Sockets: device types, characteristics, how to choose, manufacturers

at startup kettle, washing machine or TV few people think about the inconspicuous design that ensures operation of the equipment.

Socket - an indispensable element of the room and comfort of the hosts largely depends on how it corresponds to the available power and performance of domestic equipment.

outlet device

The socket is a casing with integrated valve for connection to a power source via a cable. Existing between the internal contacts produces a voltage potential difference.

Through the holes provided this voltage is transmitted to the connected instrument outlet.

Device fitting:

• On the basis of plastic or ceramics fixed contacts by means of metal plates.
• Sami plates additionally serve as a place of the screw fastening of wires - between them and the clamping foot is laid deburred cable lived.
• In some models, an additional contact or a grounding plate for the device.
• The assembled structure is mounted in a glass or back cover of the rails - depending on the type of installation.

The upper decorative plate is screwed to the base of a small screw or snap-on clips, whereupon the device becomes a finished look and used for other purposes.

Types and Characteristics of sockets

Sockets are divided into types according to the method of embedding and allowable Voltage: 220 or 380 and low-voltage.

Socket 220

• Used two working contact: the phase and zero.
• There elektrotochki grounding and without it.
• Divided by type of mounting recessed, external and portable.
• In addition, the division is provided by the number and shape of the contact holes.

Built-in socket

Available in one seat - Escutcheon. Available devices with one or two sockets for plugs. Mounting fixture occurs by means of tabs which are decompressed with screws or fastening with screws to a glass slide.

Features:

• suitable for flush;
• possible block assembly of multiple sockets;
• the number and configuration of the seats are limited only by a decorative plate - frame;
• in such a unit are placed simultaneously various types of outlets.

Manufacturers to produce ready-to-install units square and rectangular shapes. They do not require installation Enclosures.

external sockets

Manufactured for installation on the surface without penetration reinforcement.

Features:

• suitable for concealed and exposed wiring;
• They are available in plastic cases with the number of slots from one to four;
• installation is reduced to connecting the wires to the appropriate terminals, the mounting base to the surface and replacing the cover.

To outdoor installation type sockets are recessed in a special cable channel. Is a group of sockets in the mounting frame, respectively, connected wires, the frame is fixed to the cable-channel terminals and installed a decorative overlay.

portable sockets

This type of socket is also called extension.

Features:

• used in places where the wiring can not be made;
• suitable to temporarily connect the load away from the stationary power outlets;
• separately produced extension blocks 2-4 nests or in finished form with a cable and plug.

In the first case will also need to purchase a plug and choose the desired section of the cable, the number of cores and length. Ready-made extension cords of varying lengths are at the end of one to six slots, equipped with a power switch.

Depending on the materials used in the sockets varies the maximum load current. He indicated in amperes.

For bathrooms and wet rooms are available with a moisture-proof socket. On the front side of them is a plastic cover, and the back side valve closed airtight elastic film.

These outlets are equipped with clamp terminal blocks, into which the wires.

Socket 380 volts

Characterized by using from 1 to 3 phases, the zero line and the presence of the ground.

Features:

• Configuration housings, shape and placement of contacts is intended to include the corresponding plug only in a certain position. This does not allow to mix used line.
• Withstand maximum current up to 32 amps.
• This type of demand for connection sockets electric cookersWhose power does not allow to establish normal elektrotochki.

In industrial and manufacturing conditions used electrical appliances with high power requirements, which are needed at the same time the three phases. Such devices can only be connected to an outlet 380 B.

low-current outlet

Used to connect telephone, TV, Internet, acoustics.

Features:

• Often designed for indoor installation. Permissible installation in blocks.
• The base of ceramic or plastic, often spring contacts, electrical connection is done by terminals in the kit.
• Available in external and built-in type. The first kind of peculiar devices telephony, Internet and radio networks.
• The wires in such devices are connected to the color, the number is different from the usual - 2-16 lived. They decided not to twist and crimp with a special device.

Such devices are often found as contiguous with the usual models of outlets within a single unit.

Socket with timer

Type of devices with displays, which specifies a comfortable time on / off home appliances. Available in mechanical and electronic design.

mechanical timer

It started using the movement, pressing the dial sector specifies the time the device is switched.

Features:

• Working segments 15 or 30 minutes, depending on the model.
• Software installation takes place by means of a rotating disk, which is pre-set the current time.
• Available daily programming.
• The segments are selected in conjunction with the time of operation of electrical appliances.
• The device is necessarily connected to a network to perform the planned timer function.

Available separate switching off the timer - the device configuration starts with pulling the indicator ring. What happens next depends on the device mode. color coding is given more often.

Timeline helps set the dead time of the device.

electronic timer

Electronic devices with a timer involves the installation of hundreds of programs to enable or disable devices.

