Designation of sockets and switches in the drawings and diagrams

Any type of electrical installation is carried out in accordance with the project. It contains instructions on the placement of equipment and wiring elements at the facility.

The symbol for sockets and switches in the drawings has a single standard. This eliminates confusion and clearly demonstrates any nuances of installation work.

Regulatory documents

So that a specialist of any category could navigate the project, SNiPs and GOSTs were developed, which regulate, among other things, the designation of various types of sockets and switches in the drawings and wiring diagrams. One of them is GOST 21.210-2014.

All types of appliances presented in the form of simple geometric shapes for ease of image and reading. In order to standardize the type of symbols, they use the documents of the International Electronical Commission (IEC), and in particular, the standard IEC 60027.

Conventionally, the graphic designation of a single-key switch with an open installation on the circuit diagram and electrification plan has a significant difference

However, the presentation of wiring is made in different types of documentation and has some differences. For example, the type of outlet and switch in the construction drawing and wiring diagram has a significant difference, since these documents have different purposes.

The main types of outlets

An electrical outlet (receptacle) is a device that allows you to quickly turn on and off various devices from the network.

Its main elements are:

• contacts - provide connection of the power supply network and plugs;
• block - a ceramic case for contacts and mountings of the installation box (socket box);
• body - performs a decorative and protective role.

In the general sense of the word, a product can perform other functions.For example, to connect and disconnect telephone communications, radio, Internet and even water supply in plumbing devices. Therefore, there are many constructive and functional variations of this type of connection.

The main types of outlets used in everyday life vary:

• depending on the installation method, there is an invoice and built-in;
• by the number of nests - a single or a block of two, three or more;
• by the number of connections - with and without grounding contact;
• as intended - an antenna, for telephone and the Internet, for household appliances, for powerful equipment.

Simple and versatile to install is overhead device. It does not require making deep holes in the wall, which is convenient for temporary placement or in industrial premises. The case together with the block is mounted on the desired surface and connected to an open wiring.

Since the installation is not carried out in the installation box, then for ordinary fixing on the plane, ordinary dowels-nails are suitable

The built-in installation option has a more aesthetic appearance, since the main part of the product is immersed in the wall, and only the protective case remains outside. Thus, nothing interferes with the perception of the interior of the room.

The posting in this case is rather hidden too. For this type of fastening, a cylindrical hole is cut into the wall into which the mounting box is mounted. It reliably and safely fixes the outlet in the wall.

According to the rules, it is recommended to install the device with a grounding contact at a distance of at least 500 mm from the gas pipeline

The option with two sockets is designed to connect two plugs to the network at once. With flush mounting, the block is placed in one socket.

To increase their number (more than two), you will have to make an additional hole in the wall and combine the body with one frame, if a hidden installation is supposed. If the model is an invoice, then modular pads are added.

The European standard provides for the installation of electrical points at a height of 30 cm from the floor. This allows you to quickly find it in the dark by touch and comfortably use a person of average height

The modern look of the outlet is with a grounding contact. It is used in networks with a grounding wire that are safer than phase, zero networks.

Additional terminals are connected to this wire. They are primarily in contact with the plug, which eliminates the hazardous voltage and current of faulty household appliances. It also protects the equipment from interference in the network and electromagnetic interference from other devices.

Antenna has no voltage. It serves to connect the TV to the antenna cable. The external difference is only the type of inlet in the housing.

It makes sense to place the outlet block behind the TV, if the installation location is predetermined so as not to clutter up the space with cables

A computer outlet is used to connect to the Internet and local networks. You can also connect a telephone cable to it.

The Internet and telephone cable connectors are identical in shape - RJ45 and RJ11 / 12, respectively. The first uses 8 contacts, and the second 4 or 6. But to connect to the Internet through a telephone jack, you will have to use a modem that uses a Dial-up connection.

