A socket is one of the components of the electrical network, without which the task of connecting devices is much more complicated. Despite the large number of existing models (waterproof, dual, grounded), the basic principle remains the same.
Indeed, the socket makes it possible at minimal cost to provide a safe connection to the network of electrical appliances for any person, even without an access group.
Part of the whole
Although the socket is a structurally complete device, it cannot be fully operated without a plug, with which it creates a detachable connection using copper sliding contacts. In other words, the relevance of the solutions used is important. For example, a socket outlet with two sockets (holes) is designed for a corresponding plug with the same number of pins (pins), and the diameter should not exceed the allowable value.
Popular modifications
Consider what features are inherent in sockets,used in household electrical networks. One of the key differences is the case material (not to be confused with the outer cover). The socket can be made of ceramic or flame retardant plastic. The latter, despite its high performance, loses in terms of heat resistance (it deforms at high temperatures, caused, for example, by poor crimping of contacts) and allowable breakdown voltage (glass and ceramics are the best insulators, not polymers).
Now, when obsolete home wiring is being replaced everywhere, a plug socket with a grounding contact becomes indispensable. If in Soviet times a two-wire network (zero and phase) was considered the standard, now, according to the requirements of the PUE, a ground loop is installed and a third ground wire is additionally connected. This greatly improves electrical safety. It connects to a special contact in the sockets. Equipment that requires the use of grounding is sold with special plugs in which a housing is connected to the third contact. When the plug is turned on, not two, as before, but three wires come into contact. Such sockets can be of two modifications: when there are three pins on the plug, which are standardly included in the holes, and also (more convenient solution) with a spring-loaded sliding contact, which additionally fixes the included plug. The peculiarity of the latter is that, when turned on, first a grounding circuit is created, and then deepened power conductors.
In retail chains, you can find sockets of a special design, in which the holes are closed with plastic shutters that need to be moved with pins to insert the plug.
Installation of socket outlets
There are models for external (open) and internal installation. Sockets of the first type are used, as a rule, in conjunction with external wiring, in which the wires are not hidden in the wall, but fixed on small insulators or placed in cable ducts. Usually these are industrial premises, sheds, street chains. If the lower part of the socket is not equipped with a closing cover, then a plate of non-conductive material (textolite, wood) must be fixed to the base. Then disassemble the socket housing and use screws or bolts to place it on the prepared site. Wires can be connected both before installation on the basis, and after (required in a de-energized state of the network).
Models for concealed installation are equipped with internal metal "legs", which, when two screws are tightened, are moved apart, securely fixing the entire structure inside the mounting box. Installation is simple: a hole is prepared in the wall, the diameter and depth of which correspond to the selected plastic installation box; then a channel is made for the wire from the main line; the ends of the wires are connected to the outlet terminals intended for this; commit is performed; the outer cover is installed.
