Which sockets are best. Rating of manufacturers of sockets and switches. What sockets to choose for the house? How to choose a quality switch

06.03.2020

The electrical outlet is necessary fixture for connecting electrical devices to the network. Almost every day we are faced with electrical outlets. Therefore, it is important that their use is convenient and safe, and their design is reliable. Much depends on choosing the right outlet. First of all, it is the ability to connect household electrical appliances. The service life of the outlet also depends on its correct choice.

To choose the right outlet, you need to know its design, technical parameters and existing species.

Socket device

The electrical socket includes a terminal block, a decorative cover with a screw and.

The block assembly consists of:

Paws for fastening. They are movable spacers or fixed solid cast.
Contacts: , separate ground contact.
Terminals for connecting wires.

Technical specifications

To choose an outlet, you need to pay attention to the characteristics of the outlet, which are indicated on its body: current, voltage and degree of protection.

Rated current is the amount of current that the socket can withstand for a long time. Household sockets are most often designed for 16 A.

The rated voltage is the voltage at which the outlet is allowed to operate. The household socket is designed for 220 volts. The allowable power can be determined by multiplying the current by the voltage.

It is marked with the designation IP and two numbers. The first number indicates protection against dust and ingress, and the second indicates protection against moisture. For home use IP 20 protection is sufficient.

When designing sockets, a modular method is used. The device of the internal mechanism is made in the form of a separate module that can be installed in any socket. Decorative overlay can be any.

Main module and decorative overlay made from special plastic. It is a high-quality dielectric, has high strength at different temperatures, does not burn and does not react to various external influences.

The socket electrodes are made in the form of spring sockets. The diameter of the sockets is made smaller compared to the diameter of the plug pins. Therefore, when inserting the plug, there is some force. Receptacles must provide a large number of fork inserts.

Types of sockets

If we consider all existing types of outlets, then one article is not enough. It is enough to consider the main types. Sockets are classified according to the type of connectors, the presence of various additions.

Surface sockets

They are installed on open electrical wiring when the wires are laid along the ceiling or wall. They are fixed to the wall with self-tapping screws. The wires are brought into the housing to the terminals in the side hole.

Advantages

It is possible to replace the socket without damaging the wall covering, as the cover covers the trim.
Possibility of replacing old types of sockets with European standard. In this case, there is no need to replace the socket.
Installing the socket directly on the sheathing along the wall sheathing. It does not matter how far the outlet is from the wall.
On plasterboard sheathing using a special socket box.
Installing an outlet on wooden walls in a metal socket, observing fire safety.

Embedded

Recessed when installed in the wall. They serve for concealed wiring.

Socket outlets with protective shutters

They have protected openings. They open when a pair of pins of the plug of an electrical device is inserted at the same time. If a child wants to insert an object into one hole of the outlet, the protective shutter will not allow it.

Socket with ejector

It has a special button, by pressing which, the plug can be easily pulled out of the socket. If you have to insert and unplug the plug frequently, this feature will come in handy.

Socket with timer

On the timer, you can set the time to turn off and turn on the electrical device, which is useful for people with poor memory.

Protected socket

The principle of operation of socket protection can be understood with a simple example. Imagine that the insulation on the hair dryer is faulty. Plugged into an outlet, it falls on the wet floor, where a person stands, who immediately becomes a current conductor. There is a leakage current. The outlet has a special sensor that reacts to this current and quickly de-energizes the hair dryer.

Sockets can be installed at any height. The manufacturer and design of the socket housing does not matter. The main factor is right choice load current.

An important condition for the quality of the socket is the exit and insertion of the plug into the socket with little effort. The plug should be pulled out of the socket, holding the housing with the other hand.

Sockets without grounding are applied when electrical network no ground loop provided.

Grounded sockets mounted in important places that require grounding. Usually such a place is the kitchen, or a socket for a computer. In private homes, sockets with grounding contacts are also often used.

Sockets with cover used in rooms high humidity A: bathroom, swimming pool, etc.

