The use of electric energy in everyday life involves the installation of safe, reliable and convenient devices. At the same time, they must be assembled and fixed in accordance with the current requirements of GOST, regardless of the cost and complexity of installation. An outlet for external wiring is a product with which you can electrify an object quickly, simply and practically.
Suitable conditions for using external outlets
The open wiring socket has a closed design, all parts are located inside the case. The main difference from internal analogues is the absence of the need to make a hole in the surface in order to install products.
The most suitable conditions for mounting external sockets:
- The wall is too thin. In such constructions, it is impossible to install podrozetniki, since a through hole can be obtained.
- Connecting a new point after the repair is completed. There is no need to shut the walls, open 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 devices can be easily installed on the surface of any type - concrete, brick, tile, wood, plywood, drywall.
When choosing between products of open wiring and internal analogs, for example, ip54 sockets of a hidden installation, their minuses should be taken into account.
Overhead devices are subject to mechanical damage, protrude above the plane, there is a possibility of electric shock when the conductors move away from the contacts.
Aspects of choosing a suitable patch outlet
When choosing outlets for rooms for various purposes, it is necessary to 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 goods.
Attention should be paid to the following criteria:
- Power. This indicator determines the scope of the product and the ability to withstand long-term 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 strong plastic that does not collapse upon impact.
- Safety. The use of a two-socket open wiring outlet with grounding eliminates electric shock in emergency situations. Good plastic does not burn when heated and does not emit toxic smoke.
- Tightness. The moisture-proof appliance can be used in the bathroom, near the sink in the kitchen, on the open porch and even on a street pillar.
- Aesthetics. Products should fit well into the interior, complementing the style of the room. In addition to traditional white, there are many other colors in which single-socket open installations are made.
In addition, it makes sense to purchase devices in which there is a switch and a voltage indicator.
The various types of sockets 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 8 A (1.8 kW) and 16 A (3.6 kW). Power is an indicator of the device, regardless of which connector it is in - single or double. The calculated 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 the cross-section of the wiring. On average, 1 mm² of copper core can withstand 1 kW (5 A).
Another factor determining the feasibility of acquiring a wall outlet is the presence of a ground terminal. A yellow-green core is connected to this part, which leads the leakage current to a steel circuit buried in the ground in the street.
The double socket of an open installation with grounding contacts is guaranteed to protect people from electric shock when electrical appliances fail.
Security and special features
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 nest behind the door leaf in order to prevent its mechanical damage.
Manufacturers produce sockets in the form of a square, circle, rectangle, oval and polyhedron. Thanks to this diversity, you can choose a product that organically fits into any environment. You can find products in retro style.
Sockets with the following structural elements are on sale:
- Protective curtain. The part is designed to protect against splashes on the contacts. It can be equipped with a spring for automatic closing. To insert the fork, just raise the curtain. After removing the plug, it returns to its place.
- Airtight cover. The product is guaranteed to protect the internal parts of the outlet from water flows. It can be installed in showers, sinks, on poles and external walls of buildings.
- Residual Current Device The mechanism cuts off electricity when a current leakage occurs on the housing of a household appliance.
- Stabilizer. This device aligns the parameters of the incoming line energy to acceptable values. This prevents burnout of equipment connected without a power strip.
- Timer. The mechanism turns on and off at a certain time, adjusting the schedule of devices without human intervention.
- Backlight. Small LED lamps make it easy to find nests in total darkness without turning on general lighting, which may disturb other residents.
- Flip device. The key loosens the grip and the spring device pushes the fork out.
External type products are divided into single-phase and three-phase, designed for 220 V and 380 V.
Mounting Features
The installation of external outlets is carried out in the following order:
- The power is turned off at the input machine to prevent stray currents.
- Marking is being carried out. Outlined housing and holes.
- The cable leads to the attachment point. A stock of 10 cm is made.
- The case is disassembled. The wires are screwed to the terminals. Plus - brown, zero - blue, earth - yellow-green.
- The base is screwed to the wall. Fasteners are selected based on its structure.
- A cover is screwed to the housing to cover the internal parts.
- The rigidity of the installation is checked with a few plugs and pulls.
After testing the product, electricity is supplied to the room.
How is the external device connected
External sockets have approximately the same device, if you omit the additional options.
The products consist of such parts:
- Base body. It is made of ceramics or polycarbonate. Serves for wall mounting, placement of conductive parts and additional options.
- The mechanism of conductivity. Consists of terminals with bolts and spade contacts.Serves for switching the network and the consumer.
- Grounding It is an external side spring connected to a mounting terminal.
- Clamping mechanism. Self-regulating device providing constant contact with the wire.
- Front panel Carries out protective and decorative functions. It is 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.
