The arrangement of a new apartment or the repair of an old one cannot do without the installation or restoration of an electrical system. Accessories must be selected not only in appearance. Products should be safe and comfortable to use, and the cost should be consistent with quality. You need to understand what sockets are better to put in the apartment.
Features of wiring accessories
A large assortment of electrical accessories is due to the multifunctionality, 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 the usual conditions of living rooms.
Special devices are grounded. They are designed for rooms with high humidity and for powerful electrical equipment. If the apartment has small children, you should choose a device with protection. These are products with a special shutter or cap, which is locked with a key.
Based on the type of wiring, sockets can be overhead and internal. Overhead set if the wall does not allow to make a hole of the required depth. Retractable built-in sockets are popular. They do not violate the aesthetic appearance of the room, are convenient in operation. There is an outdoor option. Used when wiring is carried out on the floor. Also, sockets and switches can be installed in the window opening.
The electric switch can be dimmed and illuminated. Way of work - touch or mechanical. The touch switch is an excellent choice for the Smart Home system. There are models of one, two and three keys. They also differ in design depending on whether a hidden or external type of wiring.
Classification of installation products
Their main function is to ensure the switching of electrical appliances and fixtures with a network. Their job is to constantly close and open the contacts. In the outlet, these are the pins of the plugs, in the switch keys. 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, which will safely serve 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 durability of the work depends on the type of switching contacts. They are made of tinned brass, steel, copper.
The most reliable connection is the screw fastening of the wire in the form of a loop. With this method, the screws must be tightened once every six months. The pressure contacts are connected without a screwdriver. Insert the sufficiently stripped working end of the wire into the socket until it stops. The clamp secures the conductor securely.
There are many models with additional features that differ in design, features, pricing and manufacturer:
- a block of several outlets under one frame;
- combined with a switch;
- equipped with curtains that hide the input jacks;
Socket Etude c / a with grounding with a cover - with covers;
- ejector plugs;
- with backlight;
- built-in residual current device;
- overvoltage protection;
- with built-in electric meter;
- equipped with a timer;
- with integrated extension cord;
- antenna socket;
- modern device with a Wi-Fi module;
- with a 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 the system operation of two devices.
There are models whose front panel serves as a decoration. Such devices are often purchased for children's rooms. There is a wide variety of frames. To the wallpaper you can choose a frame from raspberry color to green.
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 produced by the French brand Legrand, the German Scneider-electric and Gira, as well as the Swiss ABB. The latest brand has the highest rating with the best recommendations, has production sites in Russia. Products do not differ in special design, but are made of high-quality materials, reliable and durable, will serve a long period.
Each manufacturer has its own line. All of them are modular, can be assembled as a designer. You can pick up a set of one series from a switch and an outlet. A series of sockets from illegal access, with curtains suitable for 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 protection;
The best sockets and switches from the Cosmo series are a budget option from the famous ABB brand. Country of assembly Turkey, medium quality products.
ABB Basic 55 sockets - above average quality, but rude design.
An inexpensive modern product of the Practice series from CGSS - worthy design and quality. Assembly country China.
Economical option
To choose a socket for budget repairs or a rented apartment, you should pay attention to a reliable product and reasonable quality at a reasonable price from IEK and Viko. They work well, withstand the declared service life, are cheaper than the products of prestigious brands.
For an open type of wiring, it is better to choose an overhead box for three energy consumers. To equip a closed electrical wiring, you can install a unit consisting of several sections. A separate outlet is inserted into each, the unit is closed by a common frame.
For an apartment, you should choose sockets that withstand voltage of 220/240 volts, a current of at least 16A. Degree of protection IP, against penetration of solid particles and moisture, from 20 to 44, depending on the room. A correct grounding device must have two phase contacts and one ground.
Sockets with IP 20 protection are sufficient in the room and in the corridor. It is better to put sockets and switches in the bathroom with a degree of IP 44. Such a device is not afraid of moisture and splashing water in any direction.
How to distinguish a fake
Without fail, the value of voltage and current must be indicated on the back cover. The manufacturer, who cares about the customer, produces products in a package with installation instructions.
A lot of fake products are produced under the brand name of famous brands. Most of the fakes are sold in sealed transparent polyethylene, without any identification marks.
To determine which sockets are better, the following nuances should be considered when choosing:
- Preference should be given to goods made of durable plastic. Soft material scratches and breaks during installation.
- A quality outlet is labeled and has manufacturer information.
- Plus are additional spare parts, latches, clamps. Such outlets have a decent weight. Fakes are practically monolithic, non-separable products.
- It is advisable to check the internal structure for defects.Thin metal contacts indicate poor quality.
- An outlet with an unpleasant plastic smell and low weight is often a low-grade product. She should not be taken.
- In a good outlet, the plug holes are clearly aligned with the locking 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.