The cover covers the entire area of the outlet and prevents the penetration of water and moisture.

Double sockets

Installed in a socket. In this case, you can use two sockets to connect to the network at the same time. The mechanical part of such sockets is not very reliable.

Special types of sockets

Used to connect a radio, telephone, antenna or computer. They are overhead and built-in. There are special sockets that combine several connectors.

Power sockets

They are special plug sockets that are usually used on construction sites to turn on powerful equipment, such as a concrete mixer or a welding machine.

colored sockets

The color scheme of modern sockets is very diverse. Therefore, you can choose a socket that fits perfectly into the design of the room, with any color shade.

You can select the following designs of sockets by color:

White sockets are universal. They are popular and practical, suitable for any room.
Cream rosettes go well with reds, yellows and browns.
Sockets with different interchangeable inserts make it possible to choose an insert that matches the color. It must be taken into account that the paint will gradually peel off.
Painted sockets are expensive. But the paint wears off pretty quickly. This solution is not practical, but is popular because it has great design possibilities.
Retro-style sockets are great for a wooden house or sauna with an old-fashioned interior. This type of sockets will complement the design of the room in an original way.
Wi Fi and GSM sockets are innovative types that can be controlled at a great distance. They are used most often in the system. After installing smart sockets, you can remotely connect and disconnect electrical appliances in the house.
The socket block is usually installed in the kitchen or near the TV. This is convenient for connecting multiple household power consumers at the same time. The use of such socket blocks allows you to refuse the use of extension cords.

With screw wire connection. To fix the core, screws are used that are screwed into the plate that clamps the contact. It is a simple device and is popular.
A screwless connection is used instead of the usual screw connection of wires. Contact is provided by narrowing the hole. The disadvantage is the weak fastening of the wire.
The socket with the indicator adds convenience of use. A small light bulb shines and shows the presence of energy in the network and helps to quickly find the outlet in the dark.
The floor socket is installed on the floor. This installation option is sometimes required to connect electrical appliances. The socket extends, its design fits easily into the interior of any home.

The window socket is a modern solution. Its installation is carried out directly in the window glass, since electrical energy is generated from sunlight. This option has a high cost, but pays off over time.

Consequences of the wrong choice

If you choose the wrong outlet, you may experience unpleasant consequences:

Ignition of electrical wiring and melting of the socket housing, as the current load is incorrectly selected.
Poor quality workmanship and material. The socket will quickly become unusable, the plug will dangle when inserted, the case may fall out of the wall.
Deterioration of the interior of the room due to the wrong choice of color and body design.

In addition, many other consequences can arise that make you think about how to choose the right outlet.

How to choose the right socket

The material of manufacture significantly affects the quality of the product, since cheap soft plastic will quickly break and scratch.
If there is no manufacturer's designation or marking on the case, then this indicates a fake product.
Clips, screws and plates located inside the socket must not show any suspicious damage. The grounding contacts of the socket must be elastic, without burrs.
A quality product does not bad smell and plastic walls should not be too thin.
The greater the number of clamps and parts, the higher the quality of the product.
The holes for the plug must match the sockets. Otherwise, it is better to choose a socket from another manufacturer.
The presence of installation instructions is a positive factor for selection.
It is better to choose a product of well-known manufacturers.
On the back side of the socket there must be a designation of the current and voltage for which the operation of the product is calculated.
Today, combined sockets made in conjunction with a switch are very often chosen. This saves time on the installation of individual products.

Agree, among the offers of sockets and switches, it is sometimes not easy to decide on suitable option, which will combine high quality products with an affordable price.

To facilitate the choice, we will provide an overview of popular electrical installation products from manufacturers whose products have won the trust of consumers. In addition, we will tell you what characteristics and parameters you need to consider in order to choose the best sockets and switches for your home.

In the safety of the technical equipment of an apartment or house, the installation of high-quality sockets and switches plays an important role. Therefore, the attention of the buyer is primarily focused on the products of well-known manufacturers with impressive experience and a well-deserved reputation in the market.

