Types of electrical outlets and switches: what are and how to choose wisely

A wide range of electrical accessories is due to the multitasking of sockets and switches. Various conditions for their use dictate their requirements regarding the functional parameters and appearance of the products.

Agree, deciding on the choice of the right model is quite difficult. In order not to make a mistake with the purchase, it is necessary to take into account many parameters: the type of power supply, the installation method and the operating conditions of the electrical accessories.

We will help you with the solution of the issue. In the article we described various types of electrical outlets and switches, gave practical advice on choosing products. A video review of modern electrical products will help determine the purchase.

The information will be useful for both experienced electricians and home masters performing household electrical network updates.

Types of modern power grids

Before starting the review, it is necessary to clearly understand that the outlet is just the end point of a rather complicated mechanism for “transporting” energy from a power plant to an industrial or household electrical appliance.

On the other hand, a switch is a simple key to breaking an electric circuit. What unites them is that both of these devices interact with the same type of electrical network.

Voltage classification

In order not to go into the “jungle” of electrical engineering, it should be noted that often in Eastern Europe, conventional appliances can consume electricity at various voltage levels:

• 220V, 50Hz;
• 380V, 50Hz;
• 120V, 60Hz.

The first category of the electric network “gives out” 220 V voltage (one phase) in the outlets of apartments.

This is enough for the operation of modern domestic appliances of domestic and foreign production: from dummies and cups to refrigerators and washing machines.

The second category of the power supply network provides voltages at the level of 380 V (three phases) for industrial and agricultural devices: from crushers and compressors to factory machines and electric rings.

With the third category of the power grid is a little more complicated: we do not have it, but there are electrical appliances. For example, after ordering from “amazon.com” or another foreign Internet resource, a trimmer arrives by mail (a “cool” clipper).

The power supply network is a single-phase alternating current voltage of 220V with a frequency of 50Hz. It is transmitted to the ordinary consumer from the switchboard via two wires “phase” and “zero”

The user understands that it is impossible to charge the trimmer, which is designed for a 110 V network and type A plug, with our 220 V and type F socket. A device that is dear to your heart and wallet will instantly fail.

The power supply network is a three-phase alternating current voltage of 380 with a frequency of 50 Hz. It is transmitted to the end consumer via 4 wires of the ABC phase and "zero"

Therefore, most prefer adapters, but there is an option to install the outlet under the above type of plug with a preliminary reduction in voltage on the electrical panel. To do this, you can use a special outlet under the connector type A.

In the world there are more than 10 different plugs and sockets. Within Eastern Europe, plug types C, E and F are usually used.

Types of wires and permissible loads

Another important point that you need to pay attention to when choosing electrical switches and sockets is wiring quality. Wires are different: cheap and high quality.

Cutting an aluminum two-wire wire from a reinforced concrete wall, each electrician and firefighter recalls the man who suggested making electrical wiring in the Khrushchev and panels of aluminum cables.

Power wiring cable It must be safe, high-quality, non-combustible and, at least, copper. It is necessary to look in the direction of such abbreviations as PRTO, VVGng and NYM.

Copper wiring, although it will be more expensive, but much more reliable than aluminum. Copper does not have the effect of “air” oxidation, unlike aluminum

In addition, you should understand the type and power of the connected load to the outlet.We recall school physics: under the load of an electric network we mean every device and device that is connected to this network.

There are two main classes of loads:

• reactive;
• active.

Active loads. Such are considered electrical appliances that consume energy and transform it into heat: light bulbs, tiles, convectors, irons, etc.

Reactive loads. This group includes any electrical device that is equipped, for example, with an electric motor or other mechanism for converting electricity into motion mechanics.

Such devices have a high switching current, which can cause thermal processes in the wiring, the outlet itself and their connections. This can affect the process of ignition of insulation in a variety of sections of the circuit: directly in the wire, at their connection, or at the point of connecting the device to the network.

