Requirements for electricity and water for your washing machine cabinet

A well-installed washing machine cabinet is safe, quiet, and practical. It all starts with the correct connection points for water, drainage, and electricity. Below, you'll find the essential requirements and practical dimensions for a smooth installation – whether you're installing a single, double, or stackable solution. Wasdroom cabinets are TÜV-certified and can hold up to 300 kg, but the quality of your connections determines their daily ease of use and safety.

Safe connection points: heights, distances and accessibility

Keep connections accessible next to or behind the cabinet and ensure sufficient clearance for hoses and cables. The guidelines below will help you get started:

Want to cleverly organize your laundry room and logically position your connections? Read "Laundry Room Design" for practical tips.

Connection Recommended height above floor Distance to water point Explanation
Cold water tap 110 - 120 cm n/a Place it next to or behind the cabinet and always maintain direct access. Consider an angle valve with a non-return valve.
Drain (standpipe/siphon) 60 - 90 cm n/a Ø 40 mm, odor trap included. Fix the hose in the standpipe and ensure a slight slope.
Washing machine socket 110 - 120 cm Min. 30 cm horizontally from tap/drain Grounded, behind a 30 mA residual current device. Preferably on a separate 16A circuit.
Dryer socket 110 - 120 cm Min. 30 cm horizontally from tap/drain A dedicated 16A circuit is recommended. Keep ventilation space clear, especially for heat pump or condenser dryers.
Pass-through space behind cabinet n/a n/a Leave approximately 5 cm of clearance for hoses and cables. Use smooth feedthroughs to prevent wear.

Electrical requirements in laundry and bathroom rooms according to NEN 1010

If your washing machine cabinet is in a separate laundry room, the general rules apply: a grounded socket, protected by a 30 mA earth leakage circuit breaker, and preferably a dedicated 16A circuit for each appliance. Zone requirements apply in a bathroom. Only place sockets outside the areas surrounding the bath or shower. If you do install appliances near wet areas, pay attention to the IP rating: zone 0 requires at least IPX7, zone 1 IPX5, and zone 2 IPX4. Washing machines and dryers do not belong in the zones themselves; maintain a minimum distance of 60 cm from the shower or bath and ensure the socket is located outside the zones. Always install cables and sockets in a splash-proof manner and use only suitable, grounded wall sockets. If you are unsure about how the standard applies to your situation, contact a certified installer. Are the water or electrical points inconveniently located? View the options for a custom laundry room .

Preparation and placement of the cabinet

  1. Level the floor and position the cabinet perfectly horizontally with the adjustable feet. Check the width and depth.
  2. Securely anchor the cabinet to the wall using suitable plugs and brackets for your wall type.
  3. Connect the water and drain connections before sliding the machines in. Test for leaks and secure the hoses.
  4. First, place the washing machine in the upright position, with the adjustable feet fully retracted. Check for vibration and slack in the cables and hoses.
  5. For the dryer: keep ventilation space clear, drain condensation water where possible and use anti-tip protection.

Please see the installation manuals per model for exact steps and measurements: Washing machine cabinet installation manuals .

Choose the setup that suits your situation:

Checklist for installer or do-it-yourselfer

  • Separate groups for washing machine and dryer available
  • Residual current circuit breaker 30 mA inspection carried out
  • Tap accessible without dismantling the cabinet
  • Drain with odor trap and fixed hose
  • Sockets outside wet areas and at the correct height
  • 5 cm clearance behind the cabinet for passage
  • Cabinet anchored to the wall, leveled
  • Ventilation and heat dissipation for the dryer secured

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you install a regular washing machine?

Yes, a standard freestanding washing machine can be placed in a washing machine cabinet, as long as the size, weight, and ventilation space are correct. Ensure access to the faucet and electrical outlet, and keep the drain hose free of kinks.

What should you pay attention to when installing a washing machine?

Place the appliance level, secure the hoses securely, ensure the drain height is 60-90 cm, and ensure the outlet is grounded and connected to a separate circuit. Ensure the tap is accessible. Perform a test wash for leaks and vibrations before closing the fronts.

Can a washing machine be placed in the meter cupboard?

In most situations, this is not permitted or recommended due to ventilation, moisture, space constraints, and safety regulations. Consult local regulations and your grid operator. It's best to choose a separate laundry room or closet with adequate ventilation.

Can a washing machine be plugged into a normal electrical socket?

Yes, provided it's grounded, connected to a 30 mA earth leakage circuit, and preferably on its own 16A circuit. Don't share the circuit with heavy-duty appliances. A dryer usually also requires its own 16A circuit.

Please note: Checks and adjustments to the electrical system should preferably be carried out by a certified installer. For product-specific dimensions and installation instructions, please refer to the manual for your Wasdroom model.

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