The composition of the top five European brands that produce high-quality electrical installation products has not changed over the past ten years. All standard models of the leaders in the rating are approximately in the same price segment.

If we consider exquisite solutions, for example, from antique brass and bronze, ceramics and glass, then due to the high price they will be more likely to be inaccessible to a simple buyer. But in any case, these top five produce really high-quality products.

Schneider Electric - the power management expert

The French company, founded 180 years ago, initially specialized in armaments. Over time, having expanded its specialization, the transnational enterprise began to deal with issues of electrical engineering and telemechanics, mastering more promising markets for the electric power industry.

Today, the company is considered the world's expert in energy management.

Image gallery

Currently on store shelves huge selection wiring devices, thanks to which you can complement the most original and unusual design solution for arranging any room, and provide comfort when controlling the light in it.

When choosing any device, it is necessary to pay attention not only to appearance(shape, color, material for manufacturing), but also on the quality of production, the safety of the selected model during further operation.

With the purchase of a switch or an outlet, each of us must someday encounter, and at the same time we want to make the right choice so as not to be disappointed in the purchase and not expose our budget to unnecessary costs. How to choose switches and sockets, what they are, and what to look for when buying, you can learn from this article.

A switch is a device designed to act on an electrical network by closing or opening contacts.

Varieties of switches

According to the method of action on the mechanism, the switches are: keyboard, push-button, lever, cord and touch.

Schematically, the main design of the key switch is shown in the figure, where: 1 - key to act on the device, 2 - frame (body), 3 - electrical installation mechanism.

For the rest of the switches, accordingly, the element of pressure changes: instead of a key, there is a button, a lever, a cord.

By functionality, switches are:

ordinary - switches that open the electrical network in one position and close it in the other;
impulse - switches that provide an impact on the network only when pressed directly, without remaining in this position (for example, a bell);
through, cross - differ in a large number of connectors and contacts. Such switches close the electrical network in each of the positions, and if, for example, two light bulbs are connected, then one switch works in one position, and the second in the other;

dimmers and dimmers - their feature is in regulating the brightness of lighting with incandescent lamps, LEDs, halogen lamps;
sensory, “smart” are high-tech modern devices, which have a number of special features: they can turn on / off at certain intervals, control the light fluxes without seeing the switch, they are perfectly integrated into the "smart home" system.

How to choose the right switch

The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a switch is the type of wiring, whether it is open or hidden. If your wiring is open, then the switch must be taken on an invoice (such wiring is in “Stalinist” houses, in villages). If the wiring is hidden, then switches are suitable, in which the box is “recessed”, and the body is attached with screws.

Before buying, pay attention to:

mobility of structural elements (in quality device they can move freely, but in no case hang out);
manufacturer and the presence of a quality mark of this manufacturer;
manufacturer's warranty (may be on the packaging, or maybe on the passport). A manufacturer that cares about consumer satisfaction always provides a guarantee for its product and accompanies the product with a passport and instructions for installation and operation;
aesthetic appearance (flat surface, smooth corners, neat lines);
the quality of the material from which the switch is made: if soft plastic is used for the case, then your switch will be scratched very quickly and its appearance will cease to be attractive; if the plastic emits unpleasant specific odors, this means that it is made from components that are harmful to health;
switch weight (in a good device, the material for its manufacture must be of a certain thickness, on which you cannot “save”);
spare parts of the device (a good product includes fastening devices, there are latches, removable frames, other spare parts).

There are so many modern models, and all have various additional features and elements. For example, models of switches that have a built-in light beacon are in great demand (it unobtrusively illuminates the switch at night, which is very convenient). And, of course, all models are different. interesting design, and decorative panels for them are produced from high-strength plastic of different color shades, and not only from plastic, but also from wood, metal, porcelain and artificial stone.

