Advantages of double sockets - important to know!
By purchasing double sockets, users are guaranteed the following benefits:
- A double socket, internal and external, is more economical in financial terms compared to a single design;
- The product has compact ergonomic dimensions and looks aesthetically attractive;
- The presence of the accessory makes it possible to connect two household appliances at the same time.
Modern double sockets are available according to price criteria. The cost of the product depends on the purpose and functionality of the device.
Final stage
The photo of the double outlets does not show any protruding wires. They are all neatly placed inside. There should be nothing unnecessary under the fastening tabs. Otherwise, the entire insulation system may be damaged. Bend the wires with a regular accordion. The installation is simply perfect in this case.
Then you slowly bury it inside. Everything is fixed using self-tapping screws or fastener tabs. Using a level you can always choose the optimal place. Its auxiliary part is then attached to the installation box.
At the end, all decorative elements must be installed. The socket should lie flush against the wall so that there are no gaps on all sides.
Never forget that although this is a double outlet, the load on it does not exceed the standard 16 Amps. The load cannot be increased 2 twice after connecting. When turning on a variety of electrical appliances, it is worth remembering these data.
Two single sockets are placed side by side if there is no extra space when working according to the European standard. Study the question carefully so that you can do everything yourself later.
Types of double sockets
Before making a choice and buying sockets, professionals recommend that you familiarize yourself with the quality characteristics, pros and cons, and criteria important for the productive operation of the accessory.
Mechanical protection
There are open and closed options. In a closed design, the connection elements are reliably protected, which is important if there are small children in the house. Open - a classic version of the product, found every day in homes, offices and other enterprises.
The cost of the open option is lower compared to the closed one. To ensure safety, the openings of open double sockets are closed with additional elements (plugs).
Double sockets with grounding
Double sockets with grounding are safe to use. When using the element, customers can be confident in their own safety. They will not be shocked or injured.
Correctly connected grounding contacts will make use comfortable.
Overhead and built-in
The surface-mounted double socket and the built-in socket differ in size and installation methods. The built-in option looks aesthetically attractive, matches the interior of the room, and is not annoying. External - easier to install, takes minimal installation time.
Housing tightness
The tightness of the housing can be determined by the markings. If the product indicates IP-45 or IP-55, the case has excellent strength parameters and is protected from moisture, dust and dirt. The higher the digital indicator, the more reliable and durable the overhead double socket.
For your information! Marking a product for leaks is important when purchasing a product for industrial enterprises operating at high capacities.
Additional functionality
Modern accessories may contain programming elements: timers, lights, sensors for connecting/disconnecting and others.
By giving preference to innovative options, the cost of the product can be several orders of magnitude higher.
Installing a block of several sockets
The most popular method of connecting single elements among home craftsmen is still the daisy chain method, even despite its shortcomings. In this case, next to the hole with the working cable, several more are drilled (1,2, 3 or 4), located at the same level, so before work it is necessary to apply the correct markings.
For the operation, use a ruler, level and marker (pencil). It is necessary to maintain the distance from the center of each element (72 mm), otherwise the decorative covers will not be able to be installed in place. When gating, the vertical (horizontal) lines are strictly observed and the same level is used for them.
In the center of all future holes, indentations are made: first, circles are punched with a crown, then the “excess” is knocked out using a chisel and hammer. If the walls are made of plasterboard, the operation is greatly simplified. The next stage is installing the socket box. It is better to choose models that can be connected to each other. They are fixed with mortar, in drywall - with claws located on the sides of the structures. Turn off the electricity. The cable is pulled out of the first socket box, the braid is removed from it, the best tool for this is a repair knife with a heel. Each of the 3 wires is stripped of 10 mm of insulation using a wire stripper. To create a cable, a wire similar to the “originals” is used; there is no other option. Remove the braid from the edge. 200 mm minimum for a block of 2 sockets, the required length depends on the number of holes, so the length is calculated independently. Then the piece is pushed from the second socket box to the last one. The exception is the protective conductor. Since the simple loop method with jumpers for grounding is prohibited by the rules (PUE), branches are made by cutting off pieces of the required length for each socket of the complex. They are connected to the main supply wire, crimped with pliers, and insulated with a heat-shrinkable tube. Then they are placed on the bottom of the box. The ends of the cable are stripped of insulation, then proceed to connecting the first outlet. They do this in the same way: first the phase on the left, then the neutral on the right, grounding in the center
The terminals are carefully but firmly tightened with a screwdriver. The socket is inserted, slightly aligned, but not secured with screws. Connect the next, second device, follow the same algorithm
Then the third, fourth, etc. After connecting all the elements, check the horizontal (vertical, if this installation method is chosen). The last stage is the installation of sockets with self-tapping screws, then stop paws and fixing the decorative panels. If there is a common frame, it is tried on, installed, then the covers are fixed one by one in the centers of the sockets. At this point, the question of how to connect a socket with 4 sockets (2, 3 or 5) can be considered in detail.
