Multi-socket outlets in the kitchen: the ultimate guide to design planning and the latest trends

The kitchen is the heart of any home, where functionality and design blend seamlessly to create an aesthetically pleasing and well-organised space.

Therefore, choosing the right multi-socket outlets is essential, as they play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and ensuring the safety of everyone using them.

Since the kitchen is prone to splashes of water, spills, and dirt, multi-socket outlets should adhere to strict safety standards.

Additionally, they should have specific design features that complement the overall aesthetics of the space while offering great functionality.

Our guide will help you design and position the multi-socket outlets in your kitchen for a flawless, functional, and cutting-edge result.

Regulations and safety standards

In Italy, kitchen power units are governed by the CEI 64-8 regulation, which sets the rules for the safety of low-voltage electrical systems, particularly regarding heights and distances in humid environments like kitchens.

Below are some key points to consider during the design process:

• Position of the sink: Italian regulations mandate that electrical sockets be installed at least 60 cm away from the sink to avoid potential water contact.
• Number of sockets: Specific standards determine the number of sockets required based on the kitchen size. For a small kitchen of about 10 m², at least 4-5 sockets are needed, while a larger kitchen, such as 20 m², may require 8-10 sockets. This ensures appliances and devices function properly without relying on extension cords or adapters.
• Certifications: Power strips near sinks or hobs must be protected from water splashes or other substances. IP certification guarantees protection against dust ingress and splashes from all directions, ensuring a higher safety level. ASA offers a wide range of IP54-certified products, such as VersaHit, VersaLift, VersaElite, and VersaLux.
• Height of power units: Sockets should be installed at a safe and convenient height. It's generally recommended to install them on furniture about 110-120 cm from the floor, allowing for easy access while minimizing the risk of accidental contact with water or humidity, especially near worktops and sinks.

How to plan electrical outlets in the kitchen

The number of outlets to incorporate into your kitchen depends on the needs of the people using the space and on the size and number of appliances and devices.

Here are some guidelines to follow for a perfectly organised and safe space:

• Each appliance (refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and small appliances) should have its dedicated power point.
• If your kitchen features an island, make sure there’s at least one electrical outlet on each accessible side.
• It is essential to have power points near the work surfaces to comply with safety standards.
• Position outlets on worktops using concealed or recessed systems to ensure optimal order and cleanliness.
• Always consider additional sockets for devices such as chargers (including wireless) for phones, tablets, or other gadgets. Within the ASA range, VersaCharger and VersaPick are excellent options.

Planning ahead is key to maintaining a functional and safe kitchen over time. Determining the placement of electrical outlets is vital for ensuring, both practicality and safety.

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Design solutions for integrated multi-socket outlets

Multi-socket outlets must provide functionality while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the space in which they are installed, complementing the overall style of the kitchen. That’s why ASA offers a range of solutions tailored to various environments:

• Recessed power units: The range includes VersaLid, a recessed power strip with a minimal design ideal for linear and island kitchens. These models are designed to be concealed within countertops and surfaces, maintaining order and cleanliness. When needed, they can be extracted or lifted using automatic systems to access the sockets. ASA also recommends VersaFrame 3.0, a versatile and elegant recessed power strip with a compact and minimal design, perfect for domestic settings like kitchens. A unique feature of this model is its top-down assembly, where two inserts hide the fixing screws to preserve both aesthetics and safety. Recessed models offer at least two outlets for optimal efficiency and accessibility.

• Concealed power units: ASA recommends VersaDot and VersaHit, which are installed within furniture and worktops, ensuring their front surfaces are flush with the surrounding structure. VersaDot offers a minimalist design that seamlessly integrates into the worktop, maintaining a tidy and clean look, especially in modern kitchens. VersaHit features a sliding closure and IP54 protection, making it suitable for kitchens and available in three models that can be installed horizontally or vertically. These models can be placed directly on kitchen worktops for easy access or on linear and island kitchens, providing power points on multiple sides. They can also be mounted upside down to stay hidden until needed or installed on wall units. Depending on your needs and available space, they can have one or two outlets.