Manufacturers of Internet cables do not advise to untwist twisted pair more than 13 mm when connecting, in order to avoid problems connecting to the Internet

Such devices can be executed in a compact case or in the form of a conventional 220 V. To connect a telephone with an old-style connector, you will need to install a socket with the appropriate input.

Degree of equipment protection

Sockets, like any electrical equipment, have a different level of protection against the contact of parts under voltage, with solid particles and water.This ensures safe human use in a variety of conditions.

A combination of two letters (IP) and two numbers is used to mark the degree of protection. IP - International Protection, which translates from English as "international protection." And the numbers characterize her level.

For example, the degree of protection IP20 according to GOST 14254-2015 can be deciphered as follows:

• first number 2 - current-carrying parts of the product are inaccessible to objects 12.5 mm thick or fingers;
• second digit 0 - water may get into the device.

The degree of protection IP23 means that fingers are prevented from getting inside, and the angle of safe drops falling on the case is 60 degrees.

Conditionally graphic designation

GOST 21.210-2014 unifies the image of electrical elements in diagrams. Makes them universal throughout Russia.

The designations of the outlets presented in this document can be conditionally divided according to several signs:

• open installation;
• hidden installation;
• waterproof.

An open network connection does not imply hiding the pads in the wall plane. There are varieties with two and three poles, with protective contact, as well as double or single. Usually, overhead placement is used in rooms with open wiring.

The degree of protection of such devices ranges from IP 20 to IP 23. They are susceptible to moisture and the penetration of small objects into the case

Concealed connection differs from the previous one by a socket block immersed in a wall or other surface. It connects to the contacts of the hidden wiring.

According to the degree of protection, open and hidden products do not differ among themselves. And placement inside the wall does not make them more dangerous.

The only difference in the graphic image of hidden outlets from open ones is a vertical line inside a semicircle, perpendicular to the lower plane

Devices with a waterproof housing are usually installed in places of high humidity. This may be a bathroom, kitchen or poorly protected from moisture places outside the building.

The degree of protection is from IP44 to IP55. In the first case, this means that objects with a thickness of more than 1 mm will not get inside, and the protection against moisture is resistance to rain. In the second - protection against dust and safe operation under weak streams of water.

The plastic hinged lid of the protective housing protects not only from moisture, but also from dust and fine abrasive

Separately, it should be said about the classification by the number of poles. There can be from two to four. In Russia, bipolar sockets with protective contact are mainly used.

All household appliances are powered by this type. Multi-pole, namely with three poles, feed industrial equipment: machine tools, pumps, electric furnaces. They are used in three-phase networks.

Disconnect the plug with a smooth movement, holding the protective case, so as not to break the wall mount. This may result in electric shock.

The main types of household switches

When developing a plan for the electrification of a room, it is necessary to accurately determine the type of switches. The market presents a mass of such products of various shapes, purposes and devices.

Product classification principles

Structurally, the switch resembles a receptacle. Their components are similar: contacts, block and protective cover. But if the socket is used to connect to the electrical network, the switch is designed to open this connection by manually acting on the changeover contact.

It opens the only (phase) wire coming into it, in contrast to the outlet. And also closes by pressing the button again. Like sockets, switches have several levels of protection: from IP20 to IP23 and from IP44 to IP55.

On the plan, the designation of the switch is depicted by an oblique line with a circle at the base and a hook on the opposite side. The number of hooks means the number of keys

To clarify the choice of suitable options, it is enough to systematize them according to several principles.

For example, there is a classification according to the following criteria:

• way of switching;
• type of installation;
• by type of shutdown and on.

In addition, they can be divided according to the principle of operation: one-, two-, three-pole and switches in two directions without a zero position.

The image of the elements on the plan is made using the simplest geometric shapes that have insignificant and hardly noticeable at first glance differences

All variants of symbols, expressed in alphabetic and graphic form, given here. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with useful information.

