microwave, under-cabinet lighting
Switch for hallway lighting next to each room
Switch for living room lighting also by the patio door
LAN socket in every room
bauenmk20201 Aug 2021 21:46
Isn't there supposed to be another floor, or where will the laundry be done? Where will the home network, router, and landline phone be located?
Otherwise, you could number the lights and then label the corresponding light switches accordingly.

- additional outdoor socket for, e.g., an electric grill (if there is a balcony)