What types of sockets are: photos, features

Not surprisingly, such simple devices as sockets are presented in the store with a very wide range. But this, in turn, causes confusion among buyers. It is difficult to understand what is best to choose for a particular case. Therefore, in the article we will provide a brief overview of the types of outlets - both generally existing and represented only in Russia. Consider several options for their classifications.

Outlet device

The element itself consists of three main parts:

1. Base. It can be plastic or ceramic. It is to it that the front panel and the conductive, mounting fittings are attached.
2. Conducting part. Its most common material is brass, tinned or uncoated. Often it is replaced by bronze.
3. Front panel Most often it is a low-combustible carbonate. But there is glass, and wood, and metal.

Sockets and electrical outlets

Also, many models, in addition to these components, are additionally equipped with a grounding contact.

Sockets and electrical outlets

Analyzing what types of outlets are available, let us draw your attention to the fact that this device is only the end point of the difficult route of the power supply network to a residential building or industrial premises. And appliances and appliances can consume electrical energy at three levels:

• 120 V, 60 Hz. There is no such category of electric network in Russia. But you can buy a device designed for 120 V only in the online store. Of course, in no case can you plug it into a regular 220 V outlet! This threatens immediate damage to technology. The solution is to use adapters. Or install a special outlet that reduces the voltage from 220 to 120 volts.
• 220 V, 50 Hz. This category of electricity supply in our apartments voltage in one phase (220 V). This is enough to connect large and small household appliances, both domestic and foreign.
• 380 V, 50 Hz. Already the voltage level of three phases. It is suitable for connecting industrial and agricultural equipment to outlets - these are compressors, electric furnaces, crushers, various factory machines and so on.

Base for the classification of outlets

The basis for the division of sockets into types and types is the following:

• Rated voltage. As a rule, on store shelves you are most likely to find 220-240 Volt AC models. The characteristic frequency is 50 Hz.
• Type of plug socket. Again, C and F are more expected for Russian stores (we will present the classification itself below).
• The number of connectors. It is customary to single out single, double and modular sockets. Combined options can also be found - with built-in USB, HDMI ports.
• Color scheme. The range in this regard is extremely rich. Buyers choose models based on the interior features of their apartment, office.
• The principle of installation. There are two main groups - external and hidden. We will also analyze them in detail below.
• Additional technical features. Innovations that greatly simplify the use of electrical appliances.

Quality issue

Today, high-quality and safe electrical accessories, and even more so of a universal type, cannot cost less than $ 3 for one name. Electricians are advised to trust the following recognized manufacturers:

• Gira
• ABB.
• Legrand.
• Jung.
• Merten.
• Berker.
• Bticino.
• Schneider Electric et al.

By application

Today there are not enough rooms that can be harmoniously imagined without sockets and switches. But for different spaces, far from the same types of devices are suitable. This electrical fittings are divided according to the purpose of the room in which it will be installed:

• Residential apartments and private houses.
• Audiences, offices, exhibition halls.
• Non-residential and retail space.
• Factory, factory premises, hangars.

But I must say that there are also universal sockets on sale that will be equally suitable for all items on this list. Such products must comply with GOST, have several ISO certificates.

By connector

The most common gradation of types of outlets is by the connector that is arranged in them. As for the latter, its type depends on the state where you live. The classification is better to first consider in the photograph.

A brief description of the types of plug sockets:

• Type A. Another name is American. But, in addition to the United States, it is also used in Japan. On such outlets there is no grounding.
• Type B. Another American model. Unlike the first one, having grounding.
• Type C. This is a European outlet. I must say, the option is used not only in Europe, but also in the CIS countries, in Russia. Despite such widespread use, it has an unfortunate drawback - there is no grounding. But it is characteristic of the "Soviet" models - C5. But it is European (C6) that are issued with grounding.
• Type D. This outlet plan is characteristic of the UK.
• Type E. Standard used in France.
• Type F. Another type of outlet European type, while having grounding. It is used both in EU and CIS countries.
• Type G. Used again in the UK.
• Type N. Characteristic of Israel.
• Type I. The type of outlet used in Australia. Also, such a Latin letter denotes the original variety characteristic of Italy.
• Type J. A device common in Switzerland.
• Type K. This is a socket installed in Denmark.
• Type M. Used in South Africa.

According to technical characteristics

In our country, the types of electrical outlets are provided for an operating voltage of 220-240, as well as separately 380 Volts. But in the USA and Japan, the devices are rated for 100-127 Volts.

