Each gardener or the owner of a summer cottage thought about placing the outlet outside his home. This solution will allow you to permanently get rid of uncomfortable “carryings” when using a power tool. However, for outdoor installations only street outlets are suitable, which have a number of features and differences from home appliances.
Features of the device of street outlets
The first distinguishing feature of street appliances, which immediately catches your eye, is the appearance. As a rule, products seem more massive and "more severe" in comparison with their "counterparts". This is due to the type of material used in the manufacture of the housing. As such, galvanized steel or heat-hardened plastic acts.
On the body of the product there are always gutters and flanges that divert water from the wires. Inputs for power cables are supplied with silicone or rubberized gaskets that fit tightly on the inputs. The socket may have a protective door.
The presence of a protective membrane inside the case is the second distinguishing feature of street outlets. It protects the contacts from clogging with dust and dirt, as well as from the penetration of moisture into the interior. The contacts themselves are made of metals with good conductivity. As a rule, this is copper or steel with a bronze coating.
Types of street outlets
In fairness, it should be said that all outlets designed for installation in the open must be waterproof. Therefore, it makes no sense to look for a special type of outdoor waterproof devices. Now the products are mainly divided into two groups according to the installation method:
- Overhead. They are installed directly on any stable object - a wall, a pillar, a high border. Such devices are equipped with hinged covers, as well as a rubber gasket between the bottom and surface.
- Recessed. Mounted in special landing holes. The kit should include a plastic socket and gaskets.
The built-in street sockets after installation look more attractive, are better protected from moisture and encroachments of hooligans. However, they cost more, and some difficulties may arise with their installation.
Degree of protection
The degree of protection of the outlet from various factors of influence must comply with the global IP standard - a classification system for the protective shells of electrical appliances from the penetration of foreign objects, water and moisture. It is determined by two indicators - resistance to penetration of solid objects (the first digit after the abbreviation) and moisture protection characteristics (the second digit after the letters IP).
Moisture protection levels are only eight. The table will familiarize you with them closer.
Obviously, buying a street outlet with a water protection level above the fifth does not make sense, especially since the “greater” the IP rating, the more expensive the outlet.
Resistance to penetration of solid objects also implies protection of a person from penetration to electrical parts. For an outdoor appliance, the first digit should be at least 4. This means that you can not get to the contacts even with a wire only 1 mm thick. If you live in an arid climate, it is best that this level is at least 5, when only dust can enter. The number 6 indicates that the outlet is protected even from dust.
Posting Rules
From the most protected outlets there will be no use if you place them incorrectly. Therefore, before going to the store, carefully study the place of the future installation. If you need a street outlet for a garden or kitchen garden, a place where there are no buildings, then it is better to give preference to built-in appliances.
If you want to place the outlet on the veranda, terrace or in an open garage, then you can use overhead varieties. The main thing is that the product should be protected from direct water flow. Otherwise, under the pressure of a large amount of liquid, it will still sooner or later fail.
Home Power Analysis
When installing the outlet, you will do the right thing if you call the wizard. However, not everyone has such an opportunity, therefore, independently installing an electric street outlet, we must not forget about safety and about certain rules.
The first thing you need to do before installation is to consider the parameters of your home electrical network. The socket must be connected in such a way as not to create an overload on a particular wire. Therefore, it is better if the cable goes directly from the meter, and not from another electrical appliance.
Before installing a street appliance, you need to think about creating the possibility of its emergency shutdown. The easiest way is to install a switch in front of the power cord. When planning to create a system of outlets, it is better to adapt a control panel with toggle switches for them.
Connection Features
If you are planning to install several electrical appliances on the site at the same time, you should buy a street block of outlets. Outwardly, it is a small column in which sockets are already mounted. All you need is to securely lock the unit and bring the power cable to it.
You can bring this cable in several ways - pull it between the input and output devices, lay it underground, or mount it on the wall. With frequent and strong gusty winds, it is better to hide the wiring underground, placing it before this in a protective box.
When installing a single outlet, you need to remember that it is located in an accessible place. The optimum height is 90-120 cm. In addition, when supplying an electric cable, it is necessary to remember the maximum power of the consumer, and measure the thickness of the wire section with it. Typically, outdoor devices are suitable for cables that can withstand a load current of 16 A.
Street Outlet Manufacturers
In our country, street sockets of manufacturers Simon and Legrand are popular. The Spanish company Simon is a recognized supplier of electrical equipment for the home, office and street. Products are famous for the optimal price-quality ratio. The products are made in the style of minimalism, mainly in gold, white and gray.
The cost of sockets varies - from 250 for single devices and up to 700-900 rubles for sets. Buyers note the high strength of products, ease of installation. All products are equipped with security doors.
The French company Legrand conquered its customers with original design solutions. The company’s catalog contains several collections that contain all the elements for home improvement - from sockets and switches to lights. The cost of production begins to grow from 300 rubles.
Users note the sophistication of every detail, the versatility of devices. Only a high price for a particularly liked product can push away from a purchase.
Buying Tips
When choosing outdoor appliances, focus on your needs. If you need a simple and reliable design with no frills, then choose outdoor waterproof sockets according to IP65. Such a product will withstand the onslaught of dust, dirt, and a direct flow of water.
If your site is an original work of art, then focus on the design of the instruments. Perhaps then the best option would be to buy a block of outlets. But in any case, do not forget that the device meets the minimum safety requirements.