How to choose an electrical socket and electrical connector
Quality:
When buying installation accessories, it is always worth considering quality. Electrical installations are designed for years, so it is worth focusing on solutions that will not let us down.
Design:
Seemingly insignificant elements, such as switches and sockets, can be a perfect interior finish, emphasizing its character. Many people are unaware of the choice that manufacturers try to give customers, and the choice is colossal – from modest, classic solutions in the most typical shapes and colors, through solutions made of colorful plastics or wood imitations, to natural wood, stone, metal, glass or other exclusive materials .
Manufacturers usually name similarly designed products to make it easier to choose. So the easiest way to choose is type (family) – products from the same family will not only have a similar finish, but also a degree of protection, application, etc.
When designing or renovating an installation, it is worth considering how many sockets or switches will be needed in a given place and compiling an appropriate set (both sockets various types of –electric, television, loudspeaker, computer, as well as connectors, dimmers and other accessories, taking care only that the family was matched).
When the working space is limited, it is worth considering outlets or connectors double (two sockets or connectors in a single frame). Some manufacturers even offer triple solutions, but in the case of sockets, this usually means resigning from the grounding pin.
Double connectors should be used where two circuits will be connected – e.g. when a chandelier has more than one light source, we can turn on each source separately.
In some solutions, sockets mounted in the floor or floor columns may be more practical. Of course, everything depends on the idea and vision of the installer (designer).
In poorly lit rooms, it is worth using elements with backlight to help you find the contact. There are also electrical sockets with backlight indicating power supply.
Security issue:
When selecting sockets, it is worth paying attention to grounding. The most commonly used standard in Poland is the type E socket (commonly referred to as French socket) – in this case, the grounding is in the form of a pin between the power supply holes (on the axis shifted from the power supply axis).
The type F socket (commonly known as schuko or the German standard) is less used, but present on the Polish market. Grounding in this case occurs in the form of spring plates in the upper and lower part of the connector.
There are plug-ins on the market that match both standards – called hybrid plug-ins (marked C/E/F).
E and F type connectors are manufactured for a maximum load of 16A.
The image below shows the types of sockets and plugs that fit them.
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| First digit refers to the degree of protection against solid objects: | The second digit indicates the degree of protection against water: |
|---|---|
| 0 - no protection | 0 - no protection |
| 1 - protection against objects larger than 50 mm (accidental touch) | 1 - protection against water drops falling vertically |
| 2 - protection against objects larger than 12.5 mm (accidental finger contact) | 2 - protection against water drops falling freely with a deviation of up to 15 degrees |
| 3 - protection against objects larger than 2.5 mm (accidental contact with a tool, cable, etc.) | 3 - protection against water drops falling freely up to 60 degrees |
| 4 - protection against objects larger than 1 mm (accidental contact with a thin wire, screw, etc.) | 4 - protection against drops of water falling or splashing at any angle (rain) |
| 5 - protection against dust (possible penetration of dust in small amounts, not interfering with proper operation) | 5 - protection against directed water stream |
| 6 - dustproof (total protection against contact and penetration of solid objects) | 6 - protection against strong water jets or waves |
| 7 - protection against flooding when immersed in water up to 1 m, for no more than 30 minutes | |
| 8 - protection against flooding when continuously immersed in water (for the criteria specified by the manufacturer; in some cases, grade 8 means a hermetic enclosure) |
When choosing sockets for homes with children, it is worth buying sockets with plastic ones tracków. They prevent small objects (e.g. a cable or a screwdriver) from being inserted into the socket. The shutters automatically retract when the plug is inserted into the socket. It is not worth saving on sockets of this type – in sockets of inferior quality, the covers may prove to be a considerable difficulty when inserting the plug, and the covers themselves may crack or move inside the socket. In the sockets on the top shelf, this problem does not occur – the shutters do not hinder regular use, and their lifespan is very long.
An issue of safety is also the aforementioned backlight connectors that facilitate navigation in poorly lit rooms or at night. However, it is worth using illuminated connectors in rooms where you do not sleep – because the backlight may interfere with falling asleep.
Installation type:
In the construction or general renovation of a house, installations are usually designed as flush-mounted – laid in a conduit under the plaster, where only the socket or connector protrudes from the wall. In this case, when replacing old or installing new sockets, look for flush-mounted sockets in the offer.
When the installation is finished, no renovation is planned, and we are not interested in forging walls, it is worth considering a surface-mounted installation. In many cases surface-mounted trays can be matched to the interior design (on the market you can even find trays imitating wood). Although the offer of surface-mounted sockets and switches is not as rich as flush-mounted switches – however, you can easily find elements with a high degree of protection or in a less common color.
Connector typesów:
First of all, it is worth getting acquainted with the division of connectors according to their operation:
- Monostable ( Reflective) – after releasing the connector, the spring deflects the button, returning it to its original state (they can be in the form of multi-position connectors, e.g. shutter connectors)
- Bistable – the button does not return to its previous state when the connector is released.
The offer of installation connectors includes various types suitable for various applications:
If you have any problems with the connection, please read the guides: How to install a power socket? i How to mount a light switch? They explain howóby connection of various types of accessories.
Dimmers
When designing or modernizing an installation, it is also worth getting acquainted with the offer of lighting dimmers used in classic luminaires light connector. They are particularly practical in bedrooms, living rooms or other utility rooms where a cozy atmosphere can be a key element. When choosing a dimmer, pay attention to the light source that will be dimmed (more information about the selection of the light source can be found in this article). Most dimmers are suitable for use with classic bulbs, but when adjusting energy-saving fluorescent lamps or LED sources, it is worth reading the dimmer's manual.
