Installation of a socket is an important stage in the arrangement of electricians in the house. The job is pretty simple. But the functionality of the socket or switch depends on the quality of its implementation. In the process, you need to consider what material the wall is built from. You should also take into account a number of tips from professional electricians. How to install the socket box will be discussed in detail later.
Features
How to install a socket box? This question is often faced by novice electricians. To understand this, you need to consider the features of such a product. A socket box is a special glass that is mounted directly into the thickness of the wall. It installs a socket, switch or other similar electrical device (for example, a thermostat).
A well-installed socket box canoperate for several decades. Even if the socket or switch fails or needs to be replaced with new appliances, you can complete the procedure quickly. The old socket remains in its original place. An old electrical appliance is removed from it, and then a new one is mounted. The procedure takes a minimum of time.
Considering how to properly install socket boxes, you should pay attention to a number of nuances. The work is easy. However, it will require the use of the right materials, the necessary tools. It is necessary to take into account the type of walls. The type of material from which they are built influences the choice of instrument type. For each type of wall, a socket box of a certain configuration is purchased.
Inside such a glass all unseemly communications will be hidden. Also, the reverse side of the socket or switch is buried in it. It is extremely important to choose the right size of the socket. It should fit all the wires. Also take into account the dimensions of the back side of the outlet. The larger they are, the larger you will need to purchase a socket.
Varieties
Considering how to properly install socket boxes, you should pay attention to the type of product. The following types of designs are on sale:
- Plastic socket without presser feet. This is one of the easiest options. It is used for installation in a concrete or brick wall. Fixing is done with mortar.
- Plastic cup withpresser feet. Used for installation in drywall or plastic. After installation, tighten the bolts. They put forward paws that rest against the walls. In this case, the fixation will be simple and fairly reliable.
- Metal box. Produced in two versions. Can be sold without a bottom or with a bottom. Previously, in panel houses, this version of the socket boxes was almost always used. However, today this variety has a rather narrow specialization. Similar products are purchased when installing hidden wiring in a wooden house. According to the rules of the PUE, such an option is possible, but requires the fulfillment of all requirements. One of them is the mandatory installation of sockets in metal boxes.
Having chosen the appropriate option for the box, you can start construction work.
Some nuances
When studying how to properly install socket boxes into a wall, you should consider several features of such a procedure. First of all, it is necessary to evaluate the material of the walls. After that, a decision is made to purchase one or another type of socket box. It is also important to determine the thickness of the wall. It should be sufficient to mount the box. Also consider indoor conditions. The choice of design also depends on this.
Today, a huge number of different socket boxes are on sale. They differ not only in design and material, but also in size and shape. There are round, oval, square and rectangular varieties.
Standardthe size of the socket is 67 cm in diameter (internal). This is a round box, the depth of which is 25 mm. However, sizes may vary. You need to select a product according to your needs. The wires should easily go into the glass. At the same time, a supply of wire is left in it in case it is necessary to repair an electrical outlet.
On sale are mainly plastic varieties of sockets. They are made from high quality polymer. The material should not deform, emit an unpleasant chemical odor.
It is often required to install a double socket or even a whole group of them. In this case, it is important to observe the exact center distance. In this case, be sure to select sockets of the same size. To fasten them into a single block, you need to purchase special fasteners. A group of such products is mounted in the same way as one socket box. The procedure does not cause any difficulties.
Preparation
How to install a socket box? First you need to prepare everything you need for the installation. The set of tools may vary somewhat, depending on the type of wall. Before starting work, you need to prepare a pencil for marking. You will also need a ruler and tape measure.
Next, you need to prepare an impact electric drill or hammer drill. The second option is preferable. With the help of such a tool, it will be possible to drill holes in the wall into which the socket will be installed. In addition, you will need a victorious drill. To make a hole for installing a glass, you will also need a drill bit. Its diameter should be longer than the outer diameter of the socket.
In the work you need to use a hand tool. It should be a hammer and chisel, as well as a spatula. The work will need a grinder. The circle is chosen according to the type of wall material.
If the installation will not be carried out in drywall, plastic, then you will need to purchase a suitable mortar. It can be alabaster, building or medical plaster. The fraction of dry material is very fine. Therefore, such material will dry quickly, especially alabaster. You should also prepare a paper knife and a building level.
Markup
How to install a wall socket? First you need to do the right markup. In this case, it will be necessary to take into account the requirements of the PUE. Otherwise, the operation of the object will be unsafe.
With the help of a pencil and a ruler, a cross is drawn in the right place (the intersection of a horizontal and vertical line). If the floor in the room is not finished with a decorative coating, you need to add another 4-5 cm to the required height. There are certain standards when creating markings.
