Equipping a new apartment or renovating an old one is not complete without installing or restoring the electrical system. Accessories must be selected not only in appearance. Products must be safe and comfortable to use, and the cost must match the quality. You need to understand which sockets are best to install in the apartment.
Features of wiring products
A wide range of electrical accessories is due to the versatility, parameters and appearance of sockets and switches. All products are divided into special and ordinary. The latter include computer, television and telephone, as well as sockets for electrical appliances. They are installed in normal living room conditions.
Special devices are grounded. They are designed for rooms with high humidity and powerful electrical equipment. If there are small children in the apartment, you should choose a device with protection. These are products with a special shutter or plug that can be locked with a key.
Based on the type of wiring, sockets can be overhead and internal. Overheads are placed in case the wall does not allow making a hole of the required depth. Retractable built-in sockets are popular. They do not violate the aesthetic appearance of the premises and are easy to use. There is a floor-standing option. It is used when the wiring is carried out on the floor. Also, sockets and switches can be installed in the window opening.
The electrical switch can be dimmable and backlit. The way of working is sensory or mechanical. The touch switch is an excellent choice for the Smart Home system. There are one-, two- and three-key models. They also differ in design, depending on whether it is a hidden or outdoor type of wiring.
Classification of installation products
Their main function is to ensure the switching of electrical appliances and lamps with the network. Their job is to constantly close and open contacts. In the socket, these are the pins of the plugs, in the switch of the button. Under the influence of current, the contacts can heat up, due to which the device becomes unusable. You should choose sockets and switches for the apartment that will safely serve for a long period.
First of all, sockets and switches with their technical characteristics must correspond to the purpose and place of installation. According to the material of manufacture, the case can be ceramic, plastic or polycarbonate with special additives. The service life depends on the type of switching contacts. They are made from tinned brass, steel, copper.
The most reliable connection is considered to be a screw fastening of the wire in the form of a loop. With this method, the screws must be tightened every six months. The pressure contacts are connected without a screwdriver. It is enough to insert the stripped working end of the wire into the socket until it stops. The clamp secures the conductor securely.
- block of several outlets under one frame;
- combined with a switch;
- equipped with shutters that hide the input jacks;
Socket Etude flush-mounted with grounding with cover - with lids;
- ejector forks;
- backlit;
- built-in residual current device;
- overvoltage protection;
- with built-in electric meter;
- equipped with a timer;
- with built-in extension cord;
- antenna socket;
- modern device with Wi-Fi module;
- with USB connector.
There are portable sockets. They can be connected directly to the power cable. The kit includes a cord with a plug, which allows you to use the device as an extension cord. There are special sockets for connecting to the Internet and system operation of two devices.
There are models, the front panel of which serves as a decoration. Such devices are more often purchased for children's rooms. A wide variety of frames are available. You can choose a frame from crimson to green to the wallpaper.
Which series and brand to choose
In addition to domestic products, on sale you can find products made in Europe, as well as Turkish and Chinese. Premium quality products are manufactured by the French Legrand brand, the German Scneider-electric and Gira, as well as the Swiss ABB. The latter brand has the highest rating with the best recommendations and has production sites in Russia. The products do not differ in special design, but are made of high quality materials, are reliable and durable, and will serve for a long period.
Each manufacturer has its own line. All of them are modular and can be assembled as a constructor. You can pick up a kit of the same series from a switch and a socket. A series of outlets from illegal access, with curtains, will fit in the nursery. There are both elite design and budget devices for every taste and color:
- Legrand is a series of Valena, Plexo, Celiane;
Gira sockets - HDMI, VGA, USB - Schneider-electric - Glossa, Segna, Unica;
- Gira and ABB - Zenit, child safety;
The best sockets and switches from the Cosmo series are a budget option from the well-known brand ABB. Assembly country Turkey, average quality products.
ABB Basic 55 sockets - above average quality, but rough design.
Inexpensive modern product of the Praktika series from the CGSS company - worthy design and quality. Country of assembly China.
Economical option
To choose an outlet for a budget renovation or a rented apartment, you should pay attention to a reliable product and acceptable quality for a reasonable price from IEK and Viko. They work well, withstand the declared service life, and are cheaper than the products of prestigious brands.
For an open type of wiring, it is better to choose an overhead box for three power consumers. For arranging closed electrical wiring, you can install a block consisting of several sections. A separate socket is inserted into each, the block is closed by a common frame.
For an apartment, you should choose sockets that can withstand a voltage of 220/240 volts, a current of at least 16A. IP degree of protection, against penetration of solid particles and moisture, from 20 to 44, depending on the room. A correct grounded instrument must have two phase contacts and one grounding contact.
In the room and in the corridor, there are enough sockets with IP 20 protection. It is better to install sockets and switches in the bathroom with an IP 44 degree. Such a device is not afraid of moisture and splashing water from any direction.
How to distinguish a fake
The value of voltage and current must be indicated on the back cover without fail. A manufacturer who takes care of the customer produces products in packaging with installation instructions.
Many fake products are produced under the brand name of well-known brands. Most of the fakes are sold in sealed transparent polyethylene, without any identification marks.
To determine which outlets are better, the following nuances should be taken into account when choosing:
- Preference should be given to products made of durable plastic. The soft material scratches and breaks when installed.
- A high-quality socket has markings and manufacturer data.
- A plus are additional parts, latches, clamps. These sockets have a decent weight. Counterfeits are practically monolithic, non-separable products.
- It is advisable to check the internal structure for defects.Thin metal contacts indicate poor quality.
- A socket with an unpleasant smell of plastic and light weight is often a low-grade product. You should not take it.
- In a good rosette, the holes for the plug are clearly aligned with the retaining springs.
High-quality products after installation do not remind of themselves. They cope with all loads, are resistant to high temperatures, do not spark. Their service life is designed for 15–20 years. Preference should be given to manufacturers who are leaders in the manufacture of electrical products.
