When designing a house or overhauling an apartment, an arrangement of sockets is compiled 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 outlets. These include a tee socket, double, extension cords, surge protectors. The device has different ways of execution and various functionality on which the work depends.
What is a tee for an outlet
A device whose main function is the ability to connect three devices to a single outlet, is called an electrical tee. There are devices that vary in color, shape, volume, functions, the ability to connect USB devices. But the internal equipment remains unchanged.
How much an electric tee costs depends directly on additional options, the manufacturer, design, reliability. The cheapest device without additional features can be purchased for about 25 rubles.
It is better to connect electrical appliances through the 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 network filters. Electric splitters will not be able to protect the device from sudden surges. Also, surge protectors are best placed in homes with unstable power supplies.
Device and main characteristics
An electric splitter is a plug connector that consists of a plug and an adapter. The device is connected to a stationary power outlet, to which power is supplied.
To ensure fire safety, the housing must be made of non-combustible material. Usually it is high-quality plastic. Reliability must be at a high level so that the contacts do not overheat and, as a result, short circuit. In case of damage, it may be necessary to replace not only the tee, but also the outlet itself. Reliability depends on the internal device.
Products can be made to any standards of forks. In Russia, the European standard power sockets are used.
Main characteristics:
- Grounding If the household wiring is grounded, the adapter must be the same.
- Protection class against moisture and dust. For home use, an electric tee with a degree of at least IP20 is suitable. In rooms with high humidity and on the street you need to buy a device with IP44 and higher.
Classical extension cords and surge protectors can be attributed to electric tees and doubles. The latter also have additional functions - for example, voltage stabilization and short circuit protection.
Varieties of tees
Classification of devices can be carried out 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 timer, screen - such devices are rarely used;
- with a USB port for connecting phones, tablets and other gadgets;
- with a euro plug and a euro jack.
Outlet tees also vary in shape, volume. There are square, triangular, round appliances. Allocate flat and volume adapters. According to the color scheme, one can distinguish white, black, color models suitable for different interiors.
Adapters are classified by the number of connectors.There are tees and doubles for sockets, surge protectors and extension cords can have more contacts.
There is a tee on sale with and without a switch. An electric 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 electric splitters from a well-known brand in a trusted professional electrical equipment store. Cheap fake devices may have poor contact, which could result in a fire or electric shock. Also, products of an unknown manufacturer do not always correspond to the declared characteristics.
- Degree of protection against dust and moisture IP. Each room has its own standards that must be observed. Particular attention should be paid to the selection 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 performance 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. This is simple, you only need to prepare the necessary devices in advance and follow the instructions.
Required:
- PVA 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 certain standard. It is necessary to clarify in advance whether grounding is necessary.
- Block with connectors. The best option is 3-4 conclusions.
- 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 approximately 1 cm from the next insulating layer.
- Disassemble the plug and attach the wire to it in accordance with the marking. The green or yellow-green color has a grounding conductor.
- Twist the fork back.
- Disassemble the block and connect the cable to it.
- Assemble the block.
You can check the assembled device and then turn it on. It can be called a tester or a multimeter to determine the correct connection and the absence of a short circuit.
With cable lengths above 100 meters, voltage drops occur. In this case, a wire with a small cross section does not fit, it should be taken with a large diameter.
Safety precautions
Work with electrical equipment is always accompanied by the risk of electric shock. To prevent this from happening, you must follow the basic safety requirements.
The installation of the outlet should be carried out by a person who has knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of electrical engineering and electricity. The master must have a professional tool for the job.
Do not drop the device, allow mechanical damage, or fill it with liquid. First of all, with mechanical damage, the internal structure and contact can be broken. This leads to overheating of both the adapter itself and its contacts. Heating may cause a short circuit.
When installing in a room with high humidity and dust, you need to choose models with an appropriate degree of protection and special protective curtains. The use of ordinary products in difficult climatic conditions is prohibited.
Overload must not be allowed. Excessive power that the electrical tee is not designed for can lead to overvoltage.For the same reason, it is not recommended to buy an adapter with more than three outputs.
Periodically check the integrity of the insulation on the wires. Over time, it wears out and can be destroyed, because of which the veins will be exposed. This must 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.
