Replacing the outlet: important factors, step-by-step instructions on how to independently change a product in an apartment

In any house or apartment, it is not uncommon for a socket to fail. The replacement, as many believe, should be carried out exclusively by a qualified specialist. However, having studied all the subtleties, even a novice master can cope with the work. In addition, self-performed manipulations will help significantly save the family budget.

Reasons for replacement

Often the products that are used the most break down. There are many reasons why you need to change the outlet at home. Some of them:

• Connection point malfunctions. Such situations occur, for example, if the body of the product melted or a socket fell out of the wall.
• Change of design (so that the device is in harmony with the wallpaper, etc.) ).
• Improvement of wiring throughout the apartment (house).

Whatever the situation, but the replacement of the product must be carried out in strict accordance with the norms and rules of SNiP. When buying a power supply device, there are a few things to consider:

• The ratio of connection parameters. The properties of the installed product must meet the requirements that apply to a particular room. For example, the socket should be with high enclosure protection when installed in a bathroom.
• Wiring method - during installation, use open or closed. To implement these options in practice, there are many different devices - both built-in and overhead.
• Aesthetic qualities. A wide range of colors of the manufactured equipment allows you to choose the most suitable option that will organically fit into the interior of the room.

When choosing and installing a device, you must focus on the type of electrical system. So, in a three-wire network, you cannot install a regular outlet without a grounding contact. Many experts recommend using such equipment even in two-wire networks. The main reason is that metal inserts will enhance the reliability of not only the connection, but also the plug. Such a solution will undoubtedly increase the operational life of the device.

Required tools

Before changing the outlet in the apartment, you need to prepare tools and materials. Among them:

• straight and Phillips screwdrivers;
• heat shrinkage;
• self-tapping screws;
• a device for cutting wires (mounting or kitchen knife);
• pliers;
• dielectric gloves;
• multimeter.

If the length of the conductor is not enough, it can be extended by attaching small sections. Important aspects to consider:

• Aluminum conductors are extended using special terminals.
• On copper wires, twist can be used, followed by insulation or soldering of the junction.

An important condition in the process of replacing or building up conductors is the observance of the appropriate cross-sections. For example, when connecting a microwave oven or washing machine, the power of which is not higher than 2 kW, a three-core copper product with a cross-sectional size of 3 by 1.5 mm is quite enough². To protect it, a 10A machine is installed at the input.

If the socket will be used for an electric kettle or iron, a three-core copper cable with a cross-section of 3 by 2.5 mm should be installed². A more powerful automatic machine with a rated current of 16 A.

Dismantling the old device

Any work with electricity requires great care and attention. To remove the outlet and install a new one, you need to follow safety measures. In most multi-storey buildings, shields are placed in the stairwells. It is necessary to define a package switch for a specific apartment, and then turn it into the "Off" mode.

It is possible to turn off the electricity supply for only one room where the replacement will be carried out. But in this case, it is necessary to clearly navigate which machine is responsible for the desired line. It is highly undesirable to carry out this kind of work in the dark or at dusk. It is recommended to do this during the day or take care of alternative lighting in advance.

The conductors at the point of connection are divided into two lines - phase and zero. Using the indicator, you need to touch the wires one by one. If they are energized, the device signals this with an illuminated light. It is not dangerous to carry out the procedure if the indicator does not react in any way to touch. Dismantling works are carried out in stages:

• First you need to remove the body of the old product. In order to unscrew the central mounting bolt, you will need a flat or Phillips screwdriver. The working unit is located under the cover.
• After making sure that there is no voltage, you can begin to remove the internal mechanism. To do this, open the spacer lugs on both sides of the work board. In most models, they are secured with two screws.
• After removing the device from the socket, unscrew the screws securing the power wires. Then disconnect the conductors in sequence. After removing the device, carefully inspect the insulation of the conductors. If it is melted or its integrity is broken, it is necessary to remove these areas. It is important to remember that the main reason for the melting of the insulating layer is the insufficient rating of the machine. This leads to a malfunction of the protection.

In old houses, there are very often situations when, after dismantling the product, the absence of a socket is revealed, and the core is attached to the walls. It is impossible to install the structure in this way, the entire fixation will be weak.

Installing the socket

First, you need to disassemble the case of the new device by removing the front panel from it. The work of a specialist is to fix the metal frame to the old place and connect the conductors using the terminals. When replacing old outlets, you need to be prepared for the fact that the socket will be slightly larger than the diameter of the plastic glass used in modern appliances.

In plastic parts, there is no problem with poor fixation of the core. Therefore, when replacing the socket, it is recommended to remove the old metal products, and install a new box in their place. The latter are often intended for installation in drywall. Their difference from analogs for walls made of brick or concrete consists in the presence of two ears, with the help of which the box is easily attached to a sheet of drywall.

If possible, you can also improve the metal part. This will avoid working with solutions. In addition, this method allows the product to be securely fixed. The part is modernized using a conventional socket box, which is designed for concrete.

The annular blank is inserted into an old metal product. It is necessary to place it so that the fastening elements of the socket coincide with the holes where the fixation is carried out. Small screws, popularly called "bugs", are used to connect plastic and metal. They must be screwed in diagonally.

When replacing a metal element with a plastic one, it must be taken into account that the glass must completely go deep into the niche. Deformation of the structure must not be allowed. If the part does not fit completely into the desired hole, there are two ways to solve the problem:

• reduce the back of the device to the depth of the hole;
• expand and deepen the niche in the wall.

For reliable fixation of the socket, a solution based on alabaster or gypsum is used. In the process of work, the hole in the niche must be moistened with water, and then a layer of mortar must be applied. A similar procedure is repeated with the outer walls of the socket box, and then it is placed in the recess.

A hole is made from the side of the entrance of the electrical conductors in the socket. With a narrow spatula, it is necessary to cover up all the voids and the joint of the end of the product with the surface of the walls. After the solution has solidified, the wires are threaded through, and the internal block of the outlet is installed.

Connecting to the network

The working mechanism of the socket is switched with the conductive conductors by inserting the ends into the terminals. Since the conductors "earth", "phase" and "zero" in the box must be located separately, and in the cable they are united by common insulation, you first need to remove the last one that connects them.

To do this, the insulation is removed from the wire cores and the excess ends are cut off. Experienced experts advise not to remove the surplus, but to leave a stock of 20 cm and hide it in a box.

All manipulations must be carried out very carefully to reduce the risk of damage to the veins. In the absence of a special stripper (a tool for stripping conductors from an insulating sheath), you can use a clerical knife or a sharp kitchen knife. Some DIYers remove the braid by heating the conductor with a lighter.

The relevant regulatory documents indicate that the marking of the conductors is carried out in accordance with GOST. So, the phase is often indicated in white, zero - in blue or blue, ground - in yellow-green.

When working with Soviet wiring, where white or black cores are predominantly located, the supply conductor must be checked before connecting it to the product. To avoid mistakes, it is often highlighted with a marker.

In order to prevent the core from skewing, first tighten the fastening screws, and then tighten them in turn until they stop. To give elasticity to the entire structure and prevent it from loosening in the middle of the product, it is necessary to tighten the bolt.

The final step is to install the outer panel. The cover is connected to the inside of the socket with a bolt in the middle. It is not worth tightening the fastener too much, so as not to damage the fragile plastic.

To check the strength of the fixation of the device, you need to insert the plug of any electrical appliance into it. If the socket is loose, remove the outer cover and tighten the spacer bolts more tightly. At the end of the procedure, install the decoration panel, and then turn on the power.

Replacing the outlet yourself is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. The most important thing is to follow the precautions and follow the instructions during the procedure.