A power outlet is one of the components of the electrical network, without which the task of connecting devices is greatly complicated. Despite the large number of existing models (waterproof, dual, grounded), the basic principle remains unchanged.
Indeed, the socket allows you to ensure a safe connection to the network of electrical appliances to any person at minimal cost, even without an access group.
Part of the whole
Although the socket is a structurally complete device, it cannot be fully operated without the plug, with which it creates a detachable connection using copper sliding contacts. In other words, the relevance of the solutions used is important. For example, a socket for two sockets (holes) is designed for the corresponding plug with the same number of pins (pins), and the diameter should not exceed the permissible value.
Popular modifications
Consider what features are inherent in sockets used in household electrical networks. One of the key differences is the body material (not to be confused with the outer cover). The socket can be made of ceramic or flame retardant plastic. The latter, despite its high performance, loses in resistance to heat (it deforms at high temperatures, caused, for example, by poor crimping of the contacts) and the permissible breakdown voltage (the best insulators are glass and ceramic, not polymers).
Now, when everywhere is the replacement of obsolete home wiring, it becomes indispensable socket with a grounding contact. If in Soviet times the two-wire network (zero and phase) was considered the standard, now, according to the requirements of the PUE, the ground loop is mounted and an additional third ground wire is bred. This greatly improves electrical safety. It connects to a special contact in outlets. Equipment involving the use of grounding is sold with special plugs in which the housing is connected to the third contact. When the plug is turned on, the contact is not of two, as before, but of three wires. Such sockets can be of two modifications: when there are three pins on the plug, which are normally included in the holes, and also (a more convenient solution) in the presence of a spring-loaded sliding contact, which additionally fixes the plug turned on. The peculiarity of the latter is that when turned on, the grounding circuit is first created, and then the in-depth power conductors are created.
In retail chains, you can find sockets of a special design, in which the holes are closed with plastic curtains, which must be moved with pins to insert the plug.
Installing Outlets
There are models for external (open) and internal installation. Sockets of the first type are used, as a rule, together with external wiring, in which the wires are not hidden in the wall, but fixed on small insulators or placed in cable channels. Usually these are production facilities, sheds, street chains. If the bottom of the outlet is not equipped with a cover, then you need to fix the plate of non-conductive material (textolite, wood) to the base. Then disassemble the socket housing and with the help of screws or bolts place it on the prepared site. Wiring can be performed both before installation on the basis of and after (required in a de-energized state of the network).
Models for flush mounting are equipped with internal metal “legs”, which, when two screws are tightened, are pushed apart to securely fix the entire structure inside the mounting box. Installation is simple: a hole is prepared in the wall, the diameter and depth of which correspond to the selected plastic mounting box; then a channel is made for the wire from the main line; the ends of the wires are connected to the outlet clamps intended for this; commit is in progress; the outer cover is installed.