Types of electrical outlets and their features

The modern electrical goods market offers a large number of types of sockets and switches of various purposes, designs and quality. For the correct and safe operation of such electrical equipment, you need to be able to choose a model for each specific case. Not the last place in the choice is occupied by the manufacturer of electrical goods and the materials used in the production of sockets and switches.

• 2 Types of switches
• 3 How to choose an outlet for your apartment
• 4 What to look for when buying a switch
• 5 Features of choosing sockets and switches for the bathroom
• 6 How to distinguish high-quality devices from low-quality ones

Switch types

Light switches for domestic use in apartments and houses are distinguished according to the following criteria:

• Installation method;
• fastening wires;
• way to control the switch.

According to the installation method, light switches, like sockets, can be installed externally or internally. Such switches are called hidden and external, respectively. Hidden ones are installed in the wall with hidden electrical wiring, and external ones are used for networks with open electrical wiring. Sometimes external switches are used to simplify the installation process and time. External switches are easier to maintain and repair. Hidden ones, in turn, have a more attractive aesthetic appearance and fit better into the interior of the premises.

Two-gang switch

An example of an outdoor switch.

Single key switch

According to the method of attaching wires to power terminals, switches are divided into devices with a screw clamp of the conductor and devices with a quick-clamping mechanism for fixing the wire.

Screw fastening (left) quick-release fastening (right)

For fastening copper wires, it is recommended to use a quick-clamping mechanism, and for aluminum wiring, a screw fastening is better.

The exposed aluminum wire quickly oxidizes, so the contact area must be tightly pressed with the washer of the screw connection. Copper conductor is softer and less susceptible to oxidation.

The most extensive category of difference between modern light switches is the control method.

According to the method of turning on and off, switches are divided into the following types:

• Key switches.

  Single key switch

  The operating principle of such a switch is based on switching contacts mechanically using one or more rocker keys. Depending on the number of keys, the switch can control one or more lamps or even groups of lamps. This inclusion method is the most common and most frequently used. The price of such switches is minimal compared to models of other designs.

• Push button switch.

  Internal execution

  Such switches turn on and off power by pressing the same button. There are switches with several buttons. They are popular among the offers on the market.

• Dimmers.

  Standard dimmer model

  Dimmers are light switches equipped with a device for regulating light intensity. Such a device can be made using a wheel, buttons or even a touch panel.

  A more modern dimmer model

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  An example of the most modern execution. Dimmer with touch panel.

  One of the most modern developments

  The light intensity range can be adjusted from 0 to 100%. Such switches are popular, but are more expensive than standard models. The modern design of dimmers makes them in demand when decorating interiors of various themes. By reducing illumination, you can significantly save energy.

• Rotary switches.

  Industrial version

  Rotary switches are also available in various designs.

  Classic performance

  Such switches do not have any additional functions. The lighting is turned on and off by turning the control knob. Very popular in retro style interiors. They are mainly used for external wiring, but there are also hidden installation models. Easy to maintain, install and repair.

• Rope switches.

  Standard version

  This type of inclusion is used solely for design purposes. It doesn't add any functional practicality. Operational efficiency also remains unchanged. Often sconces and night lights are equipped with switches of this type of control.

• Sensor switch.

  The most modern development

  Such switches are the most modern. They are equipped with a special touch panel, which is used to control the lighting. Touch switches have a very wide variety of models with various additional functions (timer, backlight, motion sensors, room temperature, etc.). In the light switch market, touch switch models are the most expensive category of switches. But despite the cost, they are also one of the most popular. Mainly due to its design, functionality and large working time resource.

• Acoustic switch.

  Sound sensor unit

  The operating principle of such a switch is based on controlling the supply of electricity by including a sound sensor in the circuit. This sensor responds to certain sound signals, often popping sounds. The undoubted advantage of such switches is that you do not need to look for them in the dark. Some cheap models may be of poor quality and may not work the first time.

• A separate category includes controlling room lighting using a remote control. Such remote controls are used in modern smart control systems for household electrical appliances. Despite its versatility, remote control also has some unpleasant moments. For example, loss or breakage of the remote control. It is not always good when control of all processes is concentrated in one device. To avoid unpleasant situations, remote control is made as an addition to the main one.

A separate category of switches is walk-through. The switching mechanism in such switches allows you to control the supply of electricity to the consumer from two or more places.

Connection diagram

Switches, like sockets, fall under the international IP classification system for electrical equipment. The system regulates the design of switches with varying degrees of protection from moisture and the ingress of solid particles onto live parts. The designation of such switches starts with IP44 and higher.

Waterproof switches must be installed in rooms with high humidity: bathrooms, baths, saunas, as well as outdoors.

Outdoor version

Audio and video sockets

Sockets of this format are used for more convenient connection of speakers, acoustics and video devices. As a rule, all audio sockets are equipped with automatic cable sockets.

How to choose a socket for an apartment

Its efficient and safe operation largely depends on the correct choice of outlet.

