One of the main electrical elements in an apartment or house is a socket. Without it, it is difficult to connect a household appliance to the network. Each owner should know how to make an outlet, as well as be able to install it, since the process is quite simple and anyone can master it without special skills. It is enough to know how to use simple tools. In addition, you must have a basic understanding of electrical safety.
Preparation
Before you make sockets in the apartment, you need to draw up a diagram where it should be indicated:
- mounting location;
- Load power and number of connections;
- wiring supply;
- connection method.
The places where sockets will be installed depend on the location of electricity consumers: TV, computer, refrigerator, washing machine, electric stove, etc. Where there are many pieces of equipment, it is advisable to install socket blocks (up to 5 pcs.). Ensure ease of connectiontemporary appliances: power tools, vacuum cleaner, chargers for gadgets. In case of high humidity, sockets with a degree of protection IP44 are used, with connection through the RCD from the control panel. An indicator that the sockets in the rooms are installed correctly is the absence of extension cords and tees.
Socket device
To reduce connection problems, sockets should adhere to the same standard. Previously, domestic products of the C5 type were installed in apartments, where there was no grounding, and the diameter of the pins was 4 mm. Now it has been completely replaced by a C6 euro socket with a 4.8 mm connector (German standard). Its power can reach several kilowatts. The basis of the socket is a contact block, which includes the following elements:
- The same phase and neutral contacts.
- Ground contact, located separately.
- Plastic or ceramic base (shoe).
- Lashing feet.
- Terminals for connecting wires to contacts.
Sockets come in indoor and outdoor versions. The first is installed in the socket, and the second - through the substrate on the wall surface.
Protection of sockets from external influences
Protection of sockets from environmental influences is classified according to European standards. Its degree is denoted by IP with two digits. The first means resistance to dust and solid objects. If it is 0, then the model is not protected in any way. The maximum level is expressed as 6. Thismeans that dust and solid particles cannot get inside in any way. The second digit (from 0 to 8) indicates the degree of protection against liquid ingress. Here, complete moisture insulation is provided at a value of 8. Maximum protection should not always be sought. Already at number 5, complete moisture insulation is achieved in domestic conditions.
Installation rules
It is recommended to install sockets at a height of 80 cm. It can be lower, but not less than 30 cm. If there is protection against moisture and RCD is used, a decrease in installation height is allowed. Now even the plinth is made with a socket if the wiring is done through it. So, it is convenient to connect outdoor appliances. In this case, there is no need for wall chasing. In a children's socket, along with switches, they are installed at a height of 150-170 cm so that the kids cannot reach them. It is customary for electricians to place a phase contact in a socket on the side of the window. If the wall is without it, the phase is on the left when facing the outlet.
During installation, a small margin of wire is left in case of its temperature deformations. The cable is passed under the terminal block. With a large thickness, the outer shell is removed. If a wire is drawn around the block, the phase is conducted separately. It is allowed to insert two wires into the terminal when creating a group or module. Connection by wires through the socket of other stationary consumers is not allowed. For this, a socket module with a built-in terminal block is used.
Tools and materials for working with electrical fittings
For the works youyou will need the following tools:
- Voltage indicator.
- Straight and Phillips screwdrivers.
- Pliers with insulated handles.
- Side cutters.
- Knife for mounting.
- Cotton and vinyl electrical tape.
- Insulating caps type C.
- Cold solder.
- Silicone sealant.
- Electric drill with bits for drilling drywall or concrete.
- Punch.
- Dowels.
Basic workflow
If you are thinking about how to make an outlet, any little things will be important to you. One of them is the removal of insulation, which should be done by biting it with side cutters without touching the copper. Here it is important to develop a skill so as not to leave a bite on the metal, where corrosion and local heating from the load subsequently occur. For a beginner, a pliers with adjustment to the diameter of the wire is well suited.
Sockets often have to be moved to another location. To do this, you have to splice the wires. Despite the fact that modern installation methods do not recommend doing this, there is a reliable way to create such a connection. It is necessary to remove the insulation from the ends of the wires and twist them together with pliers. Then cold solder should be applied to the twist and immediately put on the insulating cap. After the paste hardens, the sealant is squeezed into the socket. The task - how to make sockets correctly - is first solved depending on whether it is installed in a wall or in a plasterboard partition.
