How to arrange the electrical and water systems in the house safely?

The electrical and water system in the house is a complex network of electrical lines, water pipes and related equipment, ensuring the supply of electricity and water for daily life. 

The design and installation of this system not only affects comfort but also determines the level of safety, equipment life and quality of life of the family.

According to statistics from the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department (C07) - Ministry of Public Security: "70% of fires and explosions in houses are caused by electrical short circuits. In addition, more than 50% of domestic water sources are contaminated with microorganisms due to old pipes and substandard filtration systems."

Therefore, the electrical system needs to be scientifically arranged, using suitable wires and equipment, with a reasonable wiring diagram. At the same time, protective measures such as overload and electrical leakage should be installed to minimize risks. 

Similarly, the water supply and drainage system also needs to choose suitable pipe materials and design reasonable water supply and drainage pipes. In addition, there should be an effective wastewater treatment and rainwater drainage plan.

In addition, the installation of electrical and water systems in each area such as living room, bedroom, kitchen or bathroom must ensure safety, convenience and space optimization. 

To better understand how to arrange a safe and effective electrical and water system, please continue reading the article!

The Importance of Safe Electrical and Water System Arrangement in the Home

Properly designed and installed electrical and water systems help prevent the risk of fire, leakage, and electrical shock, while ensuring a clean water source and stable pressure. Proper layout also helps save energy, prolong the life of equipment, and reduce long-term repair costs.

1. Impact on family safety and health

Improperly designed and installed electrical and plumbing systems can lead to many serious risks:

• Electrical short circuit, fire and explosion: Poor quality, incorrectly connected or overloaded electrical wires can cause short circuits, damage equipment and threaten human life.
• Water leak, electric shock: Leaking water pipes can cause wall seepage, affect the structure of the building and increase the risk of electric shock when in contact with the electrical system.
• Polluted water source: Poor drainage systems can lead to contaminated water, causing diseases related to the digestive tract and skin.
• Low water pressure: If not calculated properly, insufficient water pressure will affect daily activities, especially when using washing machines, water heaters or other sanitary equipment.

2. Impact on performance and equipment life

Arranging the electricity and water system properly not only ensures safety but also helps optimize efficiency:

• Scientific electrical system helps save electricity: Reasonable power distribution will reduce the risk of overload, avoid unnecessary power consumption and help electrical equipment operate more stably and durably.
• Good drainage system helps to limit damage: Scientifically arranged pipes help reduce the risk of blockage, limit leakage and ensure a stable water source, thereby prolonging the life of water-using equipment.
• Reduce repair and maintenance costs: Properly installed electrical and water systems will limit unexpected problems, helping homeowners save on long-term repair costs.

Designing and arranging a safe and reasonable electrical and water system is a key factor to ensure comfort, safety and long-term efficiency for your home.

Safe and Efficient Electrical System Design

Designing a safe electrical system requires attention from the selection of suitable wires and equipment to the scientific arrangement of wiring diagrams and the installation of protection systems against overload and electrical leakage. 

A properly designed electrical system not only ensures safety but also helps optimize performance, prolong equipment life and reduce the risk of problems.

1. Select the appropriate electrical wires and equipment

Choosing the right electrical wire helps ensure stable transmission, limiting overload or fire. At the same time, electrical equipment also needs to be carefully selected to optimize performance.

Classification of electrical wires:

• Single wire: Usually used for small power devices such as lighting, ceiling fans. This type of wire has good electrical conductivity but is easily affected by external factors.
• Double wire: Consists of two insulated cores, helping to reduce signal interference and ensure more safety than single wire. Suitable for socket and switch systems.
• Power cable: Used for high capacity equipment such as air conditioners and water heaters. Thick insulating layer helps prevent fire and withstand load better.

Choosing the right electrical equipment:

• Circuit breaker (CB): Automatically turns off power when overloaded or short-circuited, helping to reduce the risk of fire.
• Sockets and switches: You should choose the type with dust and water-proof cover, especially in the kitchen and bathroom areas.
• Lights: Prioritize LED lights because of their energy saving ability, long life and low heat generation.

2. Scientific and safe electrical wiring diagram

A scientific electrical layout helps optimize space, ensure efficiency and limit electrical problems. A properly designed electrical system will make repairs and maintenance easier in the future.

Surface or concealed wiring?

• Exposed wire: Easy to install, easy to repair when there is a problem but affects aesthetics.
• Concealed wire: Neat, increases aesthetics but difficult to repair and higher installation costs.
• If you choose to run the wiring hidden, wrap the wire in an insulating conduit to protect it from rodents and to prevent damage from mechanical impact.

