Socket selection, self-assembly, assembly and serial connection

Connecting and installing an outlet is a responsible process that requires special attention and knowledge of safety rules for electrical work. Constantly increasing loads on electrical components can cause heating and melting of contacts, even with a slight violation of the rules. If you do not have enough information to carry out such work, then the best option would be to entrust them to a specialist. However, if you study this issue in detail, there should be no difficulties in connecting the outlet.

Electrical outlet device

Almost any craftsman had to deal with plugging in an outlet. At first glance, this procedure is very simple, but there are many nuances hidden under it. So that a self-connected outlet does not become a source of problems, you need to understand how it works. It consists of the following components:

• Cover plate with fixed screw.
• Socket box. To fasten the element inside the mounting hole, it has paws, with the help of which the insert is attached to the hole, the pads at which contacts are movable, it is more difficult to install, but due to their design it is possible to adjust the position by inclination and height. It is advisable to choose models with two-toothed legs. Compared to single-tooth, they are much more reliable.
  instagram viewer
• Contact box assembly. The terminals can be connected in various ways, as with contact screws directly, or they can be made in one piece. Two contacts, neutral and phase, as well as the grounding one, which is located separately.

Selecting a device for installation

There is a wide range of different socket models on the market, both universal and special. But only a small part of them can be used in everyday life:

• C1A is a distribution device that does not have the ability to ground. Works with direct current no more than 9A, and alternating current up to 15A. Maximum voltage up to 250 volts.
• C2a - sockets with a side arrangement of grounding contacts, the design provides for a contact for connecting a PE wire. Designed to connect power-hungry consumers such as electric stoves and washing machines to the network.
• C3A - The grounding contact is made in the form of a pin; it differs from the variant described above only in the design of the grounding contact.
• C5 is a classic type of Soviet sockets. A square with a cylindrical cutout for an electrical appliance connector. At the present time, they are losing their relevance, since there is no possibility of connecting modern Euro plugs for electrical appliances. Withstand amperage up to 7 amperes.
• C6 - modern Euro-type sockets. Mounting is done over the wall with the junction box over the mounting hole.

The choice of a specific outlet model depends on the purpose and operating conditions. In rooms where there is high humidity and there is a risk of moisture entering the outlet, a special model with moisture and dust protection parameters is required. The level of this protection is determined by the markings on the case.

DIY socket installation

There are two types of line routing, hidden and surface. The main parameter when choosing will be the characteristics of the room in which the installation will be carried out.

Surface wiring is mounted on top of the wall, using various mounting methods. The advantages of this option are:

• With outdoor installation, less effort and money will be required for cosmetic repairs and hiding the traces of the line laying.
• You don't have to make a strobe in the wall.
• It will take less time for installation.

Disadvantages:

• Lack of aesthetics when laying a line over a wall, even when using trunks and cable ducts.
• Such wiring will be influenced by external factors and there is also a risk of damage to the wire.

When arranging wiring with an open method, there are different options for laying the wire, along the surface of the ceiling or wall, in special boxes, baseboards and plastic or metal corrugations.

The daisy chain connection of sockets is done using a loop or star method using a junction box. The choice depends on the possibility of the cable, ease of installation and the required power supply to electrical appliances.

To equip a hidden socket for a start, a groove is made in the wall where the wire is installed, then the socket is installed. To install it, you will need a cylindrical recess in the wall; it is performed using a specialized drill bit, the so-called crown. This requires:

1. Mark the location of the future installation site of the outlet, observing the requirements electrical safety: from the ceiling at least 150 mm, from the places of installation of gas equipment to networks power supply - not less than 500 mm.
2. Fasten the crown into the drill, and start drilling along the markings.
3. Finish the drilling process when the base of the bit is against the wall.
4. Using a chisel or punch, make a sample of the core of the hole.
5. Align the back of the hole.

Next, you need to try on the socket. If it goes into the hole and holds tightly, you need to remove the plugs and bring the cable inside, and after that all fill the back of the socket with a solution of alabaster and fix it completely in the hole until it dries solution.

Power connection procedure

To properly assemble the socket and connect, follow the instructions below:

1. All work must be started with disconnecting the power line. To do this, turn off the machine in the switchboard to the desired line, if the installation is carried out on an existing wire.
2. Using a test lamp or a multimeter, we make sure that there is no voltage on the wire that will be connected.
3. Wire stripping. The cable laid for connecting the outlet, and which has already been passed through the socket, needs to be prepared for connection. To do this, we remove the insulation of the wire at a distance of 12-15 centimeters, being careful not to damage the basic insulation of the conductors.
4. To connect the outlet itself, we connect the bare cores of the wires with contacts. For better contact, we twist 4-6 millimeters of the core into a ring and put the terminals on the clamping screw.
5. Installation of the socket into the mounting hole is done after connecting all the wires. Skews are unacceptable. The wires must be carefully laid deep into the socket and fixed with the presser feet.
6. Install the overlay.

Safety at work

The safety instructions are as follows:

• All work related to voltage sources is carried out only when the line is completely de-energized. Initially, we carry out all the preparatory activities, the selection of the groove, the mounting hole and the laying of wires.
• Each wire that is supposed to be connected must be checked whether it is phase or zero, regardless of the insulation marking. The tool that will be involved in the work must have insulated handles.
• If it is necessary to lengthen the wire, it is worth excluding the twisting of the wires, and using special quick-release terminals.
• To install the socket, you need to ensure that the wire is not damaged.
• When working with a specialized power tool, use only one that is suitable for the rated power and amperage.

Compliance with all electrical safety requirements and installation rules will allow you to protect yourself from unwanted consequences and problems associated with damage to electrical wiring, sockets, switches. And such disastrous consequences as ignition of elements, if installed incorrectly.