Standard Circuit House Minimum Number of Socket-Outlets How Many Are Needed?

Standard Circuit House Socket-Outlets: How Many Are Needed?

Regulation 553.1.7 states:

"Sufficient socket-outlets are required to be installed so that all equipment likely to be used can be supplied from a reasonably accessible socket-outlet, taking account of the length of flexible cable normally fitted to portable appliances and luminaires. Table H7 provides guidance on the number of socket-outlets that are likely to meet this requirement."

• Important!
• Ref Guidance Note 1 Page 154
• The number of socket-outlets and their positioning should be such as to ensure compliance with Regulation 553.1.7, each socket-outlet of a twin or multiple socket-outlet unit being regarded as one socket-outlet.

In Scotland, Mandatory Standard 4.6 requires that every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that electric lighting points and socket-outlets are provided to ensure the health, safety, and convenience of occupants and visitors. The Building Standards Division of the Scottish Government make recommendations for the number of socket-outlets that should be installed in a domestic premises in Section 4.6.4 of the domestic technical handbook as follows:

• ▶ Kitchen – 6 (at least 3 above worktop height)
• ▶ Other habitable rooms – 4
• ▶ Plus at least 4 more throughout the property including at least one per circulation area per storey.

The socket-outlets may be either single or double.

H7 Table Minimum number of twin socket-outlets to be provided in homes (Source: Electrical Safety First and the Electrical Installation Forum.)

Room type	Smaller rooms (up to 12 m²)	Medium rooms (12–25 m²)	Larger rooms (more than 25 m²)
Main living room	4	6	8
Dining room	3	4	5
Single bedroom	2	3	4
Double bedroom	3	4	5
Bedsitting room	4	5	6
Study	4	5	6
Utility room	3	4	5
Kitchen	6	8	10
Garages	2	3	4
Conservatory	3	4	5
Hallways and landings	1	2	3
Loft	1	2	3
Location containing a bath or shower	see NOTE 3
Electric vehicle charging	see NOTE 4

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many socket-outlets should be installed in a standard UK kitchen?

A: According to Regulation 553.1.7, a standard UK kitchen should have at least 6 socket-outlets, with at least 3 of them above worktop height. This ensures that all equipment likely to be used can be supplied from a reasonably accessible socket-outlet.

Q: What is the recommended number of socket-outlets in a main living room?

A: Regulation 553.1.7, following the guidance in Table H7, recommends the following number of socket-outlets for a main living room:

• For smaller rooms (up to 12 m²): 4 socket-outlets
• For medium rooms (12–25 m²): 6 socket-outlets
• For larger rooms (more than 25 m²): 8 socket-outlets.

Q: How many socket-outlets should be installed in a double bedroom according to BS 7671?

A: As per Regulation 553.1.7 and Table H7, a double bedroom should have the following number of socket-outlets:

• For smaller rooms (up to 12 m²): 3 socket-outlets
• For medium rooms (12–25 m²): 4 socket-outlets
• For larger rooms (more than 25 m²): 5 socket-outlets.

Q: What is the minimum number of socket-outlets required in a utility room?

A: According to Regulation 553.1.7 and Table H7, a utility room should have the following number of socket-outlets:

• For smaller rooms (up to 12 m²): 3 socket-outlets
• For medium rooms (12–25 m²): 4 socket-outlets
• For larger rooms (more than 25 m²): 5 socket-outlets.

Q: Are there specific socket-outlet recommendations for garages?

A: Yes, Regulation 553.1.7 provides guidance in Table H7 for garages as well:

• For smaller garages (up to 12 m²): 2 socket-outlets
• For medium garages (12–25 m²): 3 socket-outlets
• For larger garages (more than 25 m²): 4 socket-outlets.