Every gardener or owner of a summer cottage thought about placing an outlet outside his home. This solution will allow you to permanently get rid of uncomfortable "carrying" when using power tools. However, only outdoor sockets are suitable for outdoor installation, which have a number of features and differences from home appliances.
Features of the device of street sockets
The first distinguishing feature of street appliances, which immediately catches the eye, is the appearance. As a rule, products seem more massive and "severe" compared to their "brothers". This is due to the type of material used in the manufacture of the case. This is galvanized steel or heat-strengthened plastic.
On the body of the product there are necessarily gutters and flanges that drain water from the wires. Power cable glands are equipped with silicone or rubberized gaskets that tightly fit the entrances. The outlet may have a protective door.
The presence of a protective membrane inside the case is the second distinguishing feature of street outlets. It protects the contacts from clogging with dust and dirt, as well as from the penetration of moisture into the interior. The contacts themselves are made of metals with good conductivity. Typically copper or bronze-plated steel.
Types of outlets for the street
To be fair, all outlets intended for outdoor installation must be waterproof. Therefore, it makes no sense to look for a special type of outdoor waterproof devices. Now the products are mainly divided into two groups according to the installation method:
- Invoices. They are installed directly on any stable object - a wall, a pole, a high curb. Such devices are equipped with hinged lids, as well as a rubber gasket between the bottom and the surface.
- Embedded. Mounted in special mounting holes. The kit should include a plastic socket and sealing pads.
Recessed street sockets after installation look more attractive, better protected from moisture and encroachments of hooligans. However, they are more expensive, and some difficulties may arise with their installation.
Degree of protection
The degree of protection of the socket from various factors of influence must comply with the global IP standard - the classification system for the protective shells of electrical appliances from the ingress of foreign objects, water and moisture. It is defined by two indicators– resistance to penetration by solid objects (first digit after the abbreviation) and moisture protection characteristics (second digit after the letters IP).
There are only eight levels of protection against moisture. The table will introduce you to them better.
Obviously, it makes no sense to buy a street outlet with a water protection level higher than the fifth, especially since the “higher” IP value, the more expensive the outlet is.
Resistance to penetration of solid objects also implies the protection of a person from penetration to electrical parts. For an outdoor device, the first digit must be at least 4. This means that you cannot get close to the contacts even with a wire only 1 mm thick. If you live in an arid climate, then it is better that this level is not lower than 5, when only dust can penetrate inside. The number 6 indicates that the socket is protected even from dust.
Placement rules
The most secure sockets will be of no use if you place them incorrectly. Therefore, before going to the store, carefully study the place of the future installation. If you need an outdoor socket for a garden or kitchen garden, a place where there are no buildings, then it is better to give preference to built-in appliances.
If you want to place an outlet on a veranda, terrace or in an open garage, then you can use overhead varieties. The main thing is that the product is protected from direct water flow. Otherwise, under the pressure of a large numberfluid, it will fail sooner or later.
Home electrical network analysis
When installing an outlet, you will do the right thing if you call the wizard. However, not everyone has such an opportunity, therefore, when installing an electrical street outlet on your own, one should not forget about safety and certain rules.
The first thing you need to do before installation is to take into account the parameters of the home electrical network. The socket must be connected in such a way as not to create an overload on a particular wire. Therefore, it is better if the cable comes directly from the meter, and not from another electrical appliance.
Before installing an outdoor appliance, you need to think about creating the possibility of its emergency shutdown. The easiest way is to install the switch in front of the power wire. When planning to create a system from sockets, it is better to adapt a control panel with toggle switches for them.
Connection features
If you are going to install several electrical appliances on the site at the same time, you should buy an outdoor socket block. Outwardly, it is a small column in which sockets are already mounted. All you need is to fix the unit securely and run the power cable to it.
There are several ways to bring this cable - pull it between the input and output device, lay it underground, or fix it on the wall. With frequent and strong gusty winds, it is better to hide the wiring underground by placing it in front ofthis in a protective box.
When installing a single outlet, remember that it is located in an accessible place. The optimal height is 90-120 cm. In addition, when supplying an electric cable, it is necessary to remember the maximum power of the consumer, and measure the thickness of the wire section with it. Usually, cables capable of withstanding a load current of 16 A are suitable for outdoor appliances.
Outdoor socket manufacturers
In our country, street sockets manufactured by Simon and Legrand are popular. The Spanish company Simon is a recognized supplier of electrical equipment for the home, office and outdoors. The products are renowned for their excellent value for money. Products are made in the style of minimalism, mainly in gold, white and gray.
The cost of sockets varies - from 250 for single devices and up to 700-900 rubles for sets. Buyers note the high strength of products, ease of installation. All products are equipped with protective doors.
The French company Legrand conquered its customers with original design solutions. The company's catalog contains several collections that contain all the elements for home improvement - from sockets and switches to lamps. The cost of production starts to grow from 300 rubles.
Users note the elaboration of every detail, the versatility of devices. Only a high price for a particular product you like can push you away from a purchase.
Purchasing Tips
When choosing outdoor appliances, focus on your needs. If you need a simple and reliable design without frills, then choose IP65 waterproof outdoor sockets. Such a product will withstand the onslaught of dust, dirt, and a direct stream of water.
If your site is an original work of art, then focus on the design of devices. Perhaps then the best option would be to buy an outlet block. But in any case, do not forget that the device meets the minimum security requirements.
