An electrical wiring system is not possible without installing outlets. Without access points for power, devices and equipment will not work. In this case, the load on the power supply network in the modern world is very high, so it is important to make the correct serial connection of outlets.
Existing Connection Methods
Sockets in an amount of more than two pieces are connected in three ways: in series, parallel and mixed. Electricians use other terms - a star (for the first option), a train (for the second). Before choosing one of the methods, it is necessary to find out the pros and cons of each, and choose the right one for a particular apartment.
If an electrician is installed in the room, it is important to consider the method of cabling and the total available power. New ones may exceed the limit, the wire will have to be pulled from the shield.
Parallel connection
The essence of the method is the connection of sockets in one distribution block, which accounts for the entire load when turning on the electrical equipment. A cable is pulled from the common house shield to the distribution box, a wiring is pulled from it to each power point (separate wires).
The advantage of this method is the independent operation of each power point and switch. If one device burns out, the others will continue to work. But if the main wire becomes unusable, the voltage will disappear completely. In such a situation, it is easier to find the gap and repair the fault.
Another minus is the cable consumption. For each outlet pull a separate wire from the junction box. The length is significant.
Serial connection
Connection by a loop means a sequential transition from the first outlet to the next. Instead of twisting wires, device contacts are used. The phase and zero cables are connected to the first mechanism, then to the next and sequentially to the last.
The "pure form" is rarely used. For example, if you need to put an additional outlet or switch or rearrange one of the devices for some distance. In the second situation, the old access point is left, it is taken from it to a new place - so you will have to ditch the walls less.
It is forbidden to connect devices with high power to outlets connected by a loop. Air conditioners, microwave ovens and conventional ovens, washing machines and other similar devices must be powered from other access points. In a serial system, many outlets are connected to the same network, so the load falls on each.
Mixed connection and grounding in series connection
If you decide to use a serial connection of outlets, you can strengthen the overall design using a mixed method. The essence of the method is as follows:
- A central cable is brought to the junction box from the common house shield.
- On the preliminary wiring plan, the most remote access point to the power supply is selected.
- The selected outlet is connected to the power distribution cable.
- From this device, the rest are powered.
This method improves network reliability. If the outlet fails, the rest continue to work. Shutting down the entire system is only possible in case of a malfunction of the main cable, twisting in the distribution box.
Grounding is a must. With a serial connection, if the wire burns at one point, the rest are obtained without protection.The optimal way to connect the sockets to each other for grounding is a mixed one. The main cable is fixed under the ceiling, then branches are made at each access point.
This technique has drawbacks - the large length of the wires used, the need to install several distribution boxes (for each branch). To know exactly whether high-power devices can be connected to the network, it is necessary to calculate the voltage before the cable wiring stage. An accurate calculation will help you choose how to connect the sockets in the end - in series, parallel or mixed.
Ring connection
A similar connection method is rare in post-Soviet countries. The method has a number of undeniable advantages, therefore, it has recently gained popularity.
How to connect the sockets to each other with a ring connection:
- From the main (common house) shield to the apartment (house, cottage) spend a common cable around.
- In each room (room) on the main wire, an insert is made, a junction box is installed and a separate circle is drawn to a separate room.
- Lastly, branches are made to each access point.
If one part of the wire burns out or breaks down, the devices continue to work during the ring connection, because the electricity comes from the second side of the ring. You still need to repair it, but the power supply remains. The reliability of the system is comparable to the parallel connection of outlets. Minus - the consumption of wire is higher compared to classical methods.
How to choose the right way
To choose a parallel or serial connection of outlets, it is necessary to calculate several parameters: the amount of money that can be spent on wiring, equipment power and wall decoration (the ability and desire to redo repairs in case of breakdowns).
The best way is to connect two outlets to one wire of the shield or junction box - a parallel connection. If the room does not have a large number of outlets and appliances (for example, only a TV), the loopback method is suitable.
Is it possible to connect sockets in series
Connecting outlets in serial mode has several disadvantages and limitations. In a large room and a significant number of powerful electrical appliances, you can not use this method - the load is too high. It is better to parallelize the sockets or use a ring type. The recommended amount per chain is 5-6 pieces.
Another disadvantage is the uneven distribution of voltage at the power points. Each outlet accounts for a portion of the total electrical current. Therefore, in residential and industrial premises, serial connection is not used. But in Christmas garlands and others you can use.
Advantages and disadvantages
To determine the optimal wiring diagram for sockets and switches, it is necessary to prepare a wiring plan, calculate the number of devices and the maximum possible power. At the same time, in newly built buildings, it is necessary to plan future opportunities without undue modesty: an additional TV, purchase of a separate freezer, and the like.
Based on the received data, the type of connection is selected. The benefits of the sequential method include:
- simple connection system and circuit assembly;
- the ability to adjust the voltage level, make less;
- You can use one fuse per circuit.
The minus becomes apparent after a malfunction occurs - if one outlet breaks, the others will not work.
Compliance with safety measures when installing outlets
Electrical work is classified as hazardous. Even a small voltage leads to burns, lesions and other unpleasant consequences. Safety precautions:
- disconnect the premises in which the work is carried out;
- check the area before starting with a special device (you can connect the device to the network);
- use rubber gloves, equipment with rubberized handles;
- when "increasing" the length, it is not enough to twist the wires, a soldering is required;
- contact with connected bare cables is not allowed;
- the excess should not “stick out” - shorten, lay in the wall;
- check whether the devices are suitable for working with the current and voltage levels used.
Everyone can connect the sockets in the indicated ways. The schemes have advantages and disadvantages, before the final choice it is important to establish the power of the equipment and the method of branching the wiring.