European outlets are made under 220 Volts. They can connect electrical engineering, whose power does not exceed 3.5 kW. Power sockets can withstand an electric current of no more than 16 A. This is enough to connect a refrigerator, TV and other common household appliances.

Special three-phase industrial sockets are already rated for a current of 32 A. Accordingly, they can be used to connect more powerful devices.

There is a gradation of sockets for AC frequency - 50 or 60 Hz. In our country, devices of the first type are more common.

According to the execution of the body

Types of electrical outlets are also distinguished by the type of housing. Here is such a gradation:

• Overhead. Most applicable for outdoor wiring. A big plus is the easy installation. There is no need to make a recess in the wall to install the socket. Simply drill holes for the dowels that will hold the device. The lack of an aesthetic plan - they protrude strongly from the wall.
• Recessed, integrated. These outlets are suitable for concealed installation - their entire internal part is hidden in the thickness of the wall. Here, you must take care of the device of the hidden socket. One distinguishing feature is that they can be mounted not only on the wall, but even on the floor, special panels, furniture. For this, retractable models, which are also referred to as built-in ones, are more suitable.
• Wearable. In appearance they remind everyone of the well-known extension cord, only mounted directly into a power outlet. In our country, such a convenient device is not yet popular.

By the presence of grounding

Needless to say, high-power appliances pose a certain threat to us. The most "flowers" - easy tingling with current when using an ungrounded outlet. And serious consequences can lead to the death of a person.

It does not end with choosing the type of outlet (bill of lading or built-in) with grounding. Not all wiring in apartments has a third, grounding wire. And without it, a special outlet will be completely useless.

There are two types of devices in this group:

• Socket without grounding. Designed exclusively for low-power consumers of electricity. But this does not make their use absolutely safe - both for a person and for the technology itself.
• Socket with grounding. Designed for all electrical appliances whose power is more than 300 watts. Of course, such a technique can also work from a wall outlet without grounding, the question here is safety.

By additional functions

The types of sockets in the photo can also be divided by a number of additional options introduced by the manufacturer:

• Moisture-proof. Extremely comfortable for bathrooms. There is a special cover on the outlet that protects its contacts from water. The model is typical for the European type with a protection level of IP 44.
• Socket equipped with a residual current circuit breaker. Its benefits cannot be overestimated. Electricity here turns off automatically when a dangerous current leak is detected.
• Model with a timer. On such an outlet, it is possible to set the time after which the power will cease to be supplied. This is very useful when using devices, equipment that does not have its own timer.
• Power device with a wattmeter. The novelty allows you to see in real time how much electricity the device connected to the outlet consumes. On some models there is even a light indicator. For example, it glows with a blue tint at the minimum flow rate and changes to red when increasing to the maximum.
• With fork ejector. This model is ideal if some kind of electrical appliance (for example, a vacuum cleaner) can trigger the outlet of the outlet from the socket. The novelty allows you to gently and smoothly pull the plug from the outlet.
• With backlight. Innovation is typical for Euro outlets. How is it convenient? You are in the dark, not turning on the light, you can easily find a socket in the room, for example, to put on charge a smartphone or laptop.
• With USB output. A new kind of internal outlets. Allows you to charge USB-powered devices from the mains. Extremely convenient in our age of gadgets.
• "Smart sockets." These are devices with Wi-Fi and GSM. They can be easily controlled using a smartphone if you decide to implement the Smart Home system in your home.

Selection tips

So we sorted out the types of outlets - external, internal. Finally, we want to present you with recommendations on choosing the type of a device for a particular room:

• Living room. Suitable standard models. It is very convenient to install a modular block with 4-6 connectors on one of the walls.
• A bathroom, a bathroom. Here we recommend staying on moisture-resistant models with protective covers.
• Kitchen. Since many modern housewives use a larger number of electrical appliances, it is not bad to install a socket design with many connectors instead of standard or modular devices.
• Children's rooms (or all over the apartment where there are small children). Special sockets with protective curtains. They prevent the baby from putting a foreign object or its fingers into the connector.
• A private house. As more and more owners use electric household tools in caring for the plot, the building must be equipped with at least one external outlet. You can choose its type at your discretion - with grounding, a protective curtain, an ejector.
• Office. Here it is easiest to dwell on the socket design - a device with enough connectors for the entire number of office equipment. This ergonomic solution allows you to significantly free up space from wires.

So we figured out the types of sockets that are found both in the world and only in Russia. When choosing the right one for you, you need to be based on the specifics of the room where the device will be installed.