Outdoor socket: features, structure, selection criteria

Sometimes it becomes necessary to connect devices in non-residential and utility rooms, for example, in garages, saunas or greenhouses. This can be done by using an external socket, which will allow the safe use of electrical equipment, while being protected from adverse influences.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among benefits of using external or overhead sockets, the following can be noted:

• Easy to install without the need for a socket.
• Convenience of connection to hidden and exposed wiring.
• Protected from dust, dirt, moisture and children's access to contacts.
• Possibility of installation in various conditions and premises. For example, they are fixed to the ceiling, or installed inside a cabinet or decorative fireplace.

Outdoor sockets also have disadvantages: insufficient protection of the wire insertion site, susceptibility to damage to the case and an unattractive appearance due to its shape.

These products protrude above the wall surface and, unlike built-in ones, also subject to base wear. External sockets are most often used in utility rooms: in garages, sheds, greenhouses. Built-in products are most common in apartments and houses due to these shortcomings.

External socket design

it the wiring product consists of from several parts:

• Front panel. Made of low-flammable polycarbonate, metal, glass or wood can also be used. This will allow you to select the most suitable outlet for your situation.
• The base can be made of ceramic, plastic or polycarbonate. The first material is characterized by high resistance to fire, but low - to mechanical damage. Sockets from it can be installed indoors.
• Plastic is susceptible to fire and melting, while having a high mechanical resistance. It can also give off harmful substances and give off an unpleasant odor. Polycarbonate bases are characterized by the least flammability.
• Contacts can be made of brass without tinning and with it, as well as bronze. The first option is the least expensive. Tinned brass is a more reliable material that is less prone to oxidation. The highest quality contacts are made of bronze. They hold the plugs best.

There are two ways to connect the conductor to the socket connectors: screw and clamp. The first of these is less reliable, since the tightening may loosen. To avoid overheating and fire of the product, these fasteners should be tightened from time to time. The most reliable fastening mechanism is the clamping mechanism. It will provide flawless contact throughout the entire period of use.

Varieties of devices

Outdoor sockets are available with or without grounding. In the first case, the connection and use of devices will be safer. To devices requiring grounding, include various high power heaters, washing machines and computers. If the insulation breaks through in the device, then the excess current will go into the ground, and the potential difference between it and the person will be non-lethal. Products without grounding are distinguished by their lower cost and depth of protrusion.

There are single and multi-socket sockets that differ in the number of connectors. To protect against water ingress, as well as from children, a special cover is provided. It is equipped with a spring that keeps it closed and makes easy access difficult.

Selection Tips

When buying, you should trust the products of well-known manufacturers. A poor quality product can cause electrical injuries or fire. When choosing, you need to focus on several fundamental criteria. For example, the degree of protection against water and dust, the ratio of rated voltage and current. If the front panel is made of high quality plastic, then it will be beige or white.

Installation instructions

First, you need to de-energize the room and make sure that there is no voltage at all with a probe. Followed by disassemble the product into its component parts. The base of the socket is attached to the wall, after which the installation points are marked, to which it is attached using dowel nails or screws. Remove the plug from the housing itself, and insert the cable into the resulting hole.

The wires are stripped and connected according to generally accepted rules. First, the outer sheath of the cable is removed, and then one centimeter of insulation is removed from each core. The phase wire (L) is often painted white or gray, and the neutral or neutral (N) is blue or blue.

They are connected to the corresponding terminals. Then you should place the connector in the socket housing, pressing firmly to fix the latches. At the very end, a faceplate is installed, and the cable entry point is sealed. After that, you can apply electricity and check the operation of the outlet.