How to properly install a hood in the kitchen, types of devices and the choice of distance
Forced air recirculation systems remove foreign odors and lower overall temperatures. Despite the fact that there are several types of such equipment, the question of how to install the hood in the kitchen yourself is solved, basically, according to an algorithm. Usually, problems with forced ventilation installation arise when determining a suitable place and connecting to the mains.
Content
- 1 What does distance affect?
- 2 Factors Affecting Height Calculation
- 3 The main types of exhaust devices
- 4 Varieties
- 5 How high are the inclined hoods suspended?
- 6 Features of mounting horizontal devices
- 7 Requirements for air ducts and electrical networks
- 8 Where do you need to install the socket?
- 9 Installation steps
- 10 Rules of operation
What does distance affect?
Consumers who are faced with the need to install a hood for the first time believe that the main problem lies precisely in the installation of equipment. However, an equally important task is considered to determine the optimal distance between the hood and the stove.The effectiveness of the installed structure depends on this parameter.
A low hood increases the volume of soot deposited on the filter and decreases the vapor absorption surface. If the equipment is installed at a height, the performance of the system will decrease, which will lead to a constant increase in power.
The installation of the hood is carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturers (given in the instructions). There are no uniform standards that determine the height of the location of the forced ventilation system.
Factors Affecting Height Calculation
When determining the optimum distance from the slab surface, the following factors should be considered:
- the height of the tallest person in the house;
- high ceiling in the kitchen;
- plate size;
- type of plate;
- hood type and performance;
- characteristics of the layout of the premises.
In addition, when determining the location, you must take into account the regulatory requirements for electrical equipment and forced ventilation systems.
man's height
Extractor hoods eliminate cooking odours. Accordingly, such equipment should be installed at a height that will ensure efficient operation of the device. However, it is equally important to consider the ease of use of the hood. That is, the structure should be mounted in such a way that a person who regularly cooks on the stove does not feel discomfort (does not bang his head against his body).
kitchen height
The height of the ceiling in the kitchen does not play a decisive role in choosing the location of the equipment. In this case, the manufacturer's recommendations should be taken into account. The only exception is installation in a kitchen with a low ceiling.In such situations, it is recommended to purchase hoods that can be mounted low above the stove.
Dimensions and type of hob
The size of the hob does not play a decisive role either. This parameter influences the choice of equipment that provides forced ventilation.However, the place where the hood can be installed depends on the type of hob.
Gas cookers
When choosing an installation site, it is recommended to consider the following factors:
- device power;
- convenience in the kitchen;
- fire hazard.
Each manufacturer has their own recommendations for choosing a location. Bosh, in order to increase the performance of its own devices, insists on the need for installation at a level of 55 centimeters, while the Russian manufacturer Saturn advises placing it at a height of 75 centimeters.
Electric
The installation height of the hood above the electric hob depends on the type of design of the ventilation system. Horizontal models are recommended to be mounted at a distance of 65 centimeters, vertical - 40-55 centimeters. Moreover, in both cases it is necessary to take into account both the general recommendations of the manufacturer and the growth of a person.
Layout Features
It is optimal if the equipment is installed in the immediate vicinity of outlets and a ventilation duct. But these two factors do not play a key role, along with other features of the kitchen layout. It is only important to organize the air exhaust from the equipment to the ventilation shaft, for which special ducts are laid.
Sight and power
Angled models are installed closer to the slab than horizontal models.The mounting height is also determined by the power of the device. The more efficiently the appliance draws in air, the greater the distance between the hob and the hood can be.
The main types of exhaust devices
The order of installation of the hoods may vary depending on the type of model chosen.
Recirculation
Such models do not remove air from the kitchen. Devices of this type, thanks to the carbon filter, eliminate third-party odors. The air, passing through the recirculation hood, enters the kitchen. The ease of use of such devices lies in the fact that during installation it is not necessary to bring the equipment case to the ventilation shaft. The main disadvantage of recirculating models is that the carbon filters require regular replacement.
Flow
Flow models remove soot and oily fumes from the kitchen. These devices require bringing the box to the ventilation shaft. Flow models are also equipped with a filter. The latter prevents the penetration of grease into the ventilation duct. In order for the instantaneous hood to work effectively, the dimensions of the device must correspond to the dimensions of the hob.
