Making repairs in the room, people are trying to achieve aesthetics. In order not to spoil the design, but to get a functional room, use internal sockets. In addition to being more aesthetic, they are also safe and easy to use. It is worth knowing what types of elements exist, what advantages they have.
General characteristics of the internal outlet
An outlet for indoor installation is more popular than an outdoor installation. This can be explained by the high level of security that it provides. Use it mainly with hidden wiring. During installation, such a socket requires cutting out space in the wall for installation. If the wall is made of drywall, then problems with making holes will not arise.
And in the case of concrete or brick partitions, you will have to make some efforts to achieve the desired result. Among the advantages that distinguish internal outlets, you can highlight the aesthetic appearance. The device is literally recessed into the wall - only the outer part remains on the surface. The disadvantage of these devices is some difficulties in the installation process. They can occur in wooden houses.
Hidden sockets and switches: features and classification
All existing electrical outlets by design features can be divided into devices for open wiring and for hidden. The first option is resorted to only when a temporary outlet is needed. The hazardous part of the device is located in a plastic case and is attached to the wall. Often in these devices there is a special backlight for the frame, a protective cover, a timer for turning off, and protection from children. Internal sockets are used only with hidden wiring.
The entire main part of the device is located in the wall. Outside, only the panel where the plug will be inserted is fixed. The latter, in turn, is pressed by a special spring-loaded part and a thrust system.
Grounding
According to the electrical circuit, products with grounding and without it are distinguished. The internal socket with grounding has a special element in the design, which is connected to the grounding wire. This type of appliance is recommended to be installed in rooms with high humidity. However, there are cases when the ground wire is missing.
Electric internal sockets of this type are distinguished by the presence of a socket for pins, which are responsible for connecting the “zero” before the supply of electricity begins. They are recommended for use with powerful consumers. The socket for flush mounting without a grounding element is a two-contact model. These devices are used if the wiring in the apartment is only two-wire, and there are simply no opportunities for grounding.
Moisture protection
According to the type of protection against moisture, all electrical appliances (sockets and switches) are divided into standard devices and with an increased level of protection against moisture. The former have been successfully used for a long time in rooms with a normal level of humidity, and the moisture protection function is completely absent here.
Internal outlets with special protection are used in wet conditions. It is an ideal choice for saunas, bathrooms, kitchens. This product is characterized by the presence of a special membrane made of rubber and dense rubber rings. They protect the device from moisture and water. Plastic covers help to remove condensation or water from the surface of the outlet. Some specially protected devices also have an additional cover, the task of which is to prevent moisture from getting inside.
Number of pads
By the number of socket pads, electrical internal can be single, double or triple. A single is distinguished by the presence of only one socket for connecting a consumer, while the others have two and three. Multiple devices are more often found in kitchens, in offices or in any other premises where it is necessary to connect a large number of consumers. On sale you can find internal sockets with a switch. Previously, these were only in Europe. Today they are successfully used in our country. This is a convenient solution that connects at the level of the lowered human hand.
IP44 socket and hidden socket marking
All electrical appliances are classified in terms of safety. So, on sockets or switches you can see the marking in the form of letters IP and numbers. Here it means the level of protection of the device from various external influences.
The number (in this case “4”) means that the device can withstand the effects of dust and other objects whose size is not more than 1 mm. The second figure indicates how much the device is protected from moisture. All products sold in stores and labeled IP44 are protected against water and can tolerate even open splashes. Internal sockets of such a plan are the most common today both in our country and in Europe. They have optimal performance characteristics for installation in any type of room.
Where can I install such outlets?
You can mount such elements almost everywhere. This type of outlet is suitable for installation in bedrooms, children's rooms, bathrooms and kitchens. They are well protected and their operation is completely safe. On sale there are even child-resistant solutions in the form of an additional casing, rubber gasket and cover. But with all the safety for a person, it is not recommended to install these devices in garages, on the outer sides of the walls of houses, in car washes, and wherever there are risks of water entering the outlet.
Sockets for the Internet
Along with electrical, there are also low-current sockets for computer networks. This is a very convenient solution for both home and office. With such devices, you can forget about cable bundles stretching across the floor.
The cord is usually hidden inside the wall, and computers and other equipment are connected to the network through this same battery. Installing an internal RJ-45 socket is quite simple. You need to make a niche in the wall, then cut the cable (twisted pair) and connect the wires in color with the contacts on the outlet. After that, everything must be firmly fixed and tightly closed with an external lid.
Recommendations for proper installation
Correctly completed installation of the electrical outlet is a guarantee of safety, long and convenient operation of electrical appliances that will be powered from it in the future. Therefore, before installing, you need to know some rules. The optimal installation height for a standard residential apartment or house should be 300-800 mm from the floor surface.
Of course, there are sockets that are installed above the baseboard, but this is most likely an exception. If the element has a grounding contact, then the installation of the internal outlet should be carried out at a distance of not less than 500 mm from gas pipelines or heating appliances. If children live at home, then it is better to set a point higher than it should and specified in the standards. Installation of a double or single socket should be carried out in the same box. When it is necessary to install several devices that will be located next to each other, it is better to use double-deck boxes. They will be interconnected after completion of work. Such fastenings are usually carried out using loops. The contacts of the previous outlet dock with the next.
Installation instructions
First of all, the room is disconnected from the electrical network. Next, the installation location is determined. Then, using a drill, hammer or hammer, make a hole in the wall. It is desirable that the edges of the recess are as even as possible. After they install a plastic box where the wires and the entire inner part of the outlet will be. There are two holes at the bottom of it. They should be the core of the electrical wire. To fix the undergrowth, plaster mixes, gypsum-based adhesives or gypsum can be used. The process consists in lubricating with a solution any gaps.
It is best if the material will resemble soft plasticine in consistency. Then remove the remains of the solution and level the wall. The wire must be fixed in the box. After that, the cable is stripped by about 2 centimeters and fixed on the contacts of the socket pads. First, zero cable conductors are connected, then phase conductors, and then grounding. The process of fixing the wires is carried out using screws or springs. Then the block is mounted on the socket. This can be done with the help of sliding legs or self-tapping screws that will pass through the entire surface of the socket and the socket. Then it remains only to install the plastic case and check the operability of the device.
Conclusion
So, we found out what the internal outlets are. As you can see, this is a great way to hide unnecessary looking items. But they should be installed according to safety rules at the recommended height.