An outlet in or around your washing machine cabinet may seem simple, but the right placement determines safety, accessibility, and a neat finish. Below you will find specific height advice, regulations from Belgium and the Netherlands, plus a short checklist to ensure your washing machine and dryer connection is safe and practical. Wasdroom cabinets provide space for pipes and cable routing, but the outlet itself should be mounted in the wall, not in the cabinet panel. Want to precisely determine where the outlet and cable routing will go in advance? Use the Washing Machine Cabinet Configurator to smartly plan connection points.
Contents
Position and safety around water and drainage
Set up the outlet so that it keeps a safe distance from water points while remaining easily accessible. Place electrical outlets at least 10 cm above the tap and drain to avoid splash water. Preferably mount it next to or above the washing machine cabinet, not directly behind it, so you can quickly unplug it in case of leakage or maintenance. Reserve space for an angled plug and cable bend, and use a sturdy cable routing behind the cabinet. Do not hide outlets behind fixed panels or appliances that cannot be moved without tools. More guidelines for safe placement can be found in Setting up laundry rooms: outlets and connection points.
Height and placement in practice
The best height and location depend on your setup and the cord reach of your appliances. In practice, these options work best:
- Next to the cabinet (on the wall): 110 to 120 cm above the floor. Easily accessible, ideal for leakage or reset.
- Above the appliances: 110 to 130 cm, for example just above the countertop or niche. Compact and accessible.
- Behind the cabinet, sideways: Only if you can still reach the plug (open niche or service hatch). Avoid completely out of sight.
If you stack your washing machine and dryer, place two outlets one above the other or choose a double box next to the cabinet. Use angled plugs to save depth and prevent cord pinching. Check the cord length of your washing machine and dryer beforehand; sometimes 1.5 m is tight when stacking, and you may need a different position or a longer connection cord. If you opt for a washing machine and dryer in one sturdy setup, check out the Double Washing Machine Cabinets for a suitable cabinet and cable routing.
| Setup | Outlet location | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Machines side by side | Next to the cabinet at 110-120 cm | + Very accessible, neat - Visible in view |
| Stacked (washing machine + dryer) | Above the niche at 110-130 cm | + One spot for both - Check cord reach |
| In a closed niche | Side wall/service hatch, not behind appliance | + Safely accessible - Requires more planning |
For compact setups, Single Washing Machine Cabinets are a logical alternative with attention to neat cable routing.
Regulations and inspection NL and BE
Belgium (AREI): in dry rooms, a minimum of 15 cm above the floor applies; in wet rooms, 20 cm. A laundry room can be assessed as wet during inspection, so maintain safety margins and place the outlet away from water points. Preferably place appliances on a separate circuit behind a 30 mA residual current device. For heavy appliances, 20A with 2.5 mm² wiring is often recommended.
Netherlands (NEN 1010): ensure a 30 mA residual current device on the circuit. For washing machine and dryer, a separate circuit per appliance is strongly recommended, usually 16A with 2.5 mm² wiring. Place outlets outside splash zones, easily accessible, and not pinched behind the appliance. In both countries: use grounded outlets, consider splash-proof versions (e.g., IP44) if splash risk exists, and have new or relocated connections installed and inspected by a certified professional where required. Practical mounting and routing info can be found in the installation manuals for washing machine cabinets.
Quick checklist
- Distance from water: at least 10 cm above tap and drain, away from splash area.
- Accessibility: choose next to or above the cabinet, not pinched behind appliances.
- Height: 110-120 cm works very well in practice for washing machine and dryer.
- Circuits: preferably a separate circuit per appliance, with 30 mA residual current device.
- Cable & plug: angled plug and 2.5 mm² wiring are common.
- Wall preparation: plan cable routing behind the cabinet and a service hatch if needed.
Need specific cutouts or cable management? See Custom laundry rooms for options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an outlet be inside the washing machine cabinet itself?
Preferably mount the outlet in the wall next to or above the cabinet so it remains accessible for maintenance and in case of leakage.
What is a good height for washing machine and dryer?
Practically, 110-120 cm above the floor works very well; also check cord length and stacking setup.
Do I need a separate circuit?
A separate circuit per appliance with a 30 mA residual current device is recommended; in BE often 20A, in NL usually 16A, both with 2.5 mm² wiring.
Want to efficiently arrange your laundry room? With Wasdroom washing machine cabinets, you create a sleek, safe setup with space for pipes and cable routing. Check out the Single, Double, and Stacked Series and combine your ideal outlet location with a cabinet that can support up to 300 kg and is easy to install.