The socket is an integral part of any electrical wiring. A socket is a device designed to connect electrical appliances and an electrical network (using a plug and socket). The socket consists of:

hull base;
core (it is a support made of insulating material for fastening the contact clamps with the petals of the socket (the plug pins are included in the petals of the socket));
directly the rosette petals (they should be pulled together by a spring at the base);
as well as the terminals required for connecting to the wire.

Varieties of sockets

According to the method of fastening, sockets are divided into:

overhead (these sockets are suitable in cases where the wiring in the room is open);
built-in (such sockets are used when the wiring in the room is hidden).

Also, sockets are divided according to their functional purpose:

power sockets;
signal sockets;
sockets for radio points;
sockets for connecting telephone lines;
sockets for sound signals.

Sockets can be both single-phase and three-phase, differ in the maximum allowable voltage, maximum current and strength.

How to choose the right outlet

As with choosing a switch, when choosing a socket, you need to pay attention to the wiring (open or hidden) and by this indicator determine the bill of lading whether you need a socket or built-in.

There is always a special marking on the socket housing (IP AB), which shows the degree of protection of the housing. For example, the letter "B" indicates that the case is waterproof, combined with the number "0" indicates that the case is not waterproof, and combined with the number "4" indicates that the case is protected from splashing water from any angle. The letter "A" shows the degree of protection of the case from mechanical influences.

Be sure to consider in which room the outlet will be installed (in the bedroom or in the bathroom). For children's rooms, it is better to choose an outlet in which special curtains are mounted; they will close the holes inside the outlet as soon as you remove the plug.

Before buying, pay attention to the following points:

the presence of a guarantee from the manufacturer (more often this is noted in the passport, but it also happens on the packaging), some manufacturers give a guarantee of 2 years (very little), some - 5 years, and there are those that do not provide a guarantee at all;
manufacturer (how well this manufacturer has established itself in the market);
accompanying documents (passport for the product, instructions and recommendations for installation and operation);
aesthetic and neat appearance (smooth surface, smooth corners, lines), plastic quality and the absence of an unpleasant specific odor;
is there a grounding conductor in the wiring of the house - according to this indicator, a socket is selected with an additional contact for grounding or without it;
wire inlet (how convenient is the wire outlet for mounting the outlet);
for the presence of additional springs (sockets, in the connectors of which there are additional springs, will last much longer);
the number of spare parts, the lightness of the device (for example, the socket may consist of two parts that are inserted into each other, snap into place, then easily inserted into the opening for the socket and connected).

Modern sockets differ in number different shades, original forms that can not only perform their functions, but serve as an excellent element of decor.

Video - how to choose switches and sockets

06.08.2014

Wiring elements are an integral part of any electrical network. It is with their participation that the use of electricity is carried out. Therefore, during the repair process, the question often arises of how to choose sockets and switches for an apartment in order to ensure maximum convenience and comfort. There are a lot of selection criteria, but it is recommended to start by studying the varieties of these products.

Design features of sockets and switches

Almost all switches and sockets are used multiple times throughout the day for extended periods of time. In addition, they are constantly exposed to mains voltage. Therefore, when solving the problem of which sockets and switches to choose, one should pay attention not only to external data, but first of all, take an interest in their reliability and safety in operation.

The main function of such products is to provide network switching with electrical appliances and lamps. During operation, there is a constant opening or closing of contacts. In sockets, the pins of the plugs are connected to the contact petals, and in the switches, keys are provided for this purpose. Under the influence of the flowing current, the contacts are constantly heated. Additional Negative influence renders electric arc, which occurs at the moment of chain rupture, due to which premature destruction of contact groups often occurs.

Quality products with optimal design successfully cope with all loads and serve the terms that the manufacturing company sets for 15-20 years. They are not subject to overheating, do not allow sparking and are resistant to high temperatures.

When choosing an electrical outlet or switch, you need to check the quality of the main structural components. In sockets, these are contacts made in the form of petals. A strong metal spring is installed at the base, connecting them together. If such a spring is absent, then the product is unreliable and will not last long. Therefore, this socket is not suitable for hob electric stove.