If such “fuss” is not too impressive, then you can get by with a purchased model - double, triple or quadruple. However, many owners are against this decision. The reasons for the failure are possible savings, the massiveness of such sockets, both buses equipped with two terminals, which sometimes lead to mistakes by novice craftsmen during installation. The result may be a short circuit, and such an emergency will negate all efforts and also destroy the new product.
Since there are two ways to connect a 4-socket outlet, the decision is up to the owners of the house. To get acquainted with all the pitfalls of working with electricity, it is better to look at the exemplary work of other craftsmen. For example, the one shown in this video:
Characteristics of sockets by voltage and frequency
Popular and in demand among domestic users are sockets with a voltage of 220V for connecting electrical appliances with a power of 3.5 kW. The limitations are due to the fact that low-power equipment is not able to cope with current strength that goes beyond 16A.
Products with voltage parameters of 240 and 380V are also available for sale. The sockets are intended for use in industrial enterprises where the current strength approaches 32A.
When choosing a product, pay attention to the frequency of alternating current. In our country, European standards with indicators of 50 and 60Hz are considered common.
Marking of sockets - description
Modern high-quality sockets have been improved to the maximum and have several protection parameters: from moisture, dust and dirt.
Marking is indicated by letter indicators (IP) and numbers:
- 0 – the product is not completely protected;
- 1 – protection against touching with fingers is provided and a ban on the penetration of solid particles larger than 5cm is provided;
- 2 - protection against touching with fingers and a ban on the penetration of solid particles with dimensions of 1.25 cm or more are provided;
- 3 – the socket is safe, provided with protection from accidental contact with power tools and other devices with dimensions larger than 2.5 mm;
- 4 – protection against penetration of solid particles with dimensions of 1 mm or more;
- 5 – the socket is partially protected from dust;
- 6 – maximum degree of protection, including against the ingress of microdust particles.
The second number indicated on the accessory indicates the degree of protection against moisture:
- 0 – device nodes are not protected;
- 1 – protection concerns vertical drops falling on the socket;
- 2 – protection concerns drops falling at an angle of 15 degrees;
- 3 – the device is protected from short circuiting when drops hit at different angles;
- 4 – the device is reliable, even if it gets splashed from the side;
- 5 – the presence of the second number 5 in the marking indicates that the socket can be washed, its operation is safe even if water enters the system without pressure;
- 6 – the device is capable of withstanding flows of water under pressure;
- 7 – it is allowed to immerse the element under water to a depth of no more than 1 m for a short time;
- 8 – deep diving is allowed;
- 9 – the device is completely sealed, it can be used under water for an unlimited time.
The indicated indicators are considered in relation to household appliances. There are also other markings indicating the strength of the case. They are rarely found on sale.
Common types
Power to current ratio
Manufacturers produce products that have a wide range of applications, designed for use in certain conditions.
Based on the number of consumers, products are divided into single and double. To create blocks of 3-5 points, sources are combined into one system.
Regarding the ability to withstand loads, the devices have the following power ratings:
- weak - 1.7 kW;
- medium - 3.4 kW;
- strong - 6.6-10 kW.
The most popular products in everyday life are those designed for a voltage of 230 V and a current of 16 A.
According to the level of protection against electric shock, products are divided into conventional and grounded. Protected sockets have external contacts that are connected to a separate terminal to which the ground wire is connected.
5-pin socket plug
Since devices and equipment with certain properties are used in various spheres of life, the sockets have a configuration corresponding to them.
