Double socket: connection for beginners, and is it worth it to bother

A double socket is needed to connect several devices at the same time. Everything seems to be clear here, but for some reason, many people prefer to carry extension cords or buy various branching devices. Why? Because they do not know how or do not consider it necessary to provide a normal and secure connection. In the meantime, this is pretty easy to do. There are very simple installation guidelines that will help you install a double socket yourself.

What is a double socket and how does it work

In fact, there is an opinion that a double outlet is a necessary measure. And it is believed that it is better to put two single sockets than one double. This opinion has the right to life, but let's look at this issue in detail.

Any sockets, ordinary or double, are mounted on the so-called socket box. The socket box is a standard size mounting box: 68 mm in diameter and 40 deep. In this "cup" you need to place all the details of the connection. The socket boxes are made of non-combustible plastic, and they have perforations for wiring.

PHOTO: el-one.ru

And now it is worth discussing separately two different terms. There are double sockets and there are double sockets. And it's not the same. If the contacts are mounted in two boxes with connecting "ears" and covered with a frame on top, then this is a double socket, in which, in fact, there are two separate blocks. And if all the contacts are in one “glass” and the main socket mechanism with two inputs is simply connected to them, then this is a double socket.

PHOTO: odstroy.ru

The mechanism of the plug socket itself is a brass bus and petals that are in direct contact with the pins of the plug. To maintain the tightness of the joints in high-quality models, springs are installed. As you can see, the socket is not such a primitive mechanism, it must be treated with due respect in order to avoid big problems.

Types of sockets and their features

It only seems that sockets - they are, as they say, sockets in Africa. In fact, even the most ordinary-looking connection point has a lot of varieties.

By frequency and voltage

So, first of all, sockets can vary in voltage. If they are designed to connect ordinary household appliances, then this is 220 V, but if you need to connect, for example, an electric stove, then you will need a more powerful point - 380 V. Such industrial sockets must be connected with a separate line and closed to a separate machine in the shield. How to put such an outlet correctly - consult with experts.

PHOTO: 74.mkelektro.rf

According to the installation method

Electricity connection points differ in the way they are installed. There are several options to consider:

1. Built-in connection points - this is just an option with one socket box, which is mounted in the thickness of the wall, and only a frame with a power supply mechanism is placed outside. This installation is more aesthetic, as it almost does not protrude on the wall.
2. A surface socket is a box with a built-in socket that is mounted on the wall. It looks more convex, since all the contacts should fit inside it.
3. Plinth sockets are a novelty in our market, because earlier it was customary to raise points connections at least half a meter from the floor, and in childcare facilities - and in general to a height human growth.

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4. Portable sockets are not exactly the same as extension cords. An extension cord involves connecting to an outlet, and a portable outlet is an elongated cable that has a socket housing protected on all sides at its end. But usually such connection points are not made double.

By functionality

Connection points may differ in additional functions that give them parts with a mechanical or electrical purpose:

1. The built-in RCD allows you to connect an increased power device to the outlet. Such devices are most often placed in rooms with high humidity, where there is a risk of electric shock, but you need to connect, for example, a washing machine. If any abnormal situation occurs, the protective mechanism connector is activated and the device is de-energized.
2. Curtains or additional protection against accidental entry will help prevent accidents if you have small, curious children at home.

   PHOTO: goodmag.ru

3. Covers are another protective mechanism for the socket, which will help prevent moisture from entering the contact group. Such sockets are placed in bathrooms and in the kitchen, and thanks to additional protection they prevent the ingress of dust, grease, moisture.
4. The timer is a handy device that allows you to control the on and off of appliances without the participation of the owner. Connection points can have a mechanical or electrical timer. Such devices were appreciated by summer residents who, for example, can control watering even in their absence on the site. We already wrote about how to connect a timer.
5. A small electric meter, built right into the socket, allows you to control the costs of a specific connected device. This is a convenient option. If you are looking to cut your costs and advocate for reasonable savings.
6. The plug ejector is an unusual device that allows you to carefully remove the plug from the socket. It is better to choose such models for those whose walls are made of soft and rather loose material, such as wood concrete or adobe.

   PHOTO: ozon.ru

7. The backlight is a convenient device that allows you to find the outlet in complete darkness when the lighting devices are turned off. LED-lit sockets make it possible to orientate, the light is very soft and muffled, does not cause irritation and does not attract too much attention.
8. The Wi-Fi module in the socket allows you not only to connect the device, but also to control the connection remotely - via a computer or smartphone. Another handy gadget for those who are often forced to leave home for various reasons.

How to choose a double socket

Of course, the choice in any case will depend entirely on the specifics of your home and your own preferences. There are two factors in terms of installation method: the specifics of the walls and your decision on the wiring method. If you are just changing the outlet and built-in connection points have been installed in your house, it makes no sense to choose any others. But if you decide, for example, to completely replace the wiring and want to get by with minimal damage, then you are unlikely to want to ditch the walls. Most likely, you will get by with external cable channels, and it is logical to connect overhead sockets to them.

As for additional functions, here you also need to follow the expediency. Each additional function adds an impressive amount to the cost of the connection point, but there are situations in which it is not worth saving. This applies to protection in rooms with high humidity and children's rooms. Also, do not save on purchasing connection points with additional protection for powerful and expensive devices.

PHOTO: vs82.ru

The specifics of installing a double socket

There is one indisputable rule on which your life literally depends. All work with sockets, repairs, installation and connection must be carried out only on a de-energized line! And even if you turned off the shield, before touching the wires, check the contacts with an indicator screwdriver.

PHOTO: autosaratov.ru

From the tool for mounting the outlet, you will need wire cutters and a construction knife for stripping the wiring, a puncher - if you need to ditch the wall, well, a kit for installing an outlet - a socket box, the device itself, self-tapping screws for mounts.

It is quite possible to put a double socket in an old socket box even without dismantling. Old sockets can fail for various reasons, they can burn out due to poor contact or fail to cope with a short circuit. So, if you have a need to replace an old outlet, you must definitely analyze the reasons for its breakdown so as not to step on the same rake.

Start by dismantling the old device. To do this, remove the fasteners from the wall, remove the outer part and disconnect the wires from the contacts of the device.

If the old internal socket needs to be replaced, the housing is removed and replaced with a new one. If you need to install a new one, use a perforator to make a niche a little larger than the glass of the socket box.

PHOTO: gnkelektro.ru

So that over time the box does not loosen from mechanical stress, it is better to fill the space around the glass with a solution of alabaster or gypsum, you can use an ordinary cement mixture. The ends of the cable are stripped about a centimeter and a half and connected to the contacts on the outlet.

Please note: grounding in the cable is indicated by a yellow-green wire, phase is brown or red, zero is blue. Zero and phase are connected to the side contacts of the socket, and the ground is fixed in the center, where manufacturers usually put a special icon. Do not confuse the connection order, otherwise a short circuit awaits you when you turn on the power.

After fixing all the contacts, check the tightening strength and carefully lay the wires in the socket box so that they do not come into contact with the fasteners. After the socket frame is fixed in the wall with self-tapping screws. In order not to be crooked, check its position with a building level before finally fixing it.

If for some reason you do not install a ground, then the procedure is the same, except for connecting the ground contact. But it is still better not to neglect this, since a grounded installation solves a lot of problems, especially with unstable mains voltage.

How to install a double outlet with two single connections - in this video:

As you can see, the task is not so difficult. With a certain accuracy and attention to detail, everything will certainly work out. Have you ever used double or triple sockets? How do you think it makes sense to install them? Share your opinion in the comments!