Plugging in a stand mixer, a kettle, and a toaster at the same time on a single power strip stuck behind the countertop: this scene is common, and rarely reassuring. The power strip with integrated sockets solves this problem by distributing multiple electrical points along the wall, just above the countertop, without any chases or visible cables.
Installing this type of power strip in a kitchen requires adhering to specific regulatory constraints, especially since the 2024 revision of the NF C 15-100.
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Number of sockets in the kitchen: what the revised NF C 15-100 mandates
Before choosing a power strip, you need to know how many sockets your kitchen requires by law. The 2024 revision of the NF C 15-100, mandatory since September 1, 2025, has tightened the rules.
For a kitchen larger than 4 m², the standard now requires a minimum of 6 non-specialized sockets, including 4 sockets installed above the countertop, connected to a dedicated circuit in 2.5 mm² protected by a 20 A circuit breaker. For a kitchen of 4 m² or less, the minimum drops to 3 non-specialized sockets.
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These sockets above the countertop are distinct from specialized circuits (oven, cooktops, dishwasher). The power strip with integrated sockets allows you to group these 4 mandatory points on a single clean rail, without multiplying the embedded boxes. You can also find a detailed guide on the power strip for kitchens on Maison Créa that illustrates this principle of linear power supply for the countertop well.
Normative compatibility of pre-equipped power strips: the trap of the tolerance period
Are you buying a pre-equipped power strip in 2026? Check its compliance with the 2025 series of the NF C 15-100, not with the old one. CONSUEL has clarified that the tolerance period between the old and new standards ends in September 2027. After this date, a power strip designed for the old standard may result in a refusal of the compliance certificate.
In practical terms, this means that a product sold today may not necessarily be compliant tomorrow. If you have your installation checked after September 2027, the integrated sockets in the power strip must meet the requirements of the 2025 series. Before purchasing, ensure that the manufacturer explicitly mentions compatibility with NF C 15-100 revision 2024.
Positioning and dedicated circuit: installing the power strip in the right place
Why does the installation height matter so much? Because the standard requires a precise positioning of the sockets above the countertop, and a poorly placed power strip renders the installation non-compliant.
Height of the power strip installation
The sockets above the countertop must be located between 8 cm and 25 cm above the finished work surface. The power strip is therefore fixed directly to the backsplash or wall within this band. If placed too high, it loses practicality. If placed too low, the sockets may be obscured by appliances or utensils.
Connection to a dedicated 2.5 mm² circuit
Each kitchen power strip must be powered by a dedicated circuit with 2.5 mm² wire, protected by a 20 A circuit breaker in the panel. This circuit is separate from those powering the oven, cooktops, or dishwasher.
Never connect the power strip to an already loaded existing circuit. A common mistake is to tap into a nearby wall socket to save time. The result: an overloaded circuit as soon as multiple devices operate simultaneously.
Concrete steps for installing a power strip with integrated sockets
The installation itself is accessible to a methodical DIYer, provided that a precise order is followed.
- Cut off the power at the main circuit breaker before any intervention, then check for the absence of voltage with a VAT (voltage absence tester) on the concerned circuit.
- Use a laser level or bubble level to mark the horizontal axis of the power strip, respecting the band of 8 to 25 cm above the countertop. Mark the fixing points every 30 to 40 cm.
- Fix the base (back of the power strip) to the wall with appropriate anchors for the support: expansion anchors for concrete, special anchors for tiles or backsplash. Pre-drill the tiles with a suitable drill bit to avoid chipping.
- Run the 2.5 mm² cable from the electrical panel to the power strip, taking the shortest path. The cable enters the power strip through one of its ends.
- Clip the integrated socket modules onto the base, connect the wires (phase, neutral, ground) to each socket, then close the cover of the power strip.
Separation of strong and weak currents
If your power strip also accommodates a network cable or a USB socket, strong and weak currents must circulate in separate compartments. Most two-compartment kitchen power strips are designed for this. Mixing the two types of cables in a single compartment causes interference and violates the standard.
Common mistakes that compromise compliance
Three situations frequently arise during kitchen installation:
- Using an undersized power strip for the number of cables planned. The cable must run without being compressed; otherwise, overheating increases.
- Installing the power strip too close to a cooktop or water point without respecting safety distances (protection volumes defined by the standard for areas around the sink).
- Forgetting to connect the ground on each integrated socket. A socket without ground in a kitchen, where humidity is frequent, poses a real electrical risk.
The final connection to the panel deserves careful verification. A ground continuity test and an insulation measurement on the circuit ensure that the installation is safe before re-energizing.
A well-sized power strip, installed at the correct height and powered by its own 2.5 mm² circuit, sustainably transforms the ergonomics of a kitchen. Check the normative compatibility of the product before purchase, especially if a CONSUEL inspection is planned after September 2027. The cost of a compliant power strip remains modest compared to the cost of retrofitting later.