Overhead sockets and switches: installation and connection with their hands

Electricity is used everywhere. Device providing access to this necessary for all the resources are very important for the consumer. Among them are unprofitable outlets and switches - an extremely simple equipment installation and operation.

Every handyman if you want to easily be able to install such a device. We'll tell you how to fix it and connect to the power lines. Taking into account our recommendations, you will be able to build a smoothly functioning and safe for the network.

The proposed consideration article provides step by step installation instructions. We have described in detail the design features of overhead wiring accessories. In order to optimize the perception of extensive information to the text accompanied by useful diagrams, photo collections and manuals, video.

How are overhead outlet

In the manufacture of modern sockets using a modular approach. That is, the outlet mechanism is executed as a separate unit or a functional unit. It can be installed in almost any standard device. Decorative same module or pad can be easily removed and replaced by the owner, it is very convenient.

Replacing the pads is very easy, given that when you install only the mechanism is fixed to the wall.

Both modules, and decorative and functional, made of dielectric materials, which are not case sensitive to temperature, do not break down and do not change color when exposed to an electromagnetic field, or UV-radiation.

To the path of current flow was undesirable additional compounds terminals and receptacles socket constitute a single assembly in a form branching plate from which a receiver configured nest.

Contact reliability depends on the quality of the mechanical connection of wires to the terminals. The latter can be of two types:

Screw-type terminals

The wires are connected with the conductive elements by means of screws. The main difference between these terminals is a significant force with which the wire is clamped, which ensures good contact and good retention of the cable.

To prevent spontaneous unscrewing fastener due to heat or vibration screws in such terminals is desirable to use together with spring washers.

Features clips

Inside the terminal there is a spring-loaded plate which fixes the end of the wire and firmly presses it to live parts. The advantage of this system lies in the ease of wiring.

However, the clamping force of the cable to control virtually impossible. If it is insufficient, it is noted in the installation phase will not succeed. But then with a weak rosette pin quickly goes down.

Quite often, more than one wire is connected to the terminals of the socket, but two. Therefore, in the spring and screw terminals provided with two holes for wires and two seats.

All outlets have at least two receptacles and two isolated terminals. special arrangements with the third terminal used for wiring a three-conductor wire - the so-called "earth."

The main difference between surface-type socket from its embedded counterpart is that it is installed on the wall surface, and does not delve into it. This greatly simplifies the installation of the device, but rather spoils an interior painting. Overhead power outlet is most often used to connect to an open wiring, but can work with hidden wiring if necessary.

Where to install the overhead outlet

The use of overhead elektoustanovochnyh products most often associated with the device wiring in country housesWhose walls are composed of parallel bars, or conventional logs. However, hidden cable routing in wood carved in the channels is admissible if the cable harness is stretched across the self-extinguishing sleeves.

However, the process of the device unnecessary costs on the criteria of cost and labor effort. Besides channel selection can reduce the carrying capacity and impact baffles are not heat-insulating characteristics of the whole construction.

Construction of open wiring on the wooden walls of the justified cost reduction and enable easily monitor her condition. This option allows you to easily detect and fix damage to his own change sockets with switches not only in the event of their failure, but if you want to convert design premises.

Wiring the latest generation of devices - so-called retro sockets and switches significantly different from historical predecessors. They are produced in a wide range of variants differ in the degree of protection and decoration.

Instructions for installing the bill outlet

Before starting work, we need to prepare all the necessary tools. We need: pliers, straight or Phillips screwdriver, a pencil, a sharp knife, and clerical better cutter.

Depending on the material from which made the wall may still need tools for drilling: drill or a hammer. Cable connecting socket type applicator may be routed hidden, for example, in the cavity wall or Stroebe.

But most of the wire is laid open way: in the cable channel, corrugated pipe or just on top of the wall. Regardless, the connection procedure is carried out about the same. A detailed look at all the stages of the process.

Disable power supply

The first thing that should always start with the electrical devices, the power supply is off. To do this, open switchboard and turn off the machines. Most often, it needs to translate the position of the handle on the relevant machine to "down."

You should know that usually one machine is "responsible" is not for all the sockets, but only for some of them. For convenience, the device is usually signed.

If it is not possible to determine the appropriate machine we empirically. To do this, in turn disable each circuit breaker and indicator screwdriver check the presence of voltage in the wiring. As soon as he is not present, then the desired machine is found.

Those who do not want these experiments, it may be advisable to disable all circuit breakers on the shield. After confirming the absence of voltage on the wire, you can proceed to the next step.