In the room you need to place sockets at a distance of at least 30 cm from the floor. It is better to make them even higher. It is more comfortable. When installing the thermostat, the distance from the floor to the device must be at least 50 cm.
If you install a socket in the kitchen above the countertop, the distance should be 1, 1-1, 2 m. If a washing machine is installed in the room, and above ityou need to make an outlet, it is raised above the level of household appliances at a distance of at least 1 m.
If you need to install a switch, it is located at a distance of 90 cm from the floor. In this case, you need to be guided by the growth rates of all people living in the house. If there are no children, you can make the switch a little higher.
These are only rough indications. There is an easy way to determine how far the switch needs to be. You need to stand with your back against the wall. Hands go down. A point is marked at the level of the palm. This is the most convenient place for you to install the switch. If there are several users in the apartment, you need to calculate the average value using the same method.
Concrete, brick walls
There is a simple technique for installing a socket in concrete or brick. First you need to do the markup. A cross is drawn at the selected level. A socket box is applied to it so that the centers of the markup and the box coincide. Next, the box is circled with a simple pencil.
With the help of electrical equipment, a place is drilled for installing a socket box. For this, a special crown with the appropriate size is used. The hole should be 4-5 mm deeper than the height of the sides of the box. If there is no crown with the desired diameter at hand, you can do otherwise. Holes are drilled along the marked circle with a drill bit. The smaller the hole spacing, the better. Next, the core is knocked out with a hammer and chisel.
Another option is to create a square hole. This must be done very carefully. You will need a grinder to cut the corresponding lines.
Considering how to install a socket in a concrete wall, it should be noted that after creating a circle or square according to the mark, the space inside must be cleaned with high quality. To do this, use a hammer and chisel. When this work is done, you need to attach a socket to the created hole. It should slide easily into the recess.
Installing a socket in a brick or concrete wall
After creating the recess, you will need to do a number of manipulations. When studying how to install a socket in a brick wall, it should be noted that its fixation is carried out using a solution. To do this, mix alabaster or gypsum putty with water. Proportions are indicated by the manufacturer on the package.
The hole must be moistened with water. You need to throw a little solution into it. Next, the socket is installed inside. It should fit flush inside. The screws should be in a line parallel to the floor. If the socket is installed unevenly, the switch or socket cannot be installed correctly either. It will be skewed.
You need to act quickly. Alabaster dries almost instantly. Therefore, you can not hesitate. The solution is coated with the space around the socket. You need to try to level the solution with a spatula. There should be no alabaster or plaster inside the plastic or metal box. It must be clean and dry.
When the putty sets, it must be processed with sandpaper. Aligningall irregularities and roughness, you can proceed to install the socket or switch. It's a simple job.
Installation into drywall
A properly installed socket box will serve for many years for the benefit of its owners. It is worth noting that it will be much easier to install it in drywall. For this, a glass is purchased with the presence of special spacers. This option does not require the use of a solution. Therefore, installation is faster.
First you need to markup. This procedure is carried out according to the same technology as for concrete or brick walls. Using a special knife, a circle is cut out according to the marking. It is better to use a drill with a special crown for these purposes. This must be done carefully. The edges must be even. With the help of a crown, you can create an even circle.
Further, a box is installed inside the recess. Fixation is carried out with screws. They are twisted until the box fits snugly into the prepared hole. It is necessary to tighten the screws alternately on one side and on the other. So it will turn out to fix the glass not only firmly, but evenly.
Installing an outlet
How to install a socket in a socket? It is necessary to disassemble it, separating the core from the decorative lining. A wire is threaded into the socket during installation. For obvious reasons, work is carried out with the power line disconnected. The wire must have a certain margin. The insulation of this cable will need to be stripped, but not to the very end. A small section throughbox, must remain protected by the factory layer.
After that, you need to connect the wires to the corresponding terminals of the socket core. Polarity must be observed. In most cases, before starting the installation of the outlet, you need to connect the ground wire. When all the wires on the back of the socket are connected, you can fix the core in the socket.
To do this, you need to fix the product with the screws that come with the plastic box. After that, it will be possible to install a decorative overlay. It is also fixed with bolts. Next, put on the front panel. You can turn on the power grid and check the operation of the system.
A few tips
Knowing how to properly install the socket in the socket, you need to take into account a few tips from professionals. They argue that you should not do hidden wiring in a wooden house. It's not safe.
In the course of work, it is important to check the horizontal position of the socket box and markings using the building level. Otherwise, sockets or switches will be installed crooked.
It is best to connect sockets after plastering the walls. Otherwise, you may not be able to install the product flush.
It is extremely important in the process of work to adhere to the established rules for working with wiring. The safety of the master must come first. Work is carried out with the mains off. Tools must be rated for electrical work.
Considering howinstall a socket, you can do the work yourself quickly and correctly.