The number of connectors is as follows:
- 2 - phase and zero;
- 3 - 2 phases and zero;
- 3 - phase, zero, ground;
- 4 - 2 phases, zero, ground;
- 5 - 3 phases, zero, ground.
Table of degrees of protection
The classification according to the degree of protection is as follows:
- IP 0-24 - no;
- IP 25-40 - against splashes;
- IP 41-54 - from weak water flows, equipped with a lid;
- IP 55 + - absolute, have a sealed plug.
The main difference between the products is the way they are placed.
Installing a new outlet yourself
Connecting a double socket requires connecting 2 structural elements to a single line. The first loop contains 6 wires, the 2nd loop contains 3 main wires. As a result, the first one receives the current and transmits it to the second one.
Schematically, the installation of a new outlet looks like this:
- Before installing the product, the ends of the wires are cut using wire cutters, after shortening them by 1 cm, the insulation is stripped;
- The stranded wire is tightly twisted;
- The internal structure is installed tightly and evenly in the socket box, pressed against the wall;
- The product is screwed on and fixed.
Important! Incorrect wiring connections may result in a short circuit. If you lack experience, energy and time, it is better to use the help of professionals.
How to install and connect?
The double socket has one design option - one socket box, a mounting part and two separated terminal blocks.
Maximum load on double socket 16A. Otherwise, it is recommended to install a separate branch for each point. To install the device you will need:
- Phillips and flat head screwdriver;
- braid cleaning tool;
- electrical tape and pliers.
To protect the cable in case of fire, the wires are installed in corrugation. During subsequent operation, this approach simplifies cable replacement and does not require breaking through walls. The installation process requires preparatory work.
The wires need to be identified. The instructions describe the corresponding color, phase is usually red or brown. Grounding is usually green or yellow. But the blue one is the neutral wire.
But it is better to first check with a special screwdriver, which will light up during the phase. Installation without grounding is much easier.
Before carrying out work, the machines are turned off to de-energize the line and carry out work in safe conditions. It is also worth checking the voltage in the places where the installation will be carried out.
Connecting an electric double surface
Unlike a single one, this model has one body, but two separated terminals.
The first step is to open the cable for which the knife is used. External insulation is removed. The wires should not be long, as this may interfere with subsequent installation. Ideally, expose the wires by 1 cm. In general, the supply of wires does not exceed 12 cm (short ones are lengthened). The work procedure is simple:
- Loosen the terminals that are designed to secure the wires.
- After installing the wires, tighten the bolts with a screwdriver. Make sure the fastening is secure and only then connect the electricity.
Be sure to place the wires in a glass, because over time the insulation of the wire may be damaged. Roll so that there are no strong bends. They should not be located under the mounting bolts in the socket box. For fastening, paws or screws are used, which is the final stage of installation. The socket box is leveled using a level and secured. After attaching the decorative trim, the socket is ready for use.
How to connect internal ones with grounding
The installation is the same as in the first case, only one more wire is involved, so you can figure it out yourself.
The installation scheme is simple: the grounding cable is fixed to the central or top terminal. In this case, the phase is placed on the right, zero (neutral) on the left. The socket box itself is easy to install; screw the bolts in a clockwise direction. During operation, the body weakens, so it is recommended to additionally treat it with alabaster.
Adviсe
During installation, each user must follow these recommendations:
- The wire used to connect the outlet must be made of the same material as the main cable. If the cable is made of aluminum, then the jumper is made of aluminum.
- Before carrying out work, turn off the machines and use a special device to check the voltage at the location of the upcoming installation.
- Select a whole block, then you won’t have to carry out additional repair work. The socket is put in place of the former one.
- For an apartment where there are small children, it is better to choose closed models, which guarantees safety.
- When connecting, it is important not to confuse anything and not to connect phase and neutral to one contact. In this case, a short circuit will occur, which is dangerous for the home.
- To extend the life of the socket, solder the bare ends or use a brass contact.
During installation work, many questions arise, so it is recommended to watch a video on installing a double socket.
There are many such videos on the Internet and everyone will find their own version. A double socket is an alternative to a regular socket, which allows you to connect two devices at once. It has a special design, which determines the installation method. But the process is so simple that installation is not difficult, even for a non-specialist. Having decided on the outlet model, do not forget about safety when connecting. The market offers a wide selection from popular manufacturers, so everyone will find a reliable model.
