The use of electrical energy in everyday life involves the installation of safe, reliable and convenient appliances. Moreover, they must be assembled and secured in accordance with the current requirements of GOST, regardless of the cost and complexity of installation. The outdoor wiring socket is a product with which you can electrify an object quickly, simply and practically.
Suitable conditions for using outdoor sockets
The open wiring socket has a closed design, all parts are located inside the case. The main difference from internal counterparts is that there is no need to make a hole in the surface to install the products.
The most suitable conditions for mounting external jacks:
- The wall is too thin. In such structures, it is impossible to install socket boxes, as a through hole may turn out.
- Connecting a new point after the completion of the repair. There is no need to chisel the walls, the exposed electrical wiring is hidden in a decorative box.
- Electrification of auxiliary buildings (garages, sheds, warehouses, cowsheds) where cables are laid in an open way.
- Installation of sockets for external wiring with grounding on the external walls of residential buildings after through-drilling for wires.
- Outdoor appliances can be easily installed on any type of surface - concrete, brick, tiles, wood, plywood, drywall.
When choosing between products of open wiring and internal counterparts, for example, ip54 sockets of hidden installation, you should take into account their disadvantages.
Overhead devices are susceptible to mechanical damage, protrude above the plane, there is a possibility of electric shock when the wires leave the contacts.
Aspects of choosing a suitable surface-mounted socket
When choosing outlets for various premises, one must take into account not only aesthetic, but also technical characteristics. The practicality of its operation depends on the correct assessment of the quality of the product.
You should pay attention to the following criteria:
- Power. This indicator determines the scope of the product and the ability to withstand prolonged load without damage.
- The size. The dimensions of the nest determine the scope of its application both on open walls and behind furniture, kitchen appliances and household appliances.
- Strength. It is advisable to purchase devices made of thick and sturdy plastic that does not collapse upon impact.
- Safety. The use of a two-pin grounded open wiring socket eliminates electric shock in case of emergency. Good plastic does not burn when heated and does not emit toxic fumes.
- Tightness. The waterproof appliance can be used in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, on the open porch and even on the street pole.
- Aesthetics. Products should fit well into the interior, complementing the style of the room. In addition to the traditional white, there are many other colors in which single wall outlet sockets are produced.
In addition, it makes sense to purchase devices that have a switch and a voltage indicator.
The different types of jacks have a 4.0 mm and 4.8 mm (Euro) plug connector.Products with smaller holes cannot be used to connect modern technology, since the plugs will not fit into them.
The next technical indicator is the current strength for which the devices are designed. The standard is considered to be 8 A (1.8 kW) and 16 A (3.6 kW). Power is an indicator of the device, regardless of which connector is in it - single or double. The estimated current strength is determined by the type and thickness of the metal from which its internal parts are made. In addition, the choice depends on the material and section of the wiring. On average, 1 mm² of copper conductor withstands 1 kW (5 A).
Another factor that determines the advisability of purchasing an outlet is the presence of a grounding terminal. A yellow-green core is connected to this part, which leads the leakage current into a steel circuit buried in the ground outdoors.
A double socket outlet with grounding contacts is guaranteed to protect people from electric shock in the event of a malfunction of electrical appliances.
Security and special structural elements
Depending on the operating conditions, the installation height varies between 15-80 cm from the floor or the ground. Do not place the product closer than 20 cm from water, heating and gas pipes. In addition, it is forbidden to fix the socket behind the door leaf in order to avoid mechanical damage.
Manufacturers produce rosettes in the shape of a square, circle, rectangle, oval and polyhedron. Thanks to this variety, you can choose a product that will organically fit into any environment. You can also find products in retro style.
Sockets with the following structural elements are on sale:
- Protective shutter. The part is designed to protect against splashing on the contacts. Can be equipped with a spring for automatic closing. To insert the plug, simply raise the shutter. After removing the plug, it returns to its place.
- Sealed cover. The product is guaranteed to protect the inner parts of the outlet from water currents. Can be installed in showers, sinks, poles and outside walls of buildings.
- Residual current device. The mechanism cuts off the electricity when a current leakage occurs on the body of the household appliance.
- Stabilizer. This device equalizes the parameters of the energy supplied through the line to acceptable values. This prevents burnout of equipment connected without a mains filter.
- Timer. The mechanism turns on and off at a certain time, adjusting the schedule of the devices without human intervention.
- Backlight. Small LED bulbs make it easy to find nests in total darkness without turning on the general lighting, which can disturb the rest of the residents.
- Flip-out device. The key releases the grip, and the spring device pushes the fork outward.
External products are divided into single-phase and three-phase, rated for 220 V and 380 V.
Installation features
Installation of external sockets is carried out in the following order:
- The electricity is turned off at the input machine to prevent damage from stray currents.
- The markup is being carried out. The body and holes are outlined.
- The cable is led to the attachment point. A stock of 10 cm is made.
- The case is disassembled. The conductors are screwed to the terminals. Plus - brown, zero - blue, ground - yellow-green.
- The base is screwed to the wall. Fasteners are selected based on its structure.
- A cover is screwed to the body to cover the internal parts.
- The firmness of the installation is checked by several inserts and withdrawals of the fork.
After testing the product, electricity is supplied to the room.
How the external connection device works
External sockets have approximately the same design, if you omit additional options.
Products consist of the following parts:
- Base case. Made of ceramic or polycarbonate.Serves for wall mounting, placement of conductive parts and additional options.
- Conduction mechanism. Consists of bolted terminals and spade contacts. Serves for network and consumer switching.
- Grounding. Represents external side springs connected to a fixing clip.
- Clamping mechanism. Self-adjusting device that maintains constant contact with the wire.
- Front panel. Performs protective and decorative functions. Made of wood, metal or plastic.
When choosing an external outlet, it is recommended to ask the seller for a quality certificate so as not to purchase a fake.