When calculating the total power consumption of the network, you need to take into account the active power (measured in watts) and reactive (calculated in volts * amperes)

Sockets and switches should be selected in such a way as to ensure security in the apartment, office and home, even when connecting almost all the electrical appliances that are available. Therefore, it is necessary to select exclusively high-quality products with a maximum service life.

Application of switches with sockets

One of the main places of human “living” is our home - a dwelling where the average person spends most of his life, not counting time for work, business trips and vacations outside his favorite couch.

Therefore, the availability of power in the house, apartment, room helps us to fully live in the current conditions of a developed technological society.

No modern room can be imagined without any switch, socket, output under lighting, etc. These elements are a key component of the power supply system of anything - they provide secure access to the grid.

The general scheme of operation is understandable to almost everyone, but everything is in the details. The primary problem of choosing electrical accessories is to determine the purpose and technical features of the operation of the finished product.

All of them should have the so-called margin of safety and harmoniously fit into the most daring interior design solutions.

The electrical accessories for the apartment and industrial premises are noticeably different in ergonomics and non-standard design. For warehouses, products with external wiring are often used.

Despite the color palette when studying a variety of electrically conductive products, the first thing to decide is: the purpose of the room and, depending on this, makes a selective selection of products.

There are several generalized categories of electrical accessories for a certain type of building:

• factory premises of a hangar type;
• non-residential and commercial buildings;
• Offices and audiences
• apartment buildings and private houses.

Some circuit breaker modifications and types of sockets can be used in different buildings. These are high-quality products that comply with national product quality standards and ISO certificates.

A similar certificate of quality of the finished product can be asked from any seller or sales agent. They are available at the request of the buyer (+)

If such products ensure the safety and security of housing, then definitely not worth saving on them. You must purchase high-quality electrical products at least $ 3 per unit.

Sockets, switches, adapters, adapters from manufacturers such as: Legrand, ABB, Bticino, Merten, Schneider electric, Berker, Gira, Jung etc.

A variety of electrical outlets

In order to choose and install a power outlet, you need to know what kind of devices are on sale. You should be aware of all the technical features and requirements for these products.

Electrical Accessories Classification Parameters

The gradation of electrical appliances is based on the following features:

1. Rated voltage. Usually household sockets are designed for 220-240 V AC with a frequency of 50 Hz.
2. Type of plug. The type of plug used in post-Soviet countries is C or F.
3. Number of seats. Depending on the number of outlets themselves in the unit: single, double and modular. As well as combined with a variety of types of interfaces (USB, HDMI, RJ-45, RJ-11). Blocks are a bar of 4 or more holes for sockets.
4. The color palette of the outlet plate. Here you can choose any color and shade that you like. Very often overlays are selected for a non-primary color of the wallpaper or half / quarter of the tone from the main color of the room, if it is an office.
5. Mounting principle. According to the method of installation on the wall, hidden and overhead sockets. Overhead sockets are mounted on the wall surface (very rarely floor), for hidden sockets, landing sockets are preliminarily made.

These nests can be cut / cut with anything: a jackhammer, a chisel, a jumper. But the standard solution to the problem is a hammer drill with a special die for drilling.

There are also models with special technical features. For instance, ground outlets, cover, curtains, backlight, etc.

Undercutter crowns can be standard and oversized. They have diamond, pobetite and other carbide spraying.

Outlet selection: accounting for the purpose of the premises

Concluding the review of the types of sockets, it should be noted that over the past years empirically developed turnkey solutions for a wide variety of rooms: residential and non-residential.

Electricians are involved in the installation of sockets in factories, but almost every self-respecting owner can boast of installing and connecting sockets in residential buildings and apartments.

And so, here are some ready-made considerations for equipping the room with sockets. In the living room of the apartment you can install standard sockets, but it is necessary to install a socket block for 4-6 connectors on one of the walls.

In the bathroom and toilet, we recommend mounting moisture proof sockets with protective covers that have a class of moisture protection IP44.

In children's rooms or apartments where there are small children, you can connect outlets with internal curtains so that the child could not stick any objects into it. Then these sockets can be easily replaced with standard ones by changing the cover plate.