You must select an outlet based on the following criteria:

• Depending on the type of wiring. For open and hidden wiring, there are hidden and outdoor sockets. The most effective installation and operation will be a socket selected for the appropriate type of wiring.
• Depending on the type of contacts. For aluminum wiring, sockets with screw contacts are more suitable, and for copper wiring, it is preferable to use quick-release socket contacts, although this is not essential.
• Depending on the material. For outdoor installation in the open air, only plastic sockets with covers are suitable. Outdoor installation indoors can be done with ceramic sockets if it fits into the interior. It is enough to equip industrial premises with models made of carbolite and other materials that are not intended to form an interior, but only perform their main function.
• Depending on the level of protection. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account local operating conditions of electrical equipment (sockets). To facilitate orientation in various versions of electrical equipment, an international classification according to the degree of protection IP has been developed. (mentioned above). For clarity, a reference table is provided. In this table you can easily navigate in choosing the required degree of protection of electrical equipment, taking into account the operating conditions at the place of its installation.

  Marking of electrical equipment according to the degree of protection from moisture and solid particles entering live parts

• How to choose a color. The color of the outlet should be chosen solely in accordance with the interior of the room. There are no special color requirements.

To make your choice easier, a comparative description of several of the most popular manufacturers (top 5) is provided.

The information is provided for informational purposes only and is not an advertisement.

1. Schneider Electric. The products of this manufacturer are known for their undeniable quality and wide range. It is noteworthy that the company occupies a leading position not only in the production of household electrical equipment, but also in the industrial equipment sector. The products of this company are used by professional installers, but they are also suitable for beginners because they have a simple but effective design. And also the products of this manufacturer are made with varying degrees of IP protection.
2. Kuntsevo-Electro. An example of high-quality electrical equipment from a domestic manufacturer. The products of this company are characterized by a relatively low cost with decent quality of the materials used and the quality of assembly of the products. Outlets are also available in various IP configurations. The company's products are winners of the "100 Best Products of Russia" award.
3. TDM electrician. The production facilities of this company are also located in Russia. The company is distinguished by the outstanding quality of its products. It has in its arsenal many modern developments of both sockets and other electrical equipment. The products comply with IP, ISO9000 standards. Sockets from this manufacturer are easy to install, maintain and repair. They have a standard set of modifications and are the most widely represented on the market.
4. ABC. The products of the German manufacturer ABB (formerly Siemens) are also an example of the quality of workmanship and product materials. The sockets of this company are distinguished by reliable fastenings and a standard but modern design. Their price category is slightly higher than previous manufacturers, but the service life of ABB products is one of the highest among electrical goods.
5. Legrand. This manufacturer offers electrical products of high quality and modern design. The company even produces many collections of electrical accessories for various interiors. At the same time, the requirements of IP and ISO9000 standards are met in products of any design. The price category of such products is also higher than the market average. Despite the cost, sockets from this manufacturer deserve an honorable place in any rating.

Classification by type of wire/cable connection

The wire can be connected through a straight end or an end twisted into a loop. In the latter case, the contact is more reliable, since the conductor has a larger contact area. When connecting a straight wire, it is necessary to clean its installation area with special care, since the area of ​​contact with the contacts of the socket is much smaller.

In addition, the wire can be fixed in two ways - using screws and using special clamps. Clamps are good because they allow you to install sockets faster. High-quality clamping sockets ensure good contact over a long period of time. As for traditional screw connections, they are also reliable. Their disadvantage is that they require periodic tightening - due to the loosening of the screws due to regular heating/cooling.

Sockets are often combined into modules. There are products of this type on sale with holes for parallel connection to the electrical network.

What to look for when buying a switch

The selection of a switch for installation in any room must be made according to certain criteria. Only then will the work of installing and operating it be carried out correctly and safely.

Switch selection criteria:

• By installation method. Selecting a switch for external or internal wiring. Sometimes external type switches are used for hidden wiring to speed up the installation process or for installation in specific conditions (for example, high humidity or outdoors).
• By the number of keys, buttons. Depends on the number of controlled consumers - one light source or a group.
• Depending on local operating conditions. The choice depends on the installation location and its features in accordance with the requirements of the IP standard.
• For additional functions. The choice is determined by whether the switch has a backlight, sound sensors, touch controls, and more. This choice largely depends on the characteristics of the interior of the room.

To facilitate the process of selecting a switch by manufacturer of electrical goods, several of the most popular companies are given.

1. TDM electrician. As in the case of sockets, switches from this manufacturer have a wide range of designs and additional functions. Modern design and unconditional build quality make the company's products a leader among domestic manufacturers in this industry.
2. Rexant. Manufacturer of electrical products from China. Despite the generally accepted opinion about the low quality of products from this country, this manufacturer is distinguished by the high-quality assembly of its products. The switches comply with the standards of the European class of electrical equipment, are reliable in operation, have a fairly long service life and many functional additions. The price of these switches is relatively low. They can be used in interiors of different directions.
3. Berker. German manufacturer of switches and other electrical products. A notable type of switches from this manufacturer are dimmers (switches with light intensity regulators). Modern design, thoughtful functional design and high quality products are the distinctive features of switches from this company.
4. Arlight. A company specializing not only in the production of household light switches, but also in various modern developments. The main focus of this company is LED lighting of premises and interior lighting of any complexity. High-quality switches, designed for certain mains voltage values, are excellent for both professional installation and do-it-yourself installation.
5. Legrand. The switches of this company (like sockets and other equipment) meet the requirements of European quality standards and protection systems. High-quality certified materials are used in the assembly of products. The switches themselves are made in a modern design and design. Equipped with many functional additions: lighting, motion sensors and others.

