Considering the electrical layout of your client’s kitchen is crucial, both for their convenience and safety. Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000:2018 (also known as the Wiring Rules) sets out guidance for the placement of power (or socket) outlets in the home, and thoughtful planning and liaison with your sparky will ensure your client gets a comprehensive plan. Following are a few key power points to consider:
Basic Planning
Major Appliances: Allocate separate outlets for each major appliance, like the fridge, dishwasher, oven, rangehood and microwave. Many of these will require dedicated circuits as specified in The Wiring Rules – liaise with an electrician if you’re unsure. Remember that easy access to the powering of major appliances is crucial. See below for more information.
Bench Area: Discuss the kitchen workflow with your client and assess the types of activities they’ll be doing in each area (and with which associated appliances). Position the outlets at various points to avoid overcrowding and allow flexibility in appliance usage. Outlets on benches should be placed at least 150 mm above the benchtop to protect from spills and meet the standard requirements.
Splashback Area: In wet zones near sinks or splashbacks, outlets should be positioned well away from the sink edge to prevent electrical hazards. See below for more detail.
Outlets Near Cooktop: As set out below, there are restrictions around locating power outlets near open cooking appliances. Be sure to consider these restrictions when allocating outlets.
Additional Sockets: Consider outlets near specific areas like islands, especially if they’ll serve small appliances or occasional plug-ins (device charging etc.). Include outlets with USB ports for optimum charging.
The Wiring Rules
The Wiring Rules sets out the following:
4.4.2.1 Accessibility
Each socket-outlet shall be installed so that any plug intended to be used with the socket-outlet can be conveniently inserted and withdrawn and not cause damage to any flexible cord or cable connected to the plug.
Socket-outlets shall not be installed where the withdrawal of a plug from the socket-outlet is restricted by a permanent fixture or fitting within the installation.
The AS/NZS 5601 series requires that the means of electrical isolation for a gas appliance is accessible with the appliance installed.
With respect to cooktops, you’ll also need to consider the following:
4.7.1 Switching device
A circuit for a fixed or stationary cooking appliance having an open cooking surface incorporating electric heating, e.g. a cooktop, deep fat fryer, barbecue griddle or similar, shall be provided with a switch, operating in all active conductors, mounted near the appliance in a visible and readily accessible position.
NOTE: This requirement need not apply to enclosed cooking appliances, such as built-in ovens and microwave ovens.
The Wiring Rules stipulate that the switch should be mounted within two metres of the cooking appliance. It must not be mounted in such a position that the user must reach across the open cooking surface to access it.
4.7.3 Clearance from open cooking surfaces
Socket-outlets and switches shall not be installed in the prohibited location shown in Figure 4.17, on any wall, cupboard or other surface within 150 mm of the edge of an open gas or electric cooking surface, in the area extending from the top of the cooking surface to a range hood, cupboard or ceiling located directly above the cooking surface, or 2.5 m above the floor that is directly below the cooking surface, whichever is the lower.
Don’t have access to Figure 4.17? KBDi Members: submit your specific query via our Technical Support Enquiry Form, and we’ll send you the details.
Power outlets near sinks
The Wiring Rules set out specific requirements for locating power outlets in wet areas or in proximity to ‘fixed water containers’ like sinks. The Standard determines various ‘Zones’ based on proximity to water, and the area around a sink (400 mm above the sink and 150 mm to either side) is considered ‘Zone 2’. This essentially means that unless the power outlet is behind a cupboard (like the outlet for the dishwasher, generally located under the sink), it’s a no-go. Again, if you need more detailed information, submit your request through the KBDi Member Portal.
Accessibility and Safety
Ensure that outlets are placed at accessible heights and locations to avoid awkward reaches. The Liveable Housing Standard sets out recommendations for the preferred accessible location of power outlets to be no less than 300 mm from the finished floor level – applying this throughout the home meets the Gold Level requirements and is a good standard to follow.
Avoid power points directly under heavy, fixed cabinetry where they're hard to reach (as per the Australian Standard guidelines set out above).
Note: the above dimensions all refer to the centreline of the power outlet – these are the dimensions you should set out on your plans and elevations using the appropriate line type, symbols and corresponding legend.
Of course, all electrical installations in Australia must be undertaken by licensed electricians. As we always say here at KBDi, designers can gain great value by building good relationships with reputable trades. Liaising with licensed professionals during the planning stage can save many headaches down the track, and a strong network of tradies is invaluable.