Features:

• Often there is a built in sensor design presence simulation, comprising light at a scheduled time in predetermined intervals.
• In addition to the daily programming is available weekly view.
• Operating device temperature is lower than the mechanical analogues, the range varies from -10 to +40 degrees.
• Most often, the electronic types are equipped with an indicator indicating the operating status.
• Charges prior to operation, the period depends on the model, on average it is 14 hours.
• Cleaning translation memory socket in the operating mode, in which set their own switching program: the days of the week, weekday or weekend, manual or automatic operation.

Maximum load - 16 amperes. The timer is independent of the mains, the power comes from the types of AAA batteries. The settings are saved even in the event of power failures.

pros

Advantages of sockets based on the type of device location.

recessed

• Save space by small protrusions on the surface - they closely leans furniture and interior doors are not threatened by random drift design.
• Aesthetic - fit into the interior, non-standard models available frames until individual finishes.
• Increased service life of accessories due to the rigid fixation to the supporting structures.
• Most of this type of device is adapted for mounting to the ground that is suitable for the new apartments.

external

• Optimal variant at an external wiring.
• Assume greater control moisture and fire than the built counterparts.
• Do not require time-consuming and dusty shtrobleniya concrete walls for cables and glasses.
• The ability to organize thermofilter gasket between the surface and the device that meets SAE standards.

portable

• Mobile, deployed in the desired location inside or outside the premises.
• They do not need to install.
• Fast connection - just connect to a live electrical outlet or wiring.
• Does not require electricians to cope with them and the man who has no idea about the wiring.
• Missing wire length quickly replaced without interfering with the decor of the room.

Minuses

Disadvantages are also based on the method of placement.

recessed

• The socket can not be established from scratch without interfering with the decorative coating the surface of the need shtroblenie using a punch and special nozzles.
• Insufficiently fireproof.
• When dismantling the socket is a deep hole, which is not easily repaired, sometimes you want to upgrade repair facilities.
• Weak degree of moisture protection, special lining often provided only for external counterparts.
• Built-in models are not suitable for use in wooden houses, but this condition is often neglected.

external

• Unaesthetic, limited range and modest colors.
• The device sticks out above the surface, exposed to mechanical damage, creates problems when moving furniture.
• On top of the device accumulates dust.
• Plastic types are subject to fading.
• If you change the design space requires the purchase of a new outlet in the assembly if the old is not suitable style.

portable

• The cable usually placed on the floor - he neestetichen impedes movement and moving furniture.
• Standardized appearance, practically there are models that are compatible with the interior.
• If you frequently change positions quickly fail.
• Often become the object of increased attention to domestic animals and rodents.
• Fire hazard is increased, as they are prone to mechanical damage.
• Temporary wiring is not suitable for powerful technique.

How to choose a socket

When choosing a socket number of parameters taken into account: the type of wire, material of manufacture, safety, and the presence of features that characterize the high-quality equipment.

type of posting

• If the existing wiring is hidden behind the frame or recessed into the surface of the wall, built-in sockets are preferred model.

They are installed in special boxes set into the surface; after harvest in sight there is only a small decorative frame thickness.

• Open wiring involves installation of an external electric type. By embedding surface without attached decorative body comprising reinforcement. Most often this type of bulges above the surface of 2-4 cm.

basic parameters

• Check for ground contacts on the device for connection to a three-wire power grids.
• Device with movable spring member for the fork clamping most durable as compared with brass analogues.
• Pay attention to the appearance and accuracy of the contacts, even if there is only one - the ground.
• On the back side of the device or between the openings for the fork marking is permissible load.
• A method of connecting wires is screw or self-locking. If you do not have enough skills or require quick installation, the second option is preferable.

material outlet

It's about the basic manufacturing material. Decorative features and coverage are not considered as individual preferences.

• When you select a check smell coming from the unit. Variants of cheap plastic are the most pungent flavor release harmful to humans.
• Ceramic models are more current, withstand load of 25 A.
• If the manufacture of the material is too soft, it is deformed with time.

The presence of the assembly instructions and intelligible description of the chemical composition also speaks in favor of the product.

Security

• Devices with protection against accidental electric shock equipped with shutters that prevent unintended contact, put in children. Curtains open when administered with little effort plug contacts.
• Models with protective covers are used in high humidity areas.

• PUE makes electrical demand secession from combustible materials with non-combustible spacers.
• If to be mounted on a wooden surface, the rear portion of the housing should be made of high-melting plastic, metal or ceramic. Fusible models are inadmissible, because sparks can cause a fire.

Default wooden premises are classified as inflammable. They decided to establish an open wiring type for rapid containment of fire, so here are only suitable outdoor model type grounding.

what better

Ideal socket must comply with:

• the conditions of the environment;
• fire safety requirements;
• insulation and load-sectional diameter of the wire;
• power consumption of electrical appliances.