Installation hiddenoutlets in concrete
Before installing the outlet, you must first conduct the wiring. When replacing an old outlet, you can use the wires already connected. Most often, for new wiring in the wall, a groove must be hollowed out. A wire is laid in it and sealed with alabaster or cement.
How to make a socket in a wall of concrete or brick? The hole for the socket box is selected with a crown. To install it along the plane of the wall, drilling is done with a margin in depth. The hole is filled with a solution of gypsum or alabaster. The socket is inserted into it and aligned. While the solution is liquid, a couple of "fleas" are screwed into it. It is important not to forget to thread the cable through the socket.
How to make a socket hole if a block of several pieces is installed? Drilling with a crown is also performed here, but you must first make an accurate markup. The wall under the block can be ditched in the same way as under the wiring.
How to make a socket at home in a plasterboard partition?
Gypsum board sockets have a distinctive feature: they have sliding or swivel stops. Installation technology is easier than in concrete:
- First of all, drywall should be drilled. The task (how to make a hole for a socket in a GKL with a diameter of 67 mm) is solved very simply, since the material is easily processed. A spatula bit or a fine-toothed saw will do here.
- The cable is pulled through the hole and pulled through the socket, which is installed in place and fixed.
- The wires are stripped and inserted intoterminals.
- The block is placed in the socket and fastened with paws.
- Install the cover and check how it fits to the wall. If necessary, the foot screws are loosened and re-tightened after adjusting the shoe position.
Location of outlets in the premises of the apartment
The question of how to make an outlet is important for any room in the house. Each room has its own specifics. And this must be taken into account when installing electrical accessories. Before you make sockets in the kitchen, draw up a sketch in advance, taking into account the placement of furniture and electrical appliances. The main rule for determining the number of outlets is that they should be at least 20-25% more than stationary and permanently connected consumers. Thus, for 10 devices there are approximately 12-13 outlets. In this case, additional tees and extensions are not needed.
For places where moisture and steam can enter, a minimum degree of protection of IP 44 is required. The same applies to the bathroom. In models that are not permanently connected to electrical appliances, plastic shutters for contacts are needed. Note! The total power of devices connected to one outlet should not exceed the nominal value. If it is designed for 2.5 kW, then it is impossible to simultaneously turn on a microwave oven for 1 kW and an electric kettle for 2 kW. In places where office equipment is connected in the office or a group of appliances in the kitchen, blocks are used. The sockets of the module are connected by a loop - in parallel to each other and with a common power supply. For this you can usespecial combs or continuous wire stripped at the contacts with the terminals. Grounding is connected separately to each outlet. Otherwise, all leakage currents will be collected on the first of them.
Socket from switch
Power supply lines to lighting and sockets are usually separated. If you need to put an additional connector and do not conduct wiring from the shield, you need to know how to make a socket from the switch. The connection is made in one junction box. The socket is connected to zero and power phase. Zero is fed directly to the lamp. The phase is connected through the switch to its other terminal. Thus, the outlet is constantly energized, and the switch operates independently of it.
Connecting left outlet
Sometimes it becomes necessary to connect the welding machine to the network in the country. To do this, you need to know how to bypass a low-power meter, and how to make a left outlet into which you can connect a powerful load. To do this, in an inconspicuous place, they are connected to the supply input in front of the control device. Here, an additional circuit breaker should be installed for the load. Otherwise, a fire may occur when a short circuit or excess current exceeds the rating.
If the load is small, the craftsmen install the left socket after the meter and connect the phase with the "collective farm" zero to it. For example, from a metal water pipe. Then, when electricity is supplied, the meter will not rotate. But atthe connected load at a self-made zero voltage appears, which is life threatening. In addition, electricians easily find such tricks, and this threatens with a considerable fine.
Conclusion
If you follow all the installation rules, you can install the socket at home yourself. As you can see, it's not that difficult. In this case, you should know how to make an outlet, as well as pre-select all the necessary tools and materials. Solving complex problems of installing electrical fittings should be trusted to professionals.