For the manufacture of high-quality contacts, a material with good electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion is used. The basis of the entire socket is the core, inside which the petals and contact clamps are connected. In old sockets, it was ceramic, and now a special electrical plastic is used for it, which is not subject to overheating and is resistant to mechanical stress.

Varieties of electrical sockets

How to choose an outlet? Typically, sockets are available with or without grounding (Fig. 1), which are selected in accordance with the technical conditions. For example, or in bathrooms where powerful equipment is installed, sockets are subject to mandatory grounding, including those used for the hob.

For rooms with high humidity it is better to choose sockets equipped with covers (Fig. 2). They are installed in swimming pools, bathrooms or outdoors, as is often the case in private homes. The protective cover covers the socket and is an effective barrier to moisture. In addition, such products have an additional degree of protection.

In many cases, it is much more convenient to use double sockets (Fig. 3) installed in a common mounting box. When buying, you should pay attention to the quality of the internal elements, since such products are often subjected to double loads.

In children's rooms, sockets equipped with a special valve or protective shutters are installed (Fig. 4). Thus, the device is protected from childish pranks and opens only under the action of electrical plug. Another type of socket has an ejection function (fig. 5) that allows you to easily remove the plug. The wire is additionally protected from damage, which is especially important with frequent changes in household appliances.

The so-called smart sockets (Fig. 6) are equipped with a timer that turns off at a set time. In this case, the plug remains connected to the device, but it turns out to be de-energized.

There are other types of sockets used in low-voltage networks. Antennas, radio points, etc. are connected to them. Some designs are equipped with several connectors at once. In private homes, power sockets can be installed for connecting electric motors, welding and other powerful equipment.

Electrical switches

When solving the problem of how to choose a switch, it should be noted that these devices, like sockets, are presented in a wide range. In most rooms, conventional appliances are installed. Recently, switching devices equipped with backlight have become popular. They are installed in the darkest places - corridors, hallways, kitchens, etc.

There are switches with a basic function. They are used in conjunction with conventional incandescent lamps. According to the method of inclusion, they can be mechanical or touch type. The light level is changed by simply turning the knob. Pass-through switches are designed to control light from various points in the room. They can be equipped with several keys connected to different lighting groups.

According to the type of design, the switches are divided into one-, two- and three-key devices. All appliances, both sockets and switches, are designed for use with concealed and outdoor wiring. The designs of such devices are fundamentally different from each other.

Criterias of choice

The basis for reliable and durable operation of switching devices are contacts that provide connection to the electrical network.

By their own design features contact systems are divided into two main groups:

Screw. They have been used for a long time and are still used, including with a ground electrode. They are considered the most reliable, but require regular tightening at least once every 3 months. This is due to the gradual shrinkage of the conductor under the action of helical pressure, as a result of which the contact with the network becomes weaker. If you do not tighten it, it will gradually burn out due to repeated overheating, especially when using the socket for the hob.
Quick release. Compared to screw contacts, they have undeniable advantages. Contacts after shrinkage are automatically tightened by means of a spring, periodic tightening is not required. The minimum service life of such systems is 15 years. Ideal for use in apartments and private homes. The new sockets have a grounding contact.

Of great importance is the material from which the switching devices are made. The strength of the product largely depends on this. The following types of materials are mainly used:

Metal. Applies to switches only.
Different kinds heat-resistant and impact-resistant plastics.
Plastic with rubber properties for waterproof products.

These options are considered the best, providing high quality products. Devices made from them are not destroyed by accidental impacts, they are resistant to high temperatures and do not ignite in case of short circuits and other damage to the network. Anti-vandal products used for outdoor installation and in public places are considered especially durable.

Main facing materials are thermoplastic and duroplast. The first option is characterized by high plasticity and is used in most products. The only negative is the appearance of scratches from any mechanical influences. The second material has higher strength and rigidity. It is non-flammable and does not leave scratches on its surface. Duroplast is very fragile, but subject to the rules of operation, this drawback is not noticeable at all.