Further features of the best devices are selected based on the capabilities and functionality of the room:

• In terms of durability and safety preferred pattern with reinforcement and the rear wall of metal or ceramics. They are less common, but are superior in terms of plastic counterparts.
• For apartments and brick buildings built most convenient type. Wooden houses and premises with high fire safety requirements involve the use of overhead outlets.

Modern regulations require the installation of ground wire combine residential with zero at the switchboard.

How to use

Precautions and usage are reduced to a single set of rules:

• Do not connect the device to the network with an unsuitable load.
• If you are using, make sure that the plug is the same as the outlet hole and tight it includes.
• Bad installation near heaters: radiators, heated towel rails.
• For rooms with high humidity installation practice models in a protective housing, specially designed for bathrooms.

• Do not use damaged device with the features of sparks and smoke blanketing.
• Avoid contact with water, including dive.
• Keep unconnected devices in a temperature range from -25 to 50 degrees.
• Clean with a dry cloth.
• For safety in servicing electrical blackout applies.

Guarantee

The prospect of free maintenance or replacement of substandard goods depend on the preservation obtained by buying a set of documents. It's about the cash receipt, warranty card filled with the obligatory seal and signature of the seller.

Manufacturers of electrical equipment include a number of factors in which their obligations are repealed:

• improper transport and installation of the product;
• mechanical damage to the housing or valve;
• incorrect operation;
• independent repair or partial replacement of components.

In other cases, there are warranty terms, the period of which depends on the manufacturer and price segment equipment. Average warranty on sockets is 12 months.

Faults and repairs

Sockets fail in case of unstable contact with the wires at the place of mounting, as well as due to the fact that the plate retaining the plug in the device, lose their springy properties.

Faint crackling in the socket

Indicative of poor contact. It requires a bulkhead design. For this room is de-energized, then twisted the lid and carefully remove the fixture.

The ends are stripped of the old wiring and re-installed in its place, then there is their clamp screws or clamps. At the next step newly set and cover is energized.

melting body

It comes from the loss of springiness plates. Contact with forks devices at the same loose, sparks or melting occur frequently.

• It is required to disassemble the socket, as in the previous paragraph. Carefully check whether the inside of the oxide.
• Oxidation be removed with sandpaper. In severe cases it is reasonable to replace the valve completely.
• For small fritted removed darkening and coating unevenness in the exhaust spring models element is replaced by a similar - can be inserted into slots or screw fixed depending on type.

In models with brass plates instead of springs requires shifting of them with pliers.

Loose insert the plug is corrected in the same way as the fusion, but it is usually not required sanding.

socket hanging

This happens for two reasons. First - unwound fixing screw. Repair reduced to banal scroll. The second reason is more complex - it means that the decompressed or are loosely Escutcheon foot.

To repair you need to remove the trim and remove the valve from the glass. Then it is necessary to pre-load the locking tabs on the Enclosures.

In the presence of an old metal Enclosures also appropriate to replace, but if it is not possible, make sure that the glass is firmly installed in the slot.

If it is not - it is made repeated urging and fixing lugs. After these steps, the socket is screwed into place.

No voltage

The problem arises due to the displacement of internal reinforcement elements, most often occurs as a consequence of the loosening of the cup or breach of modesty panel fixing.

Internal reasons:

• He moved away from the wire contact slot;
• shifted internal plate;
• departed spring, clamping fork.

External cause can be triggered or automatic blackout facilities. Therefore, the first step is to check whether the other power sources that are connected to the same group (box) work.

If they are OK, then the problem is internal. For repairs need to disassemble the unit and return the details of the departed to the place, and then to capture and collect the structure back.

outlet manufacturers

In most cases, there is electrical specialization.

ABB - Swedish-Swiss manufacturer of electrical equipment. Built-in models available technology, the majority of variations comes with LED backlight. Product warranty 10 years.

Elektrostandard - manufacturer and wholesaler of lighting devices. Country is not filled, but dealers carry products to the Chinese. Available sockets-timers. Warranty 12 months.

ERA - Russian manufacturer of electrical products. Products presented in the form of the trim, body made of polycarbonate and avtozazhimy. 2-year warranty.

Legrand - producer from France. It specializes in electrical engineering premium. Available overhead and built-in models, including and for special applications: with anti-vandal, anti-bacterial coating. Warranty is declared only for products composed of modular systems, its term is 25 years.

Makel - Turkish manufacturer of electrical appliances. Sockets applicator and built-in type, as well as portable. Available low-end models with insulated connectors and surge protector. Warranty 12 months.

Viko - the manufacturer of Turkey. It specializes in installation technology, including meters. Available overhead model in white and cream-colored version with colored tabs, earthing and safety shutters. Warranty terms are not stated.

Bticino - Italian representation Legrand group companies. Sockets with designer frames of different geometric shapes, including oval, hyperfine available models. Warranty up to 3 years.

schneider Electric - French engineering company specializing in comprehensive energy-efficient products. Models outlets for household operation and special use. Warranty 18 months from date of installation, but not more than 1 year from the time of shipment.