Repairing the room, people are trying to achieve aesthetics. In order not to spoil the design, but to get a functional room, use internal sockets. In addition to being more aesthetically pleasing, they are also safe and easy to use. It is worth knowing what types of elements exist, what advantages they have.
Internal socket general specifications
Indoor outlet is more popular than surface mounted. This can be explained by the high level of security it provides. It is used mainly with hidden wiring. During installation work, such an outlet requires cutting a place in the wall for installation. If the wall is made of drywall, then there will be no problems with making a hole.
And in the case of concrete or brick partitions, you will have to make some efforts to achieve the desired result. Among the advantages that distinguish internal sockets, one can single out aestheticappearance. The device is literally recessed into the wall - only the outer part remains on the surface. The disadvantage of these devices is some difficulties in the installation process. They can occur in wooden houses.
Hidden sockets and switches: features and classification
All existing electrical outlets according to their design features can be divided into devices for open wiring and for hidden ones. The first option is resorted to only when a temporary outlet is needed. The dangerous part of the device is in a plastic case and is attached to the wall. Often these devices have a special backlight for the frame, a protective cover, a timer to turn off, child protection. Internal sockets are used only with hidden wiring.
The whole main part of the device is located in the wall. Outside, only the panel is fixed where the plug will be inserted. The latter, in turn, is pressed by a special spring-loaded part and a thrust system.
Grounding
According to the electrical circuit, products with and without grounding are distinguished. The internal socket with grounding has a special element in its design, which is connected to the ground wire. This type of device is recommended to be installed in rooms with high humidity. However, it is not uncommon for a ground wire to be missing.
Internal electrical sockets of this type are distinguished by the presence of a socket for pins, which are responsible for connecting the "zero" before the electricity supply starts. They are recommended to be used withpowerful consumers. The flush-mounted socket without earthing element is a two-prong model. These devices are used if the wiring in the apartment is only two-wire, and there are simply no opportunities for grounding.
Moisture protection
According to the type of protection against moisture, all electrical appliances (sockets and switches) are divided into standard devices and with an increased level of protection against moisture. The first ones have been successfully used for a long time in rooms with a normal level of humidity, and the moisture protection function is completely absent here.
Internal sockets with special protection are used in conditions of high humidity. It is an ideal choice for saunas, bathrooms, kitchens. This product is distinguished by the presence of a special rubber membrane and dense rubber rings. They also protect the device from moisture and water. Plastic covers help to remove condensation or water from the surface of the outlet. Some highly protected devices also have an additional cover, the task of which is to prevent moisture from getting inside.
Number of pads
According to the number of pads, electrical indoor sockets can be single, double or triple. The single one is distinguished by the presence of only one socket for connecting the consumer, while the rest have two and three. Multi-place devices are more common in kitchens, offices, or any other space where you need to connect a large number of consumers. On sale you can find internal sockets with a switch. Previously, suchwere only in Europe. Today they are successfully used in our country. This is a convenient solution that connects at the level of a lowered human hand.
IP44 socket and hidden socket markings
All electrical appliances are classified according to the level of safety. So, on sockets or switches you can see the marking in the form of IP letters and numbers. Here it means the level of protection of the device from various external influences.
The number (in this case "4") means that the device can withstand dust and other objects that are less than 1mm in size. The second digit indicates how protected the device is from moisture. All those products that are sold in stores and are marked IP44 are reliably protected from water and can even tolerate open splashes. Internal sockets of such a plan are the most common today both in our country and in Europe. They have optimal performance characteristics for installation in any type of premises.
Where can these sockets be installed?
You can mount such elements almost anywhere. This type of socket is suitable for installation in bedrooms, children's rooms, bathrooms and kitchens. They are well protected and their operation is completely safe. There are even child-resistant solutions on the market in the form of an additional casing, rubber seal and cover. But with all the safety for a person, it is not recommended to install these devices in garages, on the outer sides of the walls of houses, in car washes and everywhere,where there is a risk of water entering the socket.
Internet outlets
Along with electric sockets, there are also low-voltage sockets for computer networks. This is a very convenient solution for both home and office. With such devices, you can forget about the bundles of cables stretching across the floor.
The cord is usually hidden inside the wall, and computers and other equipment are connected to the network through this same battery. Installing the RJ-45 internal socket is quite simple. You need to make a niche in the wall, then cut the cable (twisted pair) and connect the wires by color to the contacts on the outlet. After that, everything must be securely fixed and tightly closed with an outer lid.
Recommendations for proper installation
Proper installation of an electrical outlet is a guarantee of safety, long and convenient operation of electrical appliances that will be powered from it in the future. Therefore, before installation, you need to know some rules. The optimum installation height for a standard residential apartment or house should be 300-800mm from the floor surface.
Of course, there are sockets that are installed above the plinth, but this is most likely an exception. If the element has a grounding contact, then the installation of the internal socket must be carried out at a distance of at least 500 mm from gas pipelines or heating devices. If children live at home, then it is better to set the point higher than it should be and indicated instandards. Installation of a double or single socket must be carried out in the same box. When it is necessary to install several devices that will be located next to each other, it is better to use two-block boxes. They will be connected to each other after the work is completed. Such fastenings are usually carried out using loops. The contacts of the previous socket are docked with the next one.
Installation instructions
First of all, the room is disconnected from the mains. Next, the installation site is determined. Then, using a drill, puncher or hammer, make a hole in the wall. It is desirable that the edges of the recess are as even as possible. After that, a plastic box is installed where the wires and the entire inside of the outlet will be located. There are two holes on the bottom. They must contain the cores of the electrical wire. To fix the socket box, you can use plaster mixtures, gypsum-based adhesives or gypsum. The process consists in lubricating any gaps with a solution.
It is best if the consistency of the material resembles soft plasticine. Next, remove the remnants of the solution and level the wall. The wire must be fixed in the box. After that, the cable is stripped by about 2 centimeters and fixed on the contacts of the socket block. First, the zero conductors of the cable are connected, then the phase conductors, and then the ground conductor. The process of fixing the wires is carried out using screws or springs. Then the block is attached to the socket. This can be done using sliding legs orthe same self-tapping screws that will pass through the entire surface of the socket and the socket. Then it remains only to install the plastic case and check the operation of the device.
Conclusion
So, we found out what internal sockets are. As you can see, this is a great way to hide unwanted elements. But they should be installed according to safety rules at the recommended height.
