Technologies are developing rapidly. Now it’s hard to imagine life without electrical devices and various equipment that make life easier. To ensure the operation of electrical devices need sockets. What is it, everyone knows. But not everyone knows about the existence of its various species.
Triple sockets are very popular. Let's look at the types of these devices, their features, as well as features of the connection.
Socket: electrician look
So, these are specialized devices that are designed for safe contact closure, as a result of which current is supplied to the electrical equipment.
Structurally, any outlet is a plastic case with a working part. The internal device is the terminals to which the springs for connecting the plug and the contacts are connected. Most elements, including a triple socket with grounding, have grounding contacts. They increase operational safety.
Popular views
The modern market offers the buyer different types of outlets, choosing which it is necessary to take into account various factors regarding the features of the operation of electrical equipment. Despite the simplicity of design, the following types of these devices are distinguished:
- So, C5 is a standard outlet that was installed in Soviet times. These were used in standard high-rise buildings. They differ in the strictly square shape of the case. In the center of this case there is a cutout for the plug of electrical appliances. Also in the cutout there are holes for the plug. Sockets of this standard do not have a grounding contact. And they connect outdated electrical equipment. Despite the fact that such a product can be well camouflaged in the wall, their design is no longer suitable for most apartments and houses with modern renovations.
- Socket C6 or "Euro" has a more attractive design. Unlike standard C5 products, which withstand currents up to 6 A, C6 is designed for 16 A. Most of the modern electrical equipment is designed to work specifically with Euro sockets - they have wider openings for the plug. Another plus of the C6 standard is the presence of a grounding contact.
In addition to external differences, products have internal differences in design. So, in models of standard C5, transition contacts are used, to which electric wires are attached. The principle of operation is also very simple. It is based on the closure of the transition contacts when the plug is inserted into the outlet.
Socket contacts may vary. You can distinguish the spring and lobe contact in the C5 models. Professional electricians believe that the latter has less reliability. It loses its stiffness and then can spark at the moment the plug is plugged in. Spring contacts are more reliable due to their high wear resistance. These models can be used for 10 years or more without any loss of performance.
Triple sockets and their classification
With the development of progress, many people need to constantly increase the number of outlets in an apartment or house. This problem is especially acute in kitchens where many devices are in operation at the same time. Progress touched all the equipment and did not go around the outlet. As in the case of double and single, triple can be divided into internal, which are used to organize hidden wiring, external or external with a high degree of protection and the presence of a special cover. There are also overhead triple sockets and built-in models.
Modern modifications of these types of products come with and without grounding, as well as with a protective shutdown system. It implies disconnecting the outlet from the wiring when, in the case of a conventional outlet, the plug is knocked out. This is a triple socket with a switch.
As for the design, the product has a single supply wire that allows you to turn on three devices at the same time. Regardless of the modification, the principle of block assembly is applied during the installation process. This method is the assembly and installation of three outlets separately. To provide a more aesthetic appearance, electricians combine them into one triple frame. The outer frame is selected so that its front panel in shape corresponds to the main one.
Why install a triple outlet block
It is believed that it is more convenient to put three at once instead of one - this is better than using unreliable tees and extension cords. But using extension cords is not only inconvenient, but also dangerous. A long extension cord is an increase in the mechanical loads on the sockets, which often leads to their destruction. It is also an increase in electrical load. And finally, the tee does not look aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, the most optimal and practical option is the installation of triple parts.
Kinds
We examined the general classification, and now it is worth getting acquainted with these sockets in more detail.
Especially worth highlighting are switches with a triple outlet. It is rarely possible to find an integrated design for three consumers. A switch will help disconnect part of the circuit, if there is no certainty that it will not be used for a long time. So you can eliminate short circuits or any other troubles.
We have already considered above that the installation of a triple outlet can be carried out as a set of three elements in one frame. But there is a whole block. This is a more economical and simpler solution. Experts say that this option is more correct. And there are certain arguments for this.
So, a socket in a single unit will occupy a minimum of space in the wall, its price is not much higher than expensive single modules. But often sellers offer low-quality models. Not all contacts are made of brass. There may be poor-quality housing covers and the core of the outlet.
Choosing a place to install outlets
Previously, it is worth determining the installation location. You also need to know the nominal characteristics and cross-section of the cable that will be connected.
As for the location, there are no serious restrictions. Do not plug in the bathroom. Installation is not allowed where it is inconvenient to operate them. Do not place products above and under sinks or sinks.
How to choose a power outlet
This moment is often forgotten. But the quality and durability of the triple internal socket depend on this. The most important parameter when choosing is the rated currents. The current can be 6, 10, 16 and 25 A.
The last two are used with electric stoves. They differ in a special form. To correctly select the rated current, you need to know the maximum voltage of the most powerful device.
Box mounting
The first thing you need to do is markup. Errors may not allow the pad to be well fixed, which will lead to an unaesthetic appearance. Installing boxes involves ready-made holes. If they are absent, they must be done. When the niches for the sockets are ready, fix the mortgage boxes on the screws.
Connection
Many do not know how to connect a triple outlet, and hire electricians for this. But everything is very simple and for this you do not need to have special knowledge. It is only necessary to remember and observe safety precautions. The first thing they do is relieve stress.
Next, at the outlet, the neutral and phase wires are connected to its contacts. This completes the connection process. For convenience, you can use the circuit in the photo above. If three outlets are used, it is recommended to connect them in parallel.