Traditional layout of electrical devices in the network wiring system provides for wall mounting. This solution has many advantages, due to both ergonomics and ease of installation operations. Nevertheless, in open-plan rooms, the only possible way to provide outlets is floor-standing. Most often this applies to office buildings, where it is necessary to optimally place a large number of power supply points with minimal overload of electrical routes. Floor sockets with a special design with a closed housing-hatch help solve this problem.
Features of the device of floor outlets
By electrical characteristics, such outlets are fully consistent with traditional counterparts. They are also connected to a 220 V network, providing a supply of household appliances or equipment. Features lie in the design and additional mounting hardware.
A set of a standard set of a floor outlet includes a frame with a cover, mounting calipers for snapping in, cable holders, clamps, partitions and other accessories. This equipment is necessary for safe operation of the device, its protection against damage, clogging and moisture. At the same time, a floor outlet with a cover can be supplied with connectors of a different type. For convenience, one set may also include conclusions for an Internet cable, telephone line, and other communication wires. All the filling is placed in a single frame, which saves space and facilitates installation.
Types of devices
Among the main classification features, it is possible to single out the possibility of adjustment, the number of outlets in one installation unit and the material of manufacture. As for the adjustment, there are stationary models of floor outlets installed with permanent fixation, and there are devices that can be adjusted in height during operation, adjusting the position of the hatch.
By the number of outlets, several groups of devices can be distinguished, but the standard range usually fits within 1-12 pcs. Production material is represented by plastic and metal. Plastic floor sockets lose in reliability and can be deformed in contact with aggressive environments. On the other hand, they are cheaper and provide a wide selection of stylistic variations. Metal with corrosion protection is more thorough and durable, therefore models with such cases are often recommended for installation in public places and industrial premises.
Mounting cases
The characteristics of the covers for floor outlets should be considered in more detail, since they are the main features of the device. To begin with, it is worth emphasizing that there are frame sockets and modifications with covers. In the first case, the outlet infrastructure is placed in a kind of box to a depth of 75 to 100 mm on average. By the way, this parameter is most often regulated.
Models with covers provide direct installation of the outlet in the wiring line without forming a special base in the floor niche. From above, a floor hatch for sockets with rings, clamps and other complete accessories is installed as a protective barrier. Regardless of the type of enclosure, manufacturers seek to give them enhanced protective properties. Both hatches and frames receive special coatings that protect the electrical filling from mechanical damage, moisture and even vibration.
Installation of floor outlets
Before installation, free space in the form of a raised floor should be provided. Frame kits allow you to fasten the placement base with screw clamps or self-tapping screws - the set of fastening equipment often depends on the base material into which the device is integrated.
Fill leveling coatings allow you to install and cheap plastic cases with a depth of about 80 mm, and high galvanized systems that can be immersed 20-30 cm. The second option is suitable for industrial use - it can be floor outlets designed for output from specialized cable routes. The most difficult installation conditions occur in the case of concrete floors. First, the difficulties will be with the physical formation of the niche itself for installation. Secondly, it will require the use of a puncher or a powerful screwdriver to create mounting holes. Installation is completed by integrating the cover using the supplied clips or brackets.
Rosette Legrand
Legrand is one of the leaders in the segment of electrical devices, and it is logical that the considered category of devices is widely present in its lineup. What is the difference between the sockets of this brand? There are several differences, but the main one is a wide configuration.
It has already been said that standard cases can include up to 12 outlets, but in this case the modules contain up to 24 connectors. In addition, to ensure the safe use of the structure, developers include dividing panels that isolate the functional points from each other. Has a Legrand outlet and stylistic features. The company's designers offer hatches in decorative designs that recreate different textures. For example, it can be a type of classic carpet, mosaic, wood or stone.
What to consider when choosing a floor outlet?
So that after some time of operation it is not necessary to dismantle the box with serious damage to the floor niche, it is recommended to initially determine the nature of the use of the outlet for the future. If you plan to expand its functionality, then it makes sense to integrate the frame module into the raised floor. To power 1-2 devices, a rather small design with a hatch is enough, which will drown to a minimum depth.
Depending on the application, it may be necessary to protect the wire itself. In some versions, floor outlets come with corrugated tubing. If there is free space in the working space of the raised floor, it will be useful to provide the wires with such a circuit.
Conclusion
The organization of energy supply through floor standing devices is not yet so widespread that it would be possible to talk about the formation of a whole segment in the market. The fact is that floor electric sockets, in addition to the intricacies of the installation of the structure, provide for the presence of the cable route itself at the installation point. If such a laying scheme is not in the building, then its organization will require serious costs. One way or another, the practice of using sockets of this type as a whole leaves a positive impression. Users note the convenience of this solution, its optimization effect and, in some cases, even savings on individual components of the traditional network infrastructure.