The selection and installation of electrical appliances in residential premises is not the most important part of the repair work, but still they are of great importance in matters of visual decoration. The range of different devices today is wide enough so that you can find for yourself the most suitable product in shape, color, size and design. It is possible to economically place a switch with a socket in one housing. Such a combination has become popular lately with many buyers.
The advantage of combining into a single socket and switch housing
The main advantage of mounting the backplane for the switch and socket is the ease of connection. In these cases, there is no need to make two holes in the wall and make contacts in several places, as when separately connecting outlets and switches. In this case, the strobes must be masked by means of a small cosmetic repair. An additional convenience, of course, can be considered the location at the same height of the switch and outlet. For the correct observance of European standards, this is precisely the principle of installation.
Due to the availability of these devices, it is always possible to buy the cheapest switch and socket and carry out installation in one circuit. The ease of installation of these electrical appliances makes it easy to do the job. If necessary, the unit is easily transferred to another place. In this case, two separate eyeliners do not need to be laid. There is no need to align the switch and the socket on the same level.
Mounting Features
You can connect a triple switch with a socket in one case on almost any surface, whether it is a foam block, drywall, stone or brick. Installation of such devices is possible both indoors and on the outside of any building. For outdoor installation, it is recommended to use models with the provided moisture protection.
What are the disadvantages?
The negative sides of such devices include the need to replace the entire unit in case of its partial malfunction. It will not be possible, for example, to remove a damaged switch element and insert a new one. Nevertheless, this drawback is not so important when compared with the advantages of using combined cases.
How to choose a suitable block?
A socket with a switch in one housing is available on the modern market in various combinations, which are classified according to two main principles. The first is the number of switch keys and sockets, and the second is the appearance of the unit. So, for example, in one case you can purchase a single outlet and a triple switch or any other combination, of which a huge number are provided for selection.
In addition, distinguish, as you know, internal and external sockets. The former are used for concealed eyeliner, and the latter for open. An external switch with a socket in a double casing looks more bulky compared to an internal one. However, this will be the only possible option if the living room is equipped with an open wiring system, and its replacement will be difficult.
How to install a socket with a switch in one case?
The unit is connected in approximately this way. After a power outage, markings are made for subsequent installation of the enclosures. The wall is checked with a crown in the right place. Perforated holes that are intended for cable winding must be broken.
Installation boxes are interconnected, and special connectors are inserted into the grooves. The cable is pre-stripped and put into boxes. The design is fixed to the wall using the mounting screws. Wires must be prepared for connection.
The cover is removed from the outlet, and the contacts are connected to its terminals. The socket is installed in the box after unscrewing the screws. The wires of the switch are isolated and then connected. The unit overlay common for the outlet and the switch is installed, and the lid is closed. The power turns on and the quality of the device is checked.
Suitable installation locations
Such devices are conveniently installed in corridors, bathrooms, as well as other rooms where there is a need for compact electrical devices. In such places, sockets are mainly used as temporary power sources for a wide variety of electrical appliances.
Theoretically, a switch with a socket in one housing can be installed in any corner of a house or apartment, but more attention should be paid to the layout. It is best to choose a suitable place for installation in accordance with the plan of the living space. You can select the number of keys, depending on the specific location. If you plan to install switch blocks with sockets in wet rooms, you will need a device with special curtains for protection. Compliance with the basic rules and installation requirements will also be required.
Mounting the unit with single-key switches
A modern switch with a socket in one housing is becoming increasingly popular with buyers. To install such a unit, several simple steps are performed. It is necessary to lay the phase and zero to the junction box from the central shield. The junction box should also include two three wires from the unit and two from the light bulb, in which individual devices are combined.
The phase contact from the shield is fastened with a wire to an outlet that is connected to the terminal on the switch using a jumper. The remaining two phase contacts from the switch and the cartridge of the consuming light source are twisted and isolated. In the event that the unit provides grounding, it is necessary to connect it using additional wires.
Thanks to this scheme, the socket, combined with the switch in one housing, will function independently of the switch, which will perform its main functions of turning off and on the light bulb.
Circuit with two-key switch
The following is another description of how a socket with a switch in one housing is connected. You can see photos of devices of this type in the review. Basically, the blocks combining a two-gang switch and an outlet are mounted on partitions between the doors to the toilet and the bathroom. The ability to control lighting in two rooms appears when using only one unit. At the same time, there is always the opportunity to power any consumer of electricity from the outlet.
An outlet with a switch in one outer casing requires laying five conductors to an electrical paired system from a distribution block. The zero wire from the distribution panel, as well as the grounding conductor, must be connected only to the outlet. To output the phase to the double switch, special jumpers are provided in the switching units. Two free veins are connected to the switching contacts of the switches, through which the phase will be supplied to the devices in the bathroom and toilet.
In junction boxes, twists of contacts are made, supplying the phase through the switch, as well as free veins aimed at the lampholders in the toilet and bathroom. Grounding from the consuming device and neutral wires are taken in junction boxes by connecting the bare ends with twists designed to power the outlet. If there is a need to change the sequence of buttons that supply power to the bulbs in the bathroom and toilet, on the switching contacts you just need to swap the veins.
What is the difference between one method and another?
You may notice that the connection scheme for a single and dual switch combined in a housing with a socket differs only in the required number of contacts. For the first option, you will need four wires, as well as grounding, and the second provides for the presence of as many as five.
Conclusion
Sockets, lamps and switches are the main components of any electrical wiring in a private house, apartment, office or garage. Therefore, every attentive and caring homeowner should understand the principle of connecting such devices after all repairs or the construction of new structures with their own hands. A double socket with a switch in one case will be very useful in solving problems of placing devices on a small area or at the same distance from the floor.