Classification by type of installation

There are three types of sockets based on the type of installation: external (external), internal (hidden) and retractable. External models are fixed directly to the wall plane. When installing on fire-hazardous surfaces, it is recommended to additionally use dielectric plates. They are sold in stores, but they are easy to make with your own hands - just cut a square or circle of the required size from textolite, asbestos-cement board, etc.

External

devices have two advantages. This is a quick installation and easy replacement (if necessary). Their disadvantage is that they look unaesthetic and often “spoil” the interior. In addition, protruding overhead products can be “caught” or accidentally hit with a heavy object, which often leads to the breakdown of such sockets.

Example of an external socket with four sockets

Domestic

Models are more difficult to install. They are inserted into the so-called “glasses” (socket boxes), which must be mounted into the wall. In the case of concrete and brick surfaces, you will need a hammer drill for these purposes. But hidden sockets look aesthetically pleasing. Their front panel is completely recessed into the wall, or protrudes outward by only a few millimeters.

Example of an internal (built-in) socket

Retractable

models are expensive. They are practical and functional. Most often used in arranging kitchen premises. Such sockets are built into countertops, side panels of cabinets, etc. They are even mounted inside floors. All that reminds you of the presence of an outlet is a neat cover, under which the outlet blocks are “hidden” for convenient connection of any equipment.

The photos above show an example of retractable sockets

Features of choosing sockets and switches for the bathroom

The bathroom is a room with high humidity and the possibility of direct contact with electrical appliances by jets of water. The selection of switches and sockets for such rooms must be made taking into account their protected design according to the IP standard.

In this case, sockets and switches must be marked at least IP44.

An example of the appearance of a waterproof switch:

Waterproof design

An example of the appearance of a waterproof socket.

Waterproof design

External sockets are suitable for a wooden house (log house). Such sockets are suitable for external wiring (in wooden houses the wiring is done externally for fire safety reasons). In this case, sockets and switches must be installed on socket boxes made of non-combustible material. All for the same reasons of fire safety. Socket boxes can be made, for example, from textolite.

For greater clarity on the issue of choosing sockets and switches, a video on this topic is provided. The video was found on Youtube and is used for informational purposes only and is not an advertisement.

Types of TV sockets

The next group of outlets that we would like to consider are television outlets. There are 3 types of TV sockets:

Single

— (connection type “Star”) – A separate cable runs to each TV.

Checkpoint

- the cable goes to the outlet, comes out of it and goes to the next TV outlet.

Final

— If sockets are installed as a walk-through type, the last socket must be the terminal one.

Sockets with additional functions

In the interests of users, designers have improved sockets, adding some useful functions to them. Since they are used in different conditions, they also differ in additions.

Sockets with cover

In conditions of high humidity in the bathroom, sockets with a lid are convenient for outdoor use.

In the non-working position, the cover reliably protects the socket from moisture and dust. There are models designed for use with the lid closed; for this purpose, it has a recess for the cord.

Surge protected outlets

If the house does not have a voltage stabilizer, you can install sockets with protection against increased voltage in the network. If it rises above the set threshold, the outlet turns off the power.

Socket with timer

There are sockets with a built-in timer.

The timer is programmed to turn off at a certain time. Suitable for business people who can configure such an outlet to turn off the device some time after it leaves the house. Some have a complex program designed to periodically turn on and off.

Extension sockets

In this model, the extension cord is built into the outlet itself. There is no need to store a separate extension cord in the house. If necessary, just pull the cord and extend it to the desired length.

Childproof sockets

Everyone knows how dangerous open sockets are for curious children. The inventors found a way out by designing an outlet with protective curtains. There are two types of models: in some, the curtains move back while pressing on them. Another type with rotating curtains. To turn on the plug, you need to move the curtains to the side.

Other models are made specifically for children's rooms. They have a plug, reliably protecting children from electric shock.

USB sockets

These sockets are designed to connect mobile devices for recharging. They have the usual contacts for turning on devices and one or more USB outputs. This is dictated by the trends of the times, when every family member has at least one mobile phone.

Sockets with RCD

If the user turns on only the washing machine among potentially dangerous devices, he does not need to install a residual current device on the central panel. RCD sockets come to the rescue. This is an invaluable device for use. It is triggered by the slightest touch of a body part to an area where the insulation has become unusable. The RCD instantly disconnects the cable from the network.

Designer sockets

Many sockets surprise with their shape. Unusual design.

There are sockets with built-in lights that, in the dark, indicate where the cord is plugged in.