Overhead sockets and switches are not as common as built-in ones, but there are situations when their installation is the only possible solution. For example, when there is no place to connect any devices, or if it is necessary to ensure the connection of electrical equipment on the street.
Content
- Classification
- What to look for when choosing
- Connection
Classification
The classification of overhead outlets is carried out depending on their purpose, namely:
- Conventional network (power) electrical outlets;
- telephone (RJ 11);
- socket for computer networks (RJ 45);
- TV sockets (television).
In addition, it is customary to classify overhead type sockets according to protection class, in accordance with IEC standard 60529, for example, IP66 means that the device is completely protected from dust and powerful water jets. The protection class is usually indicated on the housing.
If in a normal room it is quite possible to install devices with protection class IP20 (i.e. unprotected sockets overhead type), then in humid rooms, for example, in the bathroom or in the kitchen, this option will be unacceptable. Outdoor sockets (outdoor) must be resistant to dust and moisture.
What to look for when choosing
First of all, you need to choose the outlet depending on the destination, no matter how corny it sounds. And if the device for connecting the antenna cable is difficult to confuse with an electrical outlet, then the RJ11 and RJ45 sockets are similar in appearance.
Next, pay attention to the body of the power outlet. The plastic base is not resistant to heat, which may result from poor contact of the plug or when connecting powerful equipment.
Ceramic overhead sockets are more resistant to temperature loads, but their price is slightly higher.
Protective shockproof plastic will provide high resistance to mechanical stress, which significantly increases the service life.
Choosing a mechanism for fixing wires, it should be noted that key clips, although they simplify the process installation, but over time they can weaken, which will cause poor contact and lead to heating sockets. From this point of view, screw clamps are more reliable.
Depending on the number and type of connected electrical appliances, you should decide on, install a single, double, triple or combined socket, for example, an electric and telephone.
As mentioned above, for rooms with high humidity, it is necessary to buy outlets of the overhead type with the corresponding class of protection, that is, hermetically sealed. The same condition should be observed when installing electrical equipment on the street.
We also advise you to pay attention to certain options that are present in some models, namely:
- closing the curtains, this type of protection is especially relevant when there are children in the house. Unlike special plugs that are used for this purpose, the curtains are almost impossible to pull out. We recommend using sockets with this option when installing on the baseboard;
- hinged cover that closes the contacts when no electrical equipment is connected to the outlet. Thanks to such a simple device, moisture does not get inside, which is important for wet rooms, such as a kitchen or bathroom.
The shape of the outlet, it can be round or square, the latter will look better if a box is used for supplying wires, round - when the wiring is placed in the corrugation.
It is not necessary to use only white sockets, currently decorative models are widely represented, for example, in which there is a black box or with a color like wood. Also retro style looks good. The sizes of decorative patterns can vary greatly from the standard ones, as well as their shape. However, flat panels are still more convenient.
No less popular are corner sockets, which replaced skirting boards, they are much more convenient to use.
Last but not least, it is necessary to pay attention to whose product manufacture, we recommend that you purchase well-known products brands, for example: Bticino, Gira, Lezard, Oteo, Mackel, etc. It is highly reliable and has a long service life.
Connection
Fundamental rules:
- connection of electrical outlets of any type must be performed with the power off;
- electric cable of open wiring must be laid in a special box or protective corrugation.
Video: how to connect an outlet.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- disconnect power wiring (by disconnecting the corresponding circuit breaker);
- disassemble the outlet;
- place the base on the intended location and mark the holes for the fasteners, as a rule, two or four of them;
- in the case when the installation is made on a wall of brick or concrete, the marked holes are drilled and a plastic dowel is inserted into them. The base of the outlet can be screwed onto a wooden surface with screws. If the wall is made of drywall, then a special plastic fastener is used - “butterfly”;
- when the base is screwed, wires of electrical wiring are connected to it, for this it will be necessary to carefully break out the corresponding hole on the desired side of the box. The plastic at the point of wire feed is thinner, so there will be no problems with this;
- we connect the wires to the clamps, the photo shows how to connect double sockets of the patch type (pay attention to the polarity, especially for the ground wire, if any);
- how the triple overhead type sockets are connected, as shown in the figure below. Please note that the ground wire does not lead from the outlet to the outlet, but to each separately. 4-seater socket is connected by the same principle;
- after connecting the wires, the socket or group of sockets is assembled;
- the power is turned on and the operation of the devices is checked.
As you can see, subject to certain safety rules, overhead sockets connect without problems. Their cost in various regions of Russia is almost the same as in Moscow, so it makes no sense to bring it.