The peculiarity of private houses is that they increasingly use modern electric appliances (lawn mowers, saws, machine tools and other garden tools) to care for their personal territory.

For power supply of equipment of such a plan, an external external outlet is required. It can be a socket with a cover, grounding and ejector.

External sockets are mounted on the back wall of a house or building. The height of the outlet is 200-1000 mm from the surface of the earth or concrete tide around the building

It is worth noting that for offices of government agencies and public organizations it is better to apply outlet designs. They save space and provide a large number of electrical connectors for computer and office equipment.

The construct provides a sufficient number of socket connectors for connecting electrical appliances in a limited space. Constructs can even be integrated into furniture

In addition to the office option, constructs are often apply to modern kitchens. A sufficient number of kitchen assistants can be included in such modules: blenders, meat grinders, juicers, coffee makers, combines, dryers, sinks, stoves, etc.

Types of electrical switches

As noted earlier, an electrical switch is nothing more than an electrical circuit breaker. This is a very simple mechanism. Nevertheless, each master electrician needs to understand his technical features and principle of operation.

Knowing them, you can be sure that the device will work safely in normal mode for a long time.

In domestic conditions, voltage switches up to 250 V with a maximum current of 10 A are used. The standard switch consists of a button, a frame and a basement mechanism

Classification of light switches

Given the current pace of development of electrical engineering, current engineers, specialists and masters in building repairs identify a significant number of types of electrical switches.

The variety of offers can be divided into several groups.

It is enough to determine the following list of answers to such questions:

• mains voltage - 220V / 380V is typical for Eastern Europe;
• degree of dust and moisture resistance - dust IP20, moisture protection IP44, IP54, IP64;
• installation method - hidden or external installation;
• switching method - screw, clip.

Additionally, circuit breakers are classified by type of switching on / off. Possible options: keyboard, push-button, rotary, rope, touch, wireless switches, with motion sensor, dimmers, etc.

It is worth telling about the latter separately, since these mechanisms “transfer” the electric network from one circuit to another. As a result, it is possible, for example, in the office to have several separate lighting systems on one multi-key switch: full lighting, partial, standby, etc.

In domestic conditions, switches for voltage up to 250 V with a maximum current of 15 A are used. The switch is a combination of several switches

Probably everyone will cope with the choice of the color palette of the switch overlay. Lining with a matte surface in soft pastel colors looks very elegant and stylish.

Selection of switches for home and office

We turn to the specifics, especially in terms of the selection of everyday goods for the home and office and retail premises.

Switches and switches for industrial and non-residential premises require special selection, which should be done exclusively by an electrician.

Modern offices often have several lighting circuits - a room or an entire floor of a building. In any case, modular units are mounted in the office that are responsible for switching the illumination in two or more modes.

Living rooms, a bathroom, an apartment kitchen and utility rooms of a private house, lighting is everywhere needed, and therefore, switches. So, for general-purpose living rooms it is recommended to install standard key-push-button switches.When choosing take into account the interior of the room.

Kitchens and bathrooms should be equipped with certified devices with dust and moisture protection. Reliable and simple switches are installed in the utility rooms (garage, boiler room, warehouse, basement).

In bedrooms and children's rooms, switches for several lighting modes and / or illuminated switches can be used. In addition, an electric dimmer is a good option for children - a dimmer with a smooth decrease in illumination.

Lighting dimmer provides the possibility of lowering the voltage in the electrical circuit using a smooth circular regulator based on resistors, semiconductors

Recently, apartments are equipped with complexes "smart House". An excellent addition to such lighting control and monitoring systems will be touch, wireless type switches, as well as modules with motion sensors.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Below are instructions for choosing electrical sockets and switches:

Overview of popular models of sockets and switches:

Information on the types of switches and sockets will help determine the choice of the ideal wiring product that will perform the work entrusted to it without fail.

Is there anything to supplement or have questions about choosing switches and sockets? You can leave comments on the publication. The contact form is located in the lower block.