Principles of proper electrical wiring

• Wiring should be run vertically or perpendicular to the floor to avoid overlap and to facilitate maintenance.
• Avoid connecting wires halfway, if necessary, the connection must be carefully soldered and covered with electrical tape.
• The socket should be placed at least 30cm from the floor, the light switch should be at a height of 1,2m - 1,5m for convenient use.

Reasonable layout of electrical boxes and control panels

• The main control panel should be located in an easily accessible location, away from damp areas.
• In case of emergency, it is necessary to be able to quickly disconnect the power supply to ensure safety.

3. Electrical protection system against overload and leakage

To ensure electrical safety, installing protective devices is a must. These devices help reduce the risk of electrical leakage, short circuits and protect electrical appliances in the home.

Install anti-shock switch (ELCB/RCCB)

• This device is capable of detecting leakage current and automatically cutting off power as soon as a problem occurs.
• Especially important in wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Use voltage stabilizer to protect electrical appliances

• Voltage stabilizer helps maintain stable power source, avoiding sudden voltage increase and decrease.
• Protect electrical appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners from damage due to unstable voltage.

Reasonable arrangement of circuit breakers

• The main circuit breaker should be located in a dry, accessible location so that it can be turned off immediately when necessary.
• Each room should have its own sub-circuit breaker to control the power supply, making it easy to maintain without affecting the entire electrical system in the house.

Design of Safe and Convenient Water Supply and Drainage System

Choosing the right pipe material, arranging the pipes scientifically and having an effective wastewater treatment solution will help the system operate durably, safely and save maintenance costs.

1. Choose the right plumbing material

Choosing the right type of water pipe determines the durability, load-bearing capacity and safety of the water supply and drainage system. Each type of pipe has its own characteristics, suitable for each usage need.

Should I choose PVC, PPR or HDPE pipes?

• PVC pipe: Popular, cheap, easy to install. Suitable for wastewater drainage systems but cannot withstand high temperatures.
• PPR pipe: Has good heat resistance, suitable for hot and cold water conduction. High durability but higher cost than PVC pipes.
• HDPE pipe: Good bearing capacity, flexible, less corrosive. Suitable for outdoor drainage systems, areas with complex terrain.

Important accessories

• Water shut off valve: Need to be installed in important locations such as water source, kitchen, toilet to easily control water when repair is needed.
• Water flow meter: Helps control water usage and detect leaks early, avoiding water waste.

2. Reasonable water supply and drainage pipeline diagram

Arranging water supply and drainage pipes properly helps the system operate smoothly, avoiding problems such as weak water flow, blockage or leakage.

Principles of hot and cold water line design

• Hot and cold water pipes should be parallel but at least 10cm apart to avoid mutual temperature effects.
• Hot water pipes should use heat-resistant materials such as PPR to ensure durability.
• Install hot water lines properly to limit heat loss, helping to save energy.

Arrange drainage pipe slope to avoid clogging

• The minimum slope of the drainage pipe should be 2 – 3% (equivalent to 2 – 3cm per meter of pipe length).
• For sink and toilet drain pipes, a vent pipe should be installed to help the water flow smoothly, limiting slow drainage or unpleasant odors.
• Avoid installing too many 90 degree bends, instead use 45 degree angle joints to help water flow better.

3. Wastewater treatment and rainwater drainage solutions

Domestic wastewater and rainwater need separate treatment and drainage systems to ensure hygiene and limit flooding or environmental pollution.

Septic tank system, wastewater filter tank

• Septic tanks should be designed with 3 filter compartments to ensure proper waste treatment before being discharged into the environment.
• For families using well water, there should be a wastewater filter tank before discharging the water to avoid water pollution.
• Septic tanks need to be checked and pumped periodically every 3-5 years to ensure the system operates effectively.

How to arrange drainage system for terrace and balcony

• Install a trash screen at the drain to avoid blockages caused by leaves and trash.
• Use a drainage pipe with a large enough diameter (minimum 90mm) to ensure rainwater drains quickly, avoiding stagnant water causing leaks.
• With large terraces, it is recommended to design many drainage outlets at the corners to avoid water stagnation during heavy rain.

What to Note When Installing Electricity and Water in Functional Areas?

From living room, bedroom to kitchen, bathroom, each area has its own requirements for socket location, switches, lighting system and drainage.

1. Living room – Optimizing aesthetics and utility

The living room is a common living space and a place to welcome guests, so the electrical and water system needs to be designed to ensure both convenience and high aesthetics.

