Why Soviet apartments had switches and sockets installed so high

One of the characteristic features of Soviet apartments was the installation of switches and sockets at a height. Many, especially teenagers, could barely reach them, which raised a number of questions.

Today we may wonder why it was so because it was clearly not convenient. OBOZ.UA has learned that such a solution was not accidental, and there are several possible explanations. Either to ensure safety or to save materials, let's figure out why everything was this way.

One of the main reasons for this arrangement of switches and sockets is safety. Installing them at a height allowed people to limit children's access to electrical devices so that they could not accidentally injure themselves. This rule was applied not only in residential premises, but also in schools and other public institutions. Sockets are often installed at a height of about 1.8 meters to avoid accidental injuries even today.

Another version explains the high installation of switches and sockets for practical reasons. According to this theory, a switch located at this height is more convenient for adults. During the day, the switch is at the level of a person's vision, which makes it easier to find. At night, when people walk to the light, they usually stretch their arms forward, and the switch at this height becomes more accessible.

Another interesting version concerns savings. According to the calculations, if you install sockets and switches at a low level, you will have to use much more wire for connection. The distance between the points of location of electrical devices and junction boxes should be 10-30 cm from the ceiling, so the lower the outlet or switch, the higher the cable costs.

This reason probably wasn't the decisive one for Soviet construction, but it still mattered. If these devices were installed at the level we are used to, it could lead to unnecessary costs for electrical materials. Therefore, if we take whole apartment buildings or entire districts, this could lead to significant overruns.

In general, several factors - from safety to the need for economy - influenced the fact that switches and sockets in the USSR were installed so high. And although it may seem inconvenient now, it had its logical explanation back then.

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