As we already know, the socket consists of two main elements: a functional module or mechanism, and a decorative panel - housing. To install the device, you must first remove the case. To do this, take a Phillips screwdriver or a straight, it depends on the model of the socket and unscrew the central fixing screw on the decorative panel. Then carefully remove the casing.

Marking the wall outlet and preparation

Some difficulties with the analysis of the outlet may occur if you want to install the device in the moisture-proof housing. They are distinguished by the presence of the lid that closes the device.

In this case, first open the lid, thereby obtaining access to the clamps, which hold the decorative panel outlet. Then gently squeeze screwdriver and disconnect the front panel of the device.

Now we need to choose location for the outlet and attach the mechanism to the wall. To do this, we take it and apply to the place where he would be.

Align the position of the workpiece horizontally, then we take a pencil and introducing it into each fastening hole, to envisage the plane of the points at which are disposed mounting. All operations are performed accurately, since an error in the markup will lead to the fact that the outlet will be installed obliquely.

Fastening device mechanism

Depending on the material from which made the wall, fixing the procedure may vary slightly. Consider the most common variant with the concrete surface.

First, using a drill or punch holes in the carry out target point. Their depth and diameter must fit dowels prepared for anchorage.

The resulting paste dowels holes, so called plastic plugs that provide good adhesion of self-tapping screws to a wall. Then applied to the base of the socket mechanism and securely fix it with screws or self-tapping screws. We check the quality of the resulting fixing. Of its strength depends on the durability and reliability of the new outlet.

Prepare wires for connection

Depending on what we model sockets, steps can vary. Perhaps you'll first need to bring the cable inside the box.

Most often, this type of sockets on one of the sides of the housing cap runs, on which there are several possible openings of different diameters. In this case, only it remains a sharp knife or cutter to remove the right cover and get a hole under the wire.

If the plug is not present, it is less convenient, but not hopeless. It is necessary to cut the hole yourself. Thereafter, the wire is put into the shell and is cut so that the length of the segment remaining enough for the connection.

With the cable supplied to the mechanism needed cut insulation. Then, each of the cores is detachable and we clean to metal. The length of the exposed conductor should reach 0.8-1 cm.

Connecting to a cable mechanism

When installing overhead outlets is important not to make a mistake in connecting the wires. If the wiring is used two-core cable, one of the wires is zero, the second - phase. They are connected to different terminals.

A little more complicated with the three-core cable. In this case, the extreme terminals fixed phase and zero in the center - ground. There is no problem if a person engaged in connecting knows exactly designation of wires, but this is not always the case.

The easiest way to define the zero phase and ground, if the wiring complied with color coding. According to this working zero or neutral will always be in the blue-white or blue exclusion protective zero or ground - in the yellow-green braided.

The wire of any other color, most often it is red, white, black or brown, will phase. Unfortunately, in houses with old wiring no color coding.

In this case, you need to determine where a wire. The easiest way to do this for two-wire wiring. We will need a screwdriver indicator. When touched, it wires under tension and the simultaneous closure of the contact on the back of the tool body indicator lamp lights.

If this happens, it means that the phase is found. The second wire, respectively, will work zero or neutral.

To deal with the three-core cable required special multimeter instrument. First, on the switchboard must disable ground. Then determine the phase and then sequentially "ping" by the device pairs of wires.

With simultaneous touch phase and working field on the monitor device will be a value, at the touch of working and protection zero - no.

Installation of decorative and insulating cover

The procedure may vary slightly depending on the model bill outlet. If we are dealing with separate housing, insert into it a mechanism to secure the wire, cover the front panel and fix it.

If the mechanism and a housing are integrally, put in place the decorative panel. When necessary to cut the edge of the housing so that the cable is loosely fitted. Fasten the front panel. Our installation is finished, you can check the operation of the device.

To learn how to properly plan the location of the outlets in the kitchen, you can learn from popular articles our website.

Device features overhead switches

The most common one-button switch is a switch-off device with a normally-open contacts. Its working principle is very simple.

Inside the device is a movable contact mechanism. The last key is pressed, it takes one of two possible positions: on or off. In the first case the electric circuit closes, in the second - is opened.

Important Note: Only phase must be connected to the contacts of the switch. The device design is extremely simple and includes two basic elements: a working mechanism and details of protection. The latter include the Button to switch modes and frame body. The contact group one-button switch has two contacts. One of which is considered to be the exhaust, the other - appropriate.

The first phase is connected, which goes to the lamp, the second - phase, which comes to the switch. The manufacturer usually marks the contacts operating mechanism, indicating suitable and effluent contacts.

However, if such labeling is not present, there are no problems, because the device has to work equally well in any variation. Like the switches, contacts, terminals can be screw or clamping.

