One of the most important household chores is the installation of sockets and switches. And at first glance, it would seem that everything is simple. But there may be some complications here. First of all, the device must be safe for children. In addition, electromagnetic interference can often occur, which must be suppressed by installing special filters. If you install the outlet correctly, then these filters will not be needed.
Content
- Important nuances
- Design features of the device
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Varieties of devices
- The "lifesaver" model
- European counterparts
- Safety regulations
- Required tools and materials
- Some Tips
Important nuances
When installing sockets and switches, you should adhere to some installation rules. Only if they are observed, safety and quality installation is ensured. Before starting work, you must turn off the electricity in the entire building or apartment. That is, after turning off the light, all operations are done, such as knocking out strobes, drilling holes and holes, laying a cable and connecting it to an outlet. Only then is electricity supplied to test the system's functionality.
Each wire is checked by a phase indicator before connection. Performing installation work, it must be remembered that tension can appear at any timetherefore, prematurely checking the wire for voltage is very important. It is also important not to touch exposed wires during installation.
In cases where a sudden electric shock, it should be remembered that safety primarily depends on the speed and reaction of the worker. In this case, a person can get the following bruises:
- in 0.2 seconds (average reaction speed) - causes discomfort;
- in 1 second - trembling, painful sensations and chills, which without timely medical care may increase, hospitalization will be required;
- in 10 seconds - fibrillation of the heart muscle, fainting (without hospitalization ends mainly in death).
In this regard, it is necessary to react in time not only to the person who has been electrocuted, but also to those around him. It is better to immediately pull off the worker. But you need to remember that in this way you can take on part of the blow.
Design features of the device
Before installing the outlet and switch with your own hands, you should understand their design. This will help you avoid making a lot of mistakes while working. Structurally, the socket consists of three key elements: an assembled terminal block, a front cover and a socket. The latter two perform only a decorative function, and only the block is related to the electrical part.
The block, in turn, consists of the following components:
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Mounting feet. They can be firmly fixed and stationary, or they can be screwed from side to side for adjustment. - Two contacts - plus and minus (ground).
- Terminals that serve as a wire clamp.
When choosing sockets, you need to pay attention to the type of legs. Movable ones are more difficult to install, but they make it possible to adjust the position of the case in any direction, that is, you can mount the device exactly along the wall. In addition, two-toothed feet should be preferred, as they are more reliable. Single-tooth structures will loosen faster.
The wires can be attached to the pins with screws or have their own pins. The latter option is more reliable. In the first case, the wires must be bare, carefully worked out with solder and then tightened tightly onto the bolts.
The terminals can also be of two types - screw and brush. The first ones must be tightened with screws, and the second wires are simply inserted, while the mechanism fixes them on its own. But the so-called brushes also have their drawbacks. It will not be possible to remake them a second time, since the wires will have to be pulled out by force, and the brushes break at the same time. Screws before twisting should be done with cold solder.
Varieties of devices
Both sockets and switches can be single, double or triple. But the latter are not as popular as the first two options. They are combined into one array, have a common cover and socket. Socket group - several sockets installed in one row. To mount a module (array) of sockets or a socket group, a conventional socket is used.
In addition, devices may have other add-ons. For example, connectors for connecting the Internet, television, a landline phone, setting a timer, a sensor that turns off the positive contact when you touch the outlet, and the like. The socket or switch is usually mounted in a special junction box, which is prematurely installed in a hole in the wall.
The "lifesaver" model
A simple and convenient modern surface-mounted socket model. It has many advantages, but also disadvantages can be noted.
The "go-to" model allows you to:
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Completely replace the socket and socket outlet, if necessary, while the decorative wall covering does not deteriorate, since the cover completely covers the mounting plate. - Replacing old sockets with devices of the "Euro" standard will not be a difficult task, moreover, there is no need to remove the socket and spoil the decorative coating.
- Using a special socket box, you can install devices in a plasterboard covering of increased strength and reliability.
- With the same socket, they can be mounted in wooden walls. If an arc occurs, a short circuit will occur through the metal cage, and it will not propagate further.
European counterparts
If we compare the factor of consumer needs, then the “rescue” model is not the best option. The opposite of these characteristics is the device with retractable sockets. It is gaining popularity very quickly in the countries of the European Union.