Combined
The combined models combine the characteristics of the two previous ones. Thanks to the built-in fan, these hoods are able to remove large masses of air. For this reason, the equipment must be connected to the ventilation duct. And the carbon filter allows you to activate the air recirculation mode.
Varieties
The type of hood plays a decisive role in choosing where and how to mount such devices.
In general form
Hoods are of the following types:
- integrated;
- island;
- suspended;
- retractable.
Thanks to such a variety of shapes, you can choose a hood that will match the features of a specific kitchen layout.
Integrated
Models of this type are built directly into kitchen furniture, so most of the hood is hidden in the cupboard. Such devices require a direct connection to the ventilation duct. For air filtration in these models, metal grids are responsible, which must be regularly cleaned of carbon deposits and grease.
Built-in appliances are convenient because they fit into almost any interior. The only drawback is that for such equipment it is necessary to make a separate box of the corresponding size.
Ostrovnya
Some kitchens are designed with a hob in the center of the room. In such cases, it is recommended to install island hoods directly attached to the ceiling.
Suspended
Suspended models are considered the most common. These devices are attached to the wall above the hob. A duct connects the equipment to the ventilation duct.
retractable
Such a hood is a kind of built-in appliances. The main feature of such equipment is that the panel, which provides air filtration, is recessed into the structure when the device is not in use.
By the shape of the air inlet
Regardless of the type of hood, each of these pieces of equipment is of the inclined or horizontal type. Both factors determine the order and features of the installation of kitchen appliances.
Oblique
Such models are distinguished by the presence of a flat suction surface, located at a certain angle to the plate. This design feature forces manufacturers to place fans at the top of the case.
The attractiveness of inclined models is due to the fact that such devices reduce the risk of fire and facilitate the replacement of carbon filters.
Horizontal
In these models, the suction surface is parallel to the ground. These appliances can be installed and positioned on kitchen islands.
How high are the inclined hoods suspended?
The inclined extractor hood should hang 60 centimeters from the hob. This height ensures maximum efficiency of the device. In addition, at such a distance, a person does not feel discomfort when preparing food.
The mounting height of inclined models plays an important role in the subsequent operation of this technique. Therefore, if the choice fell on this type of exhaust devices, it is necessary to draw up a kitchen plan in advance.
Features of mounting horizontal devices
It is optimal if the horizontal models are located at a distance of 80 centimeters from the hob. However, this parameter varies depending on both the design features of a particular technique and the manufacturer's recommendations.
In particular, low-power equipment should be installed closer to the hob.
In addition, horizontal devices should not be placed near the ceiling. This requirement also applies to recirculating models. During installation, it is necessary to provide air exhaust from the hood. That is, you need to lay the box up to the ventilation shaft, for which you need to leave a gap between the hood and the ceiling covering.
Requirements for air ducts and electrical networks
The hood parameters determine the load to which the ventilation system and the electrical wiring are subjected. Failure to comply with the installation rules can lead to the following situations:
- change in the pressure level in the air ducts;
- increased load on the hood motor;
- poor air conductivity;
- intense airflow from the ventilation duct.
To avoid such problems, it is necessary to take into account the features of the ventilation duct of the house at the stage of selection of the hood, at the stage of installation, follow the following recommendations:
- reduce the distance between the hood and the ventilation duct;
- use pipes of the same diameter;
- mount boxes for exhaust air strictly according to the level;
- maintain a 90 degree angle if it is necessary to change the direction of the pipe.
Cooker hood manufacturers do not recommend extending the cooker hood cable that plugs into the outlet yourself. This can cause the wires to oxidize, eventually leading to overload and equipment failure.
When installing the exhaust device, it is recommended to place the power sources in such a way that, if necessary, you can quickly turn off the kitchen appliances.It is especially important to do this in order to ensure free access to various items of equipment during cleaning. Otherwise, when touching a metal case or other parts, a person will receive a strong electric shock.
Where do you need to install the socket?
Sockets are installed in accordance with the requirements of the state standard. Manufacturers recommend that you determine the location of the hood in advance and bring the power source to the required distance before installing the device.
When laying electrical wiring, you must observe the following rules:
- avoiding a large number of turns, due to which the load on the exhaust system increases;
- ensure the tightness of the pipes in which the wiring is laid;
- bring the outlet as close as possible to the installed equipment.
In addition, you must take into account the size of the load that the electrical network is experiencing. Modern hoods consume little electricity. But if a lot of devices are installed in an apartment (house), then for a device that exhausts air from the kitchen, it is recommended to bring a separate line from the electrical panel. This will reduce the load on the network.
