When designing a house or overhauling an apartment, a diagram of the location of the sockets is drawn up in advance. But there are times when their number is not enough in a certain part of the house. Then you need to use special socket strips. These include a tee socket, double, extension cords, surge protectors. The device has different execution methods and different functionality, on which the work depends.
What is a tee for an outlet
The device, the main function of which is the ability to connect three devices to one socket of the socket, is called an electrical tee. There are devices that differ in color, shape, volume, functions, and the ability to connect USB devices. But the internal equipment remains unchanged.
How much an electric tee costs directly depends on additional options, manufacturer's firm, design, reliability. The cheapest device without additional features can be purchased for about 25 rubles.
It is better to connect electrical appliances through a splitter that are not demanding on the characteristics of the power supply. For complex equipment such as computers, televisions, audio systems, it is better to use surge protectors. Electrical splitters will not be able to protect the device from sudden power surges. It is also better to install surge protectors in houses with unstable power supply.
Device and main characteristics
An electrical splitter is a plug connector that consists of a plug and an adapter. The device plugs into a stationary electrical outlet that is supplied with power.
To ensure fire safety, the body must be made of non-combustible material. Usually it is high quality plastic. Reliability must be at a high level so that overheating of the contacts does not occur and, as a result, a short circuit. If damaged, it may be necessary to replace not only the tee, but also the outlet itself. The reliability depends on the internal design.
Products can be made for any standard of plugs. In Russia, European standard electrical outlets are used.
Main characteristics:
- Grounding. If the household wiring is grounded, the adapter should be the same.
- Protection class against moisture and dust. For domestic use, an electrical tee with a degree of at least IP20 is suitable. In rooms with high humidity and outdoors, you need to buy a device with IP44 or higher.
Electric tees and twins include classic extension cords and surge protectors. The latter also have additional functions - for example, voltage stabilization and short-circuit protection.
Varieties of tees
Instruments can be classified according to different criteria. They differ in functionality:
- tee with and without grounding;
- with a voltage stabilization button on the unit;
- with special curtains to protect against moisture;
- with a timer, a screen - such devices are rarely used;
- with a USB port for connecting phones, tablets and other gadgets;
- with euro plug and euro socket.
Socket tees also differ in shape, volume. There are square, triangular, round devices. There are flat and volumetric adapters.According to the color scheme, white, black, colored models can be distinguished, suitable for different interiors.
Adapters are classified by the number of connectors. There are tees and twins for the outlet, surge protectors and extension cords may have a larger number of contacts.
There is a tee on sale with and without a switch. An electrical tee with a switch in one housing is used for closed rooms.
How to choose a splitter
The main criteria for choosing an electrical tee for 3 sockets are:
- Safety. When buying, you need to carefully inspect the product for damage, the quality of the joints, the integrity of the material. It is recommended to take electrical splitters from a reputable brand in a trusted professional electrical equipment store. Cheap counterfeit devices may have poor contact quality, which could result in fire or electric shock. Also, products from an unknown manufacturer do not always correspond to the declared characteristics.
- IP degree of protection against dust and moisture. Each room has its own standards that must be met. Particular attention should be paid to the choice of equipment for the kitchen and bathroom.
- Total connected load. It is better to buy a tee with a power reserve.
- Availability of additional options.
Less important criteria include the design of the outlet, its color and shape.
How to do it yourself
It is not always possible to find an extension cord of suitable length on sale. Then you can assemble it yourself. It is not difficult, you just need to prepare the necessary devices in advance and follow the instructions.
Required:
- PVS cable. The section is selected in advance, depending on the load. You can determine the diameter using special tables. For a load of 3.5 kW, a wire of 1.5 sq. Mm is needed, more than 5 kW - 2.5 sq. Mm.
- A plug of a specific standard. It is necessary to clarify in advance whether grounding is necessary.
- Connector block. The best option is 3-4 outputs.
- Tools - screwdriver and knife.
How to assemble an extension cord:
- Strip the ends of the wire from the upper insulation by 50-70 mm.
- Strip each core about 1 cm from the next insulating layer.
- Disassemble the plug and connect the wire to it observing the markings. The grounding conductor is green or yellow-green.
- Twist the plug back.
- Disassemble the block and connect the cable to it.
- Collect the block.
You can check the assembled device and then turn it on. It can be called with a tester or multimeter to determine the correct connection and the absence of a short circuit.
Voltage drops occur with cable lengths over 100 meters. In this case, a wire with a small cross-section is not suitable, you should take a large diameter.
Safety engineering
Working with electrical equipment always carries the risk of electric shock. To prevent this from happening, basic safety requirements must be observed.
The installation of the outlet should be carried out by a person with knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of electrical engineering and electricity. The master must have a professional tool for the job.
The device must not be dropped, allowed to be mechanically damaged, or filled with liquid. First of all, with mechanical damage, the internal structure and contact can be disrupted. This leads to overheating of both the adapter itself and its contacts. Heating can lead to the risk of short circuits.
When installing in a room with high humidity and dustiness, you need to choose models with an appropriate degree of protection and special protective curtains. The use of conventional products in difficult climatic conditions is prohibited.
Do not exceed the load.Excessive power, which the electrical tee is not rated for, can lead to overvoltage. For the same reason, it is not recommended to buy an adapter with more than three pins.
Periodically, you need to check the integrity of the insulation on the wires. Over time, it wears out and can deteriorate, because of which the veins will be exposed. This should not be allowed, as a fire or short circuit may occur.
When buying a tee, you need to remember that this device is an extreme measure. They are used when it is not possible to connect household appliances to another outlet or to increase the number of power points in the room. Even a circuit breaker will not always be able to protect electrical appliances from damage due to power surges.