Although, on the other hand, such a device has a low level of safety, since fires have become more frequent due to the installation in the wall of the entire device. Although the socket is convenient, since it does not spoil the interior of the room, and if necessary, it is pulled out, but this is more a marketing ploy than a useful function.
Safety regulations
Previously, the installation height of sockets and switches was fixed and mandatory for everyone. That is, it was necessary to install the outlet at a distance of 80 cm from the floor, and the switch - 160 cm. Today, such norms are recommended, but not mandatory. According to European standards, the installation height of the socket is 30 cm from the floor, and the minimum is 25 cm. If mounted at a shorter distance, there is a possibility of a short circuit or fire while cleaning the floor. These standards are already popular in the CIS countries.
On the other hand, it is possible to install the outlets below, but only if there is an emergency power off system. Even if a short circuit occurs, there will be no consequences in the form of a fire, since the system will completely turn off the electricity supply. In this case, the number of sockets in the apartment does not matter. For children's rooms, on the contrary, it is necessary to install the sockets high from the floor, about 170 cm. This is to prevent children from reaching outlets. It is also necessary to equip sensors to disable the device when touched.
On the other hand, some rules for arranging outlets and terminating wires must be followed. They several times reduce the likelihood of an emergency, and also facilitate troubleshooting. Firstly, you need to remember that electricians, when installing sockets, plus are always diverted from the side of the window. If the position relative to the window is ambiguous, then the phase should be on the left side.
Secondly, it is impossible to fix the shortest possible wires directly into the terminals. This is due to the need to cut off part of the wire from time to time, strip the end of the remaining one and re-attach it to the terminals, since it burns out over time, deforms. When connecting, the cable is passed under the contact group.
If you run the wires under the block, it should be borne in mind that the plus and protection must be circled on one side, and the minus on the other. In this case, two wires can be fixed to each terminal. It should be remembered that stationary lamps or other consumers of this type cannot be directly plugged into sockets. This is contrary to general safety regulations.
The installation of switches is almost the same as the installation of electrical outlets. The same installation methods are used, they are mounted in a box, and there is a socket. If the switch is single-pole, then you need to mount the wire only in the phase gap. On the minus, this is absolutely impossible to do. Finding a plus on the switch is easy. It is also located by all rules on the left side.
Previously, a well-known trick was used when, in order to save money, they brought any wires to the switch, and the cut plus was left in a junction box under the ceiling. Today, such a technique is unacceptable.
Required tools and materials
As with any other similar work, before starting it is necessary to prepare all the tools and materials that may be needed during the execution. The durability of the structure will depend on the quality of the materials, and how easy it will be to put everything together will depend on the tools.
In order to put an outlet or switch, you need to prepare the following:
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Screwdriwer set. - Phase indicator (voltmeter, tester).
- Pliers with handle insulation.
- Assembly and stationery knife.
- Nippers.
- Vinyl tape.
- Insulating caps for carrying outlets.
- Cold solder.
- Insulation stripper.
- Drills, dowels and the like.
- Gypsum.
- Electric drill.
- Silicone sealant.
Sometimes electrical tape can be used as a damper, that is, windings in places where they pass through various holes, and not as insulation.
Some Tips
First you need to understand some insulation stripping techniques. For example, professional electricians remove it in their own way. Use side cutters to cut through the wire insulation. This should not be done to the end, the copper part cannot be cut through, and then pulled to the side.
In this matter, the main thing is to fill your hand. Professional craftsmen do such an operation "blindly", and the possibility of the formation of snacks is very unlikely. Another thing is novice electricians, in whom snacks are formed in most attempts.
It is also important to understand the general principles of splicing wires. It is necessary to do such an operation if it is necessary to move the outlet to another place. According to safety rules, splicing of wires is not recommended. But if you need to put the outlet in a certain place, then all that remains is to break the decorative trim. Therefore, the general rules can sometimes be disregarded.
When installing in a concrete wall, you need to know the thickness of the finish. The edge of the socket should be flush (parallel) with the wall. The device is mounted in drywall using special socket boxes with sliding supports.
It is not difficult even for an inexperienced novice master to install an outlet or switch in the house. The main thing is to adhere to a clear algorithm of work, listen to the advice of electricians. Here you need to carefully do the work, and the result will not be long in coming. At the same time, the smell of burning from burnt insulation will never be felt in the house. Also, it is worth installing only high-quality equipment, and using professional tools.