When decorating the interiors of the premises, design solutions use non-standard materials. The color of the sockets imitates wood, stone, glass. They are not as safe to operate, so they require additional measures and better electrical wiring.

Electrical outlet safety

Compared to switches, socket outlets carry higher loads and are subject to damaging effects. electric current. In this regard, safety issues in the operation of these devices are in the first place.

First of all, for each device, you need to determine which current and voltage are best suited for it. For most sockets, you should choose values corresponding to 6A and 250 volts. Before choosing, you must make sure that the degree of protection is suitable for the future place of operation.

The packaging of sockets and switches is marked with an IP code that corresponds to a certain level of protection. It contains two numbers. The first digit is in the range from 0 to 6 and it is used to select the degree of protection from dust and small objects:

0 - no protection at all.
1 - protection against objects larger than 50 mm.
3 - the same for objects over 12 mm.
4 - the same for objects over 1-2.5 mm.
5 - dust protection.
6 - complete protection against dust and objects, regardless of size.

The second digit corresponds to the degree of protection from moisture. In this case, the range is 0 to 8:

0 - the product is not protected in any way.
1 - protection against drops falling vertically.
2 - drops fall at an angle of 15 degrees.
3 - splashes of moisture at an angle of 60 degrees.
4 - splashes of any format, in addition to those listed.
5 - light water jets.
6 - strong water jet.
7 - short-term immersion in water.
8 - prolonged stay in water (full protection).

The most prestigious are products from manufacturers Legrand, Schneider, ABB and others. Everyone knows their advantages, it remains only to choose a specific product for certain operating conditions. The high cost is due to the same high quality and durability of these devices.

More economical options for the home are offered by Viko and IEK. They are of decent quality for a reasonable price. As a rule, these products work out the declared service life. Which one to choose, everyone decides for himself.

There are a lot of counterfeit products under the brands of well-known brands at present. To accurately select the switches of the desired type, you should follow some rules:

Fake plastic is smelly. Therefore, it is best to sniff such sockets immediately.
Estimate the weight of the device in your hand. The chosen expensive socket cannot be light, as they are made of high-quality and durable materials with normal thickness. The fakes feel too light, which is noticeable almost immediately when you pick them up.
You need to carefully examine the body. There should be no cracks, and technical gaps are visible in a minimum amount. Original products are easily disassembled and assembled, and fastening is carried out using latches. If the case is screwed or soldered, then this device is counterfeit and can pierce to the ground.
Check the appearance and condition of the contacts of sockets and switches. In normal condition, they are golden in color and are not subject to corrosion. Darkened metal parts indicate poor quality.

When repairing or replacing electrical wiring in your home, always try to choose modern solutions. As a rule, they already take into account all the identified shortcomings of the previous series of electrical installation products.

Therefore, when buying new sockets and switches, you can and should choose exactly those that already today have several characteristic differences from previous traditional ones.

This, of course, does not mean that the old sockets are bad, however, the engineering thought of the manufacturers does not stand still and you need to use all the advantages of innovations in your apartment. Let's compare how modern sockets and switches differ from previous budget models.

The new sockets are made of two layers:

lining - polycarbonate

What benefits does it provide? Polycarbonate provides additional electrical safety.

Even if somehow the phase from the wiring broke through to the socket housing, the front of the caliper will be reliably insulated. And touching it with your fingers will not shock you.

But often, many electricians unwind and disassemble sockets to find a malfunction without even removing the voltage from it. This feature is very cool to protect against accidental electrical shocks.

And the presence of two layers allows you to increase the strength of the entire structure by about 50% in front of a traditional galvanized steel caliper.

The front panel is fastened with latches. For dismantling and mounting it back, it takes no more than 3 seconds.

Just pry it from the side with a screwdriver and pull it out with your fingers.

There is even a designation in which particular places you need to pry with a screwdriver.