The first considered to be more reliable in operation, the second - easier to install. The main difference between overhead switches is that they are mounted directly on the wall surface.

Appearance of such devices plays embedded counterparts, but they are easier to install. Used overhead switches with open wiring, but can function with concealed system.

The process of installing one-button switch applicator

First you need to prepare all the necessary tools for the job. We'll need pliers or tongs, a sharp knife or cutter stationery, electrical tape, pencil and level.

In addition, the attachment should be prepared. For wooden or plasterboard walls will be enough screws, concrete and brick need dowels and punch or drill to drill holes for them. still need disassemble switch and remember how dismantled to gather again. Getting Started.

In order to ensure the personal safety of the installation to begin off the power supply. It is sufficient to turn the lever on the respective circuit breaker at the switchboard position "down".

If you are unsure which of the machines is "responsible" for the desired group of switches, the easiest way to disable them all. After that you need to make sure that the voltage on the wire and the work is not available, what can be done with a screwdriver indicator.

#1. Preparing for installation

We start with the key. It must be removed. To this end, we undertake the protruding side of the key, gently squeeze and pull them over. Axial directional keys come out of the slots, and it comes off easily.

If you are unable to take up the item with the sides can try to pull the protruding part of any key. But if that does not happen, it is to take a flathead screwdriver, gently pry the very key and remove it.

Now we have the front panel switch, followed by a working mechanism is hidden. It also must be removed. In different models, it can be mounted in different ways. The most common variety with clamps that are easily squeezed flat screwdriver. The panel can be easily removed. In some cases you will have to unscrew the screws. It remains to reach an operating mechanism of the switch housing.

#2. Enclosure attachment to the base

To properly set the bill switch, you must first mount it on the wall. To do this, take the case and applying it to the place of fixing. Take the level of detail and set horizontally.

Making sure that the housing is located exactly on the level, we take a pencil, insert it in turn to the mounting holes on the chassis and make the basting. The resulting layout use to prepare the wall for installation.

Actually, the way to fix the breaker body on the wall depends on how it is made of any material. We consider the most complicated option - concrete. Hammer or a drill hole strictly perform the intended points.

Choosing a drill diameter so that it matches the size of dowels. Just define the depth and future openings. Once they are ready, hammering dowels.

Putting a case of the switch in place and fix it with the dowel-nails. We are doing work carefully so as not to damage the plastic parts. The enclosure must be well fixed on the basis that there is no slack and mobility. Take the level and once again control the position of the workpiece. If detected skew - correct it by removing the body and performing a new opening.

#3. Connecting the device to the wiring

First, we need to bring the cable into the switch housing. This is most easily done with devices that have on one of the walls are made special plugs. Even better, if the cap is divided into several parts with different diameters.

In such a case will only be cut with a sharp knife and an element of the proper diameter hole for the cable set. If the hole for the cable is not provided by the body, will have to do it yourself.

Suitable for the switch cable, if necessary, prune and plant inside the body. If the wire is laid inside plastic corrugated, it is also omitted in the case. So the connection will look more aesthetically pleasing. A sharp cutter or knife to remove the insulation of the cable and divides it into individual wires. Each of them is carefully we clean a height of about 0.7-1 cm.

To properly connect, you must know exactly what purpose wires. How to do this has been described in the case of the installation of shear wall outlet. Take a phase conductor, with proper marking it will be insulated white color, and the plant in its terminal designated as L. Another control carried out in the plant in the green braided terminal designation 1. twirl fixing bolts if necessary.

#3. Assembly - final stage

It remains to assemble the unit. First inserted into the box housing the operating mechanism and fix it in the way required by the device model. Then we put on the front bezel.

We make sure that the locking stood correctly. After that you can put in the key frame. Do it carefully so excessive force is not sufficient to break the frangible member.

The switch is installed and ready to work. Hold another working test device. We have reviewed the installation procedures and connecting the most simple one-button switch.

For two and three-key device technology of the work will be roughly similar. The main difference will be in the scheme of the device connection, where each key will be connect "their" lighting fixture.

Conclusions and useful videos on the topic

Video # 1. Phase detection wires before mounting elekroustanovochnyh products:

Video # 2. The process of installing and connecting the exposed wiring outlet:

Video # 3. How to install the bill switch:

Overhead switches and sockets do not require specially prepared recess in the base, so their installation is quite simple. Yet we should not forget that the work to be with electrical equipment which requires special cautious attitude.

If experience in electrical work there, and the wiring in the house is old and there is no marking on it, it is better to seek help from an electrician.

Want to tell about how to install and connect personally consignment model outlet? Would you like to share specific subtleties of installation, which are not mentioned in the article? Please write comments in the box located below.