To connect powerful electrical equipment, such as an electric oven , an electric stove, it is mandatory to install power sockets. Unlike ordinary products, they have reinforced input and output terminals, which are designed for current, power 25A and above.
During the operation of energy-consuming household appliances, the contacts of such outlets do not heat up, which is their most important feature - this reduces the risk of melting insulation and a fire to almost zero.
Types of Power Outlets
Power sockets are usually divided into two large groups - open and closed installation. In the first case, the products are located directly on the wall, and install them with open wiring. The sockets of the closed installation are “recessed” into the wall, which makes them practically invisible and protected from damage.
Sockets also differ in the magnitude of the current with which they are able to work. There are sockets on 25A, 32A, 63A and 125A. The power of products must be coordinated with the consumed power of electrical equipment.
Degree of security
According to the level of protection against external factors, power sockets are marked with a binary number, where:
- the first digit indicates the size of the particles from which the product is protected (0 - not protected, 6 - dustproof);
- the second digit indicates the level of protection against water and moisture (0 - does not have special protection, 8 - is able to work even under water).
Sockets of a lower level of protection, such as IP22, are recommended for use in places with normal humidity - bedrooms, living rooms.
Purpose of power outlets
The selected power outlet must comply with all safety standards. Therefore, going to the market, get acquainted with the purpose of various types of power sockets:
- Power socket with grounding. In addition to the connectors for connecting electrical appliances, it has a special plug type F, CEE 7/5 or grounding contacts CEE 7/4. Such products provide grounding of the equipment even before the plug contacts the contacts.
- Products with protective curtains. The sockets of such outlets are protected by plastic “doors” that move apart when the plug hits two pins at the same time. They have a high level of protection and are installed in children's and bathrooms.
- Ejector Connectors. In the design of such products there is a special button, when pressed, the inserted fork is pushed out by a special spring mechanism.
- Power sockets with residual current device (RCD). Such devices when a short circuit occurs, a multiple increase in load, open the circuit and cut off the power supply. Used in places of increased danger.
You can also select “smart” sockets that can be controlled using SMS messages or via the Internet. But such products are placed in a separate class and should be considered separately.
Lifetime
Durability is characterized by the maximum number of connection-disconnection of electrical equipment.
High-quality power sockets can withstand at least 100 thousand cycles. This indicator depends on the design of two elements of the product:
- output contacts - are spring and ordinary, elements of the first type with two contact paws are considered more reliable;
- connecting clamps - are used to connect the power cable, can be double and quick-clamp. Both designs are reliable, the second variety is more expensive, but easier to operate.
When choosing an outlet, it is important to pay attention to the diameter of the plug hole. In products of European countries, this figure is 4 mm less than in domestic products. These are the so-called "Euro sockets", which are suitable only for a certain type of plug. When choosing, it is also important to remember that the distance between the inlets may also vary.
Choosing a power outlet for an electric stove
Choosing 220 V power sockets for connecting an electric stove, you must be guided by two criteria. The first one is the power of your equipment:
- at a power consumption of up to 7 kW, it is advisable to use products with a rated current of 32A, and a permissible short-term load of 63A;
- if the electric stove power is more than 7 kW, then it is better to choose the plug-socket kit, designed for a current of 63A.
The second selection criterion is the type of power network that enters your home or company. The power line can be single and three phase. The most common single-phase type of connection.
Sockets designed for single-phase power supply have three connectors - two for plugs and one for grounding. If your house is connected to a three-phase network, then the power outlet for the electric stove should have five connectors.
Power cable selection
The first thing you need to focus on when choosing a cable to connect the outlet is the power of the connected equipment. Moreover, if it is planned to connect several installations at the same time, then the power should be added up. For home electric stoves with a power of 5-7 kW, it is necessary to use a copper wire with a section of 3x4 mm.
The second thing to consider is the cable brand. Professional electricians recommend using a power cable of the VVG or NYM brand of domestic and European standard, respectively, to connect the outlet. Wire brand VVG may have a round or flat cross-section. The wire of the PVA brand acts as its substitute, which is also flexible, resistant to grinding and mechanical stress.