• Concealed power supply tower: VersaElite features an iconic design suited for island kitchens, featuring a Push&Pull system for concealed closure. VersaLux offers practical access to sockets via its vertical axis. The top light strip adds a touch of elegance, making it an ideal accessory for kitchen tops, especially with its IP54 water protection. Even VersaLift is IP54 certified and has a compact design with an 80 mm diameter, suitable for kitchens with a modern aesthetic and exceptional functionality. These models integrate seamlessly into kitchen worktops, whether in island or linear designs, and each provides at least two sockets to ensure functionality.

Latest style trends for installing electrical outlets in the kitchen

The interior design and home automation sector is evolving rapidly, and with it, the concept of sockets and switches has transformed into design and technology elements.

These features have become smart, adaptable to various environments, and capable of meeting different functional and stylistic needs.

Minimalism is the key trend: clean lines, neutral colours, and smooth surfaces create a spacious and tidy environment.

Using high-quality materials is essential: aluminium, glass, ceramic, and stainless steel form the foundation of every high-end design, offering both elegance and durability.

ASA proposes VersaTurn 3.0, a concealed power strip with a designer electric motor, ideal for maintaining a modern yet functional environment. Here are all its key features:

• Integrated USB: Equipping kitchen sockets with USB Type-A or USB Type-C inputs allows you to charge everyday devices without needing adapters or additional chargers.
• Touch control: You can activate the concealed system and use the sockets by touching the surface.
• Concealed (or pop-up) system: As previously mentioned, these systems, such as power supply towers, provide order, functionality, and style.
• IR safety system: This protection system uses special infrared sensors to detect movements or objects. It ensures safety in power supply towers, preventing accidental activation or unauthorised access to the sockets.

Where to place sockets in the kitchen

Careful planning and a strategic layout are crucial, as they facilitate daily activities and promote a safe and tidy environment that reflects the latest design trends and the style of those using the kitchen.

Proper placement of power units also helps avoid the clutter of devices and cables, enhancing space and functionality.

Choosing the right locations reduces the need for extension cords or adapters, minimizing the risk of overloads.

The layout must comply with current regulations to ensure a safe and compliant environment.

The importance of careful planning cannot be overstated; the kitchen functionality heavily depends on the positioning of the electrification systems.

Here are some ideal solutions:

• Worktop: Positioning sockets along the worktop or concealing them inside the surface allows you to power small appliances for everyday use, such as blenders and toasters.

• Cooking area: This area requires systems that facilitate food preparation and appliance use safely and practically. Sockets for these appliances must be strategically placed to be accessible yet out of direct reach of heat and humidity. They should also be adequately sized to support the high energy consumption of these devices.

• Island kitchen: If you have an island kitchen, it’s important to equip it with systems that power appliances and mobile devices like laptops, phones, and battery chargers. Practical hidden power supply towers that combine sockets with USB ports are recommended. Additionally, other solutions can be integrated, both on the sides and beneath the worktop, with sliding or hidden covers to maintain a clean appearance when not in use. This setup makes the island kitchen even more functional, allowing you to work without worrying about access to electricity.

• Wall units: outlets on the kitchen cabinetry’s wall units are essential for powering recessed appliances like microwaves, coffee machines, and ovens. This setup allows for better organisation of appliances while maintaining a tidy and functional appearance. These sockets must be well distributed and easily accessible to ensure practicality and safety, providing an elegant yet essential electrification solution.

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Common mistakes to avoid

When designing electrical outlets in the kitchen, it's essential to prevent some mistakes that could compromise functionality and safety:

• Avoid placing outlets near heat and water sources. This can lead to overheating, short circuits, electric shocks, and potentially dangerous fires.
• Ensure you have a sufficient number of outlets. Incorrect calculations can result in the need for extension cords and adapters, increasing the risk of overloads and short circuits while making the work environment less practical and tidy
• Always comply with safety regulations. Ensure that your system has IP54 certification suitable for environments exposed to dirt and humidity, like kitchens.
• Choose a solution that integrates naturally and harmoniously with the design of the space. That ensures that the outlets complement the aesthetics of the kitchen.