Ways of switching and installation

The option of connecting circuit breakers with a live wire can be screw and screwless. In the first case, the contact is provided by pressing the wire to the switch plates with a screw. over time, such a connection may weaken, which leads to heating of the element. Periodically, it must be tightened to a tight grip.

In the second case, the phase wire is fixed with self-clamping terminals. This makes connecting much easier and faster. The connection quality in the terminal is more reliable and does not require further disassembling the switch to strengthen the contact.

Depending on the location of the wiring, the switches can be built into the wall or overhead. In residential or office premises with hidden wiring for the sake of appearance, the switches are mounted on the wall. If the wiring is open, when there are no stylistic requirements for the interior of the room, switching devices are mounted openly on the wall surface.

The European standard requires the installation of switches at a distance of about 10 cm from the door and 90 cm from the floor

Contact closure options

The most common type of household switch is a keyboard. The principle of its operation is based on opening and closing a contact by switching the key on which the frame is fixed. In the on state, it touches the static contact and closes the electrical circuit. According to the connection scheme, they are cross over and cross type.

Pushbutton switches work in the same way as keyboard switches. In everyday life, they are most often used in table lamps and floor sconces. The button can be locked when turned on or close the circuit only when it is held.

Switches of this kind can be with one button or two. With one or more light control modes

In wall sconces or in technical rooms, where the permissible height of the electrical equipment does not allow reaching by hand, products with a cord are used. According to the device, they are basically similar to button ones.

Rope switches give interesting tactile sensations when the lights are turned on. They are much easier to find in the dark by touch

Rotary types of switches, as a rule, open mounting. They began to be used more than a hundred years ago, and they worked only in the on / off position and had a very exotic look.

Even today, these devices work in ancient buildings and house-museums. And recently, they have received a second wind and are used in the design of interiors stylized as retro or steampunk, having gained wider functionality.

It goes well with interiors stylized as the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, in addition, they can serve as a dimmer

The opposite of the rotary was the touch switch. This new trend of technology not only received a futuristic design and a fundamentally new way of control, but also increased the reliability and safety of use.

After all, these semiconductor devices do not have a switching mechanism - electronics are responsible for everything. They are actively used in the management of the "smart home" system. Devices work both on pressing and on its intensity, on approaching the palm and even on the voice.

Touch switches equipped with a remote control allow you to control several lighting groups at once and be equipped with many additional functions

The motion sensors in them relieve the discomfort of entering a dark room, turning on the light automatically, and the temperature sensor allows you to synchronize the switch with the fireplace. Recent models are able to respond to gestures and smoothly change the brightness of lighting.

Number of poles of switches

According to GOST R 52565-2006, the pole is an element of the switching apparatus, which is connected to only one independent part of the circuit. In simple words, the pole closes only one line, for example, a light bulb.

There is some confusion regarding the poles of switches and their purpose. To understand, you first need to separate the concepts of automatic and conventional lighting switch in the room.

Automatic switches are equipped with one / four poles when three phases and a neutral wire are closed. Such switches are placed in the power panels of the room to protect against overloads and short circuits.

If we talk about light switches, the number of poles means how many lines can be switched on in isolation from each other. For example, several lighting groups in a room can be turned on with a single three-gang switch. For the same purpose, you can install three single-pole devices, which is less convenient.

Three-key products control combined lighting, groups of bulbs in a multi-level chandelier, and also serve to turn on individual household appliances

A two-way switch is used in the design of complex light control circuits from several places.

These devices can be in a zero (neutral) position. This is convenient, for example, when lighting long corridors or flights of stairs, when you turn on the light at the beginning, you can turn it off at the end.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Overview of electrical elements as an example of a floor plan:

When installing electrical equipment, masters of any level and direction should not have misunderstandings with the designer who developed the power supply plan. Therefore, with all the variety of electrical products and methods of its application, the graphic symbols on the construction drawings and diagrams should have one general view and standard.

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