He althy sockets are important for any home. They are a guarantee of safety during operation, and also will not provoke a fire from a short circuit. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor this element. In case of failure, the socket will need to be replaced. Consider how to do it yourself.
Tools and materials
For such work, you will need the following tools: a screwdriver, a current indicator or an indicator screwdriver, a hammer, a level, a primer brush, a small container for plaster, a narrow spatula, wire cutters or a knife.
For an operation such as replacing a socket, the following materials are needed: a socket, socket box, electrical tape, small-pack gypsum plaster, primer or PVA glue.
When choosing an outlet, you should understand which option is required - overhead or mortise. Better buy the latter. With proper installation, such an outlet will be firmly fixed, which will not cause it to fall out of the wall in the future. The hidden element is more aesthetically pleasing.
Preparation for work
Installation, replacement of sockets (switches as well)carried out during daylight hours with the power turned off. It is advisable to place the tool and materials conveniently at hand.
So, how to de-energize the power grid in an apartment or house? This is done using a toggle switch in the switchboard or by unscrewing the plugs in the meter. It all depends on what kind of automation system is worth. Be sure to check if the network is de-energized.
To do this, the indicator tool must be touched alternately to the socket contacts. If the light does not light up, then the system is de-energized. Both contacts are checked, because one of them is a phase, and the second is zero. And if the zero phase is checked in working order, the indicator will not light up.
Important
When working with an indicator screwdriver, press the metal button, which is located on top of the tool handle. If you do not press it, then even with a working network, the indicator will not work upon contact with the phase. After making sure that the network is de-energized, you can start work.
Dismantling the old outlet
It consists of an inner and outer part - a decorative panel. First you need to unscrew the screw located in the center with a screwdriver and remove the plastic panel. Under it is the inside of the socket. Next, you need to disconnect the wires, which are also bolted. We unwind them and disconnect the desired element. Finally, we unscrew the screws that hold the socket spacers. Taking out the inside.
It is important to see what condition the wires are in. If athe ends are burned, they should be cut with wire cutters or a knife and stripped of the insulating braid to the desired length. The resulting ends should be insulated. If you need to install a socket, then replacing the socket may take some time. Therefore, it is better to insulate.
You should pay attention to whether the socket is worth it. If yes, then you need to find out what condition it is in. Previously used homemade devices for such a device. Nowadays, you can buy a finished product made of plastic. It has a hole for wires and ears for attaching spacers. Socket boxes can be single and with transitions for double and triple sockets. Such devices greatly facilitate the process when replacement, installation of sockets, switches and other devices is required.
Installation of the socket box
This type of work will be required if the old device is no longer held in the hole or is completely missing. The socket box is also replaced if it is made of conductive material. You should remove the old device from the hole and try on the new one. If it is not included, then it is necessary to expand it and try again. The socket should fit easily into the hole and be flush with the wall.
Next, you need to clean the debris from the inside with a brush and primer. If there is no such composition, then you can dilute PVA glue with water in a ratio of 1: 3 (one part glue to three parts water) and process. When at hand and this is not,then the inner surface of the hole is moistened with water. But it is still desirable to prime. This process will ensure that the gypsum plaster adheres firmly to the surface, which will prevent the outlet from falling out in the future.
At the next stage, a small amount of gypsum mixture is diluted. The solution should be applied to the walls of the hole and distributed. Next, insert the socket, preliminarily pull the wires through the hole in its bottom. With a pressing movement, the device is inserted into the hole, the excess solution is removed. The end part is trimmed with plaster. The socket box must be installed flush and level. Allow time for the solution to solidify.
Connection
After the solution has hardened, the replacement of the socket is nearing the finish line. First you need to check the length of the wire. If it is more than necessary, it will be possible to hide it in the socket, and if it is less, you will have to increase it. To do this, determine which wire is available - copper or aluminum. In the first option, it is enough to lengthen it by twisting or soldering. The place of extension must be isolated. If the core of the wire is aluminum, then the lengthening is done using a special terminal.
Before the final installation, you should determine which wire is the phase and which is zero, and mark it for yourself. We take a new socket, remove the front panel by unscrewing the corresponding screw. Next, we fix the wires in the appropriate connectors and tighten the screws. The phase is usually connected to the right side of the outlet. Pastethe inside of the element into the socket. We fix it according to the level and fix it with screws.
Front assembly
This is the easiest step. The front part is fixed in level with a central screw. After all the work has been done, the network should be connected. If the traffic jams or the machine did not knock out, then everything is set correctly.
Common mistakes
If the socket staggers after work, its replacement, repair was performed poorly. Consider what mistakes are most often made:
- No socket box. This causes the element to fall out of the hole.
- The socket is recessed into the technical hole. In such cases, it will be difficult to install the outlet itself.
- The socket protrudes above the wall surface. During installation, there will be a gap between the front of the element and the wall.
- Incorrect extension of aluminum wire with copper.
- Working under voltage is dangerous to human he alth and life.
Replacing sockets in an apartment is a simple process, but it requires accuracy and attention. The tool required is simple and inexpensive, so many can do this work.
Recommendations
Replacing old outlets sometimes entails replacing the entire electrical wiring. This happens if the wires are worn out. At the same time, work should not be postponed until tomorrow, as the consequences can be very sad.
If you plan to replace the wiring, it is important to consider where and how the switches and sockets will be located. This will shorten the timeelectrical work, for which it is worth hiring a specialist with the appropriate license and work permit. It is better to carry out hidden wiring. All strobes should be laid strictly vertically and horizontally. Junction boxes must be placed under the ceiling. It is better to use copper wire. The cross section is provided depending on the expected power consumption. It is possible to replace sockets on your own. If more complex installation is required, it is better to contact a specialist.
So, we found out how sockets and switches are replaced.