Installation steps
Installation of exhaust devices is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- selection of an installation site and marking;
- fixing the device (on the wall or in the cabinet);
- ventilation shaft piping;
- connection to the power supply.
Each stage of the work must be coordinated with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Installation of the hood
The hood can be installed in two ways: mounted on a wall or built into a piece of furniture. Depending on the option chosen, the order of work is modified.
On the wall
To hang the hood on the wall, you will need to follow these steps in the order listed:
- Measure the distance between the hob and the extractor hood and mark the appropriate marks on the wall.
- Draw a horizontal line along the marks, observing the level. The bottom of the hood should be adjacent to this strip.
- Measure the center of the drawn line and draw a vertical stripe at the new mark, also keeping it level.
- Measure the distance between the bottom of the case and the fixture brackets and mark the wall accordingly.
- Drill holes on the wall according to the marked marks and insert dowels.
- Install the device starting from the top. Then align the device horizontally and secure it.
- Run a plastic duct from the hood to the ventilation duct.
If necessary, you must cut the corrugation on the cover if the device falls below the marked marks. All joints in the vent pipe should be sealed with sealant.
In the closet
The installation of the hood in the kitchen cabinet is carried out according to the scenario given earlier. But in this case, you need to follow a number of rules. The lower part of the cabinet should be located strictly along the horizontal strip marking the distance between the hood and the hob. For the installation of built-in appliances, it is recommended to order furniture according to an individual sketch.
In the upper part of the cabinet, you need to drill a hole for the corrugation or ventilation duct. Then a hood is placed inside the box and attached to the walls. Then the corrugation is fed and attached to the corresponding hole. At the end of the work, the furniture is fixed to the wall. The seams of the corrugation must be coated with a sealant.
Electrical connection
The hood is connected to the power supply using three wires. Before starting work, the device must be grounded. The need for the latter procedure disappears if euro sockets are installed in the apartment. In the absence of such a device, you need a wire that will act as an earthing switch, attach it to the metal part of the hood.
An important point is that you can perform such work if you have the appropriate qualifications. It is necessary to connect the “zero” cable to a dead neutral in the switchboard (pipe or plate on the wall).
How to properly equip the duct?
The installation procedure does not depend on the type of conduit chosen.First you need to purchase or create an anti-reverse mechanism. If the second option is chosen, then you will need to make a box with a cross section corresponding to the diameter of the duct. Then, in this body, it is necessary to place a non-return valve, which is two sheets connected to each other, which open like the wings of a butterfly. This mechanism is mounted in front of the outlet of the ventilation duct.
After that, the air duct is fixed. The latter is laid with a minimum number of bends. This approach allows you to reduce the level of load experienced by the hood fan. At the end, the duct is fixed to the wall. All joints should be additionally treated with sealant or polyurethane foam.
Aluminum
Aluminum pipes are convenient because they bend well, simplifying the installation of the conduit. This option is preferable for those who have not yet installed the hood. Aluminum pipes are able to stretch, eliminating errors in calculating the length of the conduit. In addition, the ripples do not create noise and vibration when the hood is in operation.
The main disadvantage of this option is that aluminum pipes are unattractive in appearance. Therefore, the corrugations are usually hidden in a suspended ceiling or a special box.
Plastic
Plastic air ducts are the best choice for apartments and houses. The PVC pipes are neutral white and do not emit extraneous noise during the operation of the hood. The main disadvantage of plastic air ducts is more complicated installation compared to corrugation. In particular, during installation, it is necessary to accurately observe the angle of 90 degrees when changing direction.
plastic square
This version of the duct does not differ from the previous one. The only difference is that square PVC pipes are easier to install.This is explained by the fact that due to this shape, the individual elements of the duct fit into each other more precisely and rigidly, thereby reducing the consumption of sealant.
Rules of operation
Corrugated pipes are considered a more efficient option than plastic pipes. Accordingly, such an air duct will cost less and does not lose efficiency, unlike PVC. It is recommended to clean plastic and corrugated pipes at least once a year, eliminating what interferes with the normal discharge of air.
To prolong the life of the hood, it is recommended to turn on the appliance at low speed and gradually increase the fan speed. This approach reduces the overall load on the electric motor. It is also important to clean or change filters promptly (if charcoal is used). This rule also applies to recirculating models.