Reasonable arrangement of sockets and switches

• The socket should be installed at a height of 30 - 40cm from the floor to ensure safety.
• Light switches should be placed in an easy-to-operate location, 90-110cm above the ground, avoiding areas with furniture.
• If using a ceiling fan, there should be a separate switch or control for easy speed adjustment.

Decorative lighting system and energy-saving LED lights

• Combine multiple light sources: main ceiling lights, recessed lights, wall lights to create beautiful lighting effects.
• Use LED lights instead of incandescent bulbs to save energy and increase lighting life.
• For large houses, you should install light sensors or smart switches to easily adjust the brightness.

2. Bedroom – Ensure safety and comfort

The bedroom is a place to rest, so the electrical and water systems need to be designed in a convenient, safe and relaxing way.

Central control switch

• A master switch should be installed next to the bed so that the entire lighting system can be turned on/off easily.
• For night lights, bedside lamps, you can use touch switches or remote control switches for added convenience.

Surge protector for electronic devices

• If a TV, computer or other electronic equipment is installed in the room, a surge protector should be used to protect the equipment from damage in the event of an electrical fault.
• Avoid placing the socket too close to the bed to avoid health effects due to the magnetic field of electrical equipment.

3. Kitchen – Safety and fire protection

The kitchen is a place with many high-power electrical appliances such as induction cookers, microwave ovens, range hoods, refrigerators, etc. Therefore, special attention must be paid to electrical safety and water supply and drainage.

Electrical outlets should be at least 60cm away from the stove and sink.

• Avoid placing electrical outlets directly above the stove or too close to the sink to reduce the risk of fire or electrical short circuit due to grease or water splashes.
• Use sockets with separate switches for appliances such as range hoods and ovens to easily disconnect them when not in use.

Drainage system prevents odor and blockage

• Install a strainer in the sink to prevent clogged drains.
• Use a drain with a siphon to prevent odors from coming up from the drain.
• Check the drainage system regularly to avoid leaks that can damage the kitchen floor and electrical equipment.

4. Bathroom – Protection against electrical leakage, moisture

Bathrooms are humid and can be dangerous if the electrical and plumbing systems are not properly installed.

Waterproof socket IP44 or above

• It is recommended to use a socket with a waterproof rating of IP44 or higher to ensure safety.
• Sockets and switches in the bathroom should have waterproof covers and be placed at least 1,5m above the ground to avoid contact with water.

Anti-overflow and ventilation system

• Install a floor drain with a strainer to prevent hair and debris from clogging the drain.
• If the bathroom does not have a window, install a ventilation fan to limit mold and ensure good air circulation.
• For bathtubs or shower areas, an overflow system should be designed to limit water spillage onto the floor.

Frequently Asked Questions When Arranging Electrical and Water Systems in the House

1. Why must we use electrical wires with cross-sections suitable for the equipment capacity?

Using electrical wires with cross-sections appropriate to the capacity of the device helps ensure safety and efficiency of use. If the cross-section of the wire is too small compared to the capacity, the wire will be overloaded, heated up and at risk of fire or explosion. On the contrary, if the cross-section of the wire is too large, it will be wasteful and costly in initial investment.

2. What should be the lighting wattage for the bedroom?

According to QCVN 09:2017/BXD, the minimum lighting capacity for a bedroom is 1W/m². Thus, for a bedroom of 15m², the total lighting capacity needs to be at least 15W. LED lights should be used to save electricity and have a long life.

You can refer to the article: Lighting element in interior design

3. Should I install the electrical and water system myself or hire a professional?

It is best to hire a professional plumber to install the system. They have the knowledge, skills and experience to ensure the job is done correctly, safely and to standard. Doing it yourself can be risky if you do not understand the rules and regulations.

4. How to arrange the electrical and water systems properly when designing home interiors?

The arrangement of the electrical and water system must ensure aesthetics, safety and convenience in use. SmartDecor designs according to the following principles:

• Electrical outlets are installed 30-50cm from the floor, away from water and out of reach of children.
• The lighting system is arranged according to each functional area, helping to save energy and increase aesthetics.
• Water pipes are installed in the wall or floor, using high heat resistant PPR pipes to prevent leakage and increase durability.

5. What style of interior design can SmartDecor help with to optimize the electrical and water system?

SmartDecor designs in many styles, including:

• Minimalist style: Concealed electrical system, hidden sockets, neat water lines, minimizing the exposure of electrical wires and water pipes.
• Modern style: Integrated smart electricity, energy-saving LED lighting system, making living space more comfortable.
• Industrial style: Using exposed metal pipes combined with mesh-covered electrical wires, creating a unique look while still ensuring safety.

For detailed advice, do not hesitate contact Contact SmartDecor for thoughtful support!