In the same way, put it in place, pressing down and snapping into place at the attachment points.

True, if a fake comes across, in which the elasticity of the plastic deteriorates over time, these latches from a plus can turn into a minus.

After a couple of years, when dismantling, you can forget how they initially snapped into place, and inadvertently break them.

Traditional fastening of the front panel requires a longer dismantling. You will have to unscrew the mounting screw, and maybe even more than one.

And if you do such an operation quite often, then it is quite possible to spoil the thread. After that, you will have to change not the socket, but the entire socket.

If you plan to use sockets and switches even at the stage of finishing work, then it is better to choose mechanisms with protective covers.

They, firstly, protect the products during transportation. And secondly, they allow you to paint the walls, stick wallpaper even without dismantling the front panels.

overlay frame

Frames in good sockets are attached independently of the front panels. This allows you to freely dismantle and assemble them.

In the old series, the frame is fixed and pressed precisely by the front panel. Therefore, in them, the replacement of the frame with another of the same, but of a different color, occurs only simultaneously with the panel.

It would be better if such products are two-layer.

outside - ABS plastic

reverse inner side - reliable polycarbonate

Inside the panel there are latches, due to which the fixation itself on the mechanism takes place. Please note that they may have several risks.

This will allow you to easily align the frames in case of small wall irregularities.

Internal insulation

A high-quality socket, even with the front panel removed, ensures complete electrical safety.

All internal current-carrying parts are securely closed and insulated. There is no access to them.

In sockets of the budget series, there are always clearly open live parts.

And if you work with a screwdriver that does not have an insulated tip, then you can either get energized or accidentally overlap the phase and the grounded case with the tip itself.

In accordance with safety regulations, all sockets installed in living rooms must have protective shutters. How do good sockets differ in this regard from cheaper ones?

In budget products, the curtain mechanism is fixed directly on the back of the front panel.

Very often, because of such curtains, the following problem arises. There are forks of the combined type. That is, part of the legs of the fork is insulated with plastic, and the ends themselves are metal.

Most often, such plugs are used in various kinds of exercises. They have metal ends slightly thicker than the middle part of the contact legs.

It plugs into a normal socket without any problems. But when you try to remove it and pull it out, the protective curtains bite the contacts like a guillotine.

Biting occurs precisely at the border of the transition of plastic-metal materials. As a result, the plug sticks in the socket.

And it takes a lot of effort to pull it out. Often all this ends with a break in the protective curtains.

In a good modern outlet, the shutter mechanism is recessed deep into the body, and not located on the reverse side.

Accordingly, such a problem as biting a fork simply does not exist. Any fork enters and is removed from it very gently.

Fastening

The fastening of sockets is carried out for both traditional and new models either on screws that are in the socket or on grips. When tightened, the grips dig into the walls of the socket box.

However, in the design of improved models there are features. The so-called “double tooth” technology is used here.

It allows you to increase the separation force by about one and a half times.

Another difference between a high-quality outlet is the presence of a special profile, the so-called " dovetail". It makes it very easy to install sockets and switches in blocks.

If you need to connect two or more mechanisms under the same frame, you set the very first one perfectly exactly according to the level of the Pocket Electric electrician, and mount the second and subsequent ones using a dovetail.

As a result, all mechanisms will be quickly and evenly installed in their seats.

Screw or screwless contacts

Modern and most old models also differ in the technology of connecting conductors. The latest sockets have screwless terminals that allow you to very quickly connect and disconnect the cores of cables or wires.

Among electricians, there is still a heated debate about which of the contacts is more reliable. Allegedly screwless, reduce the area of contact with the wire.

This reduces the conductive capacity and reliability. However, such a dispute resembles the age-old question, what is better than Wago or twist?

Much depends on the quality of performance and operating conditions. There are sockets where a sufficiently powerful spring exerts pressure on just one point - for example, from manufacturers Gira, Legrand, Schneider.

But ABB has a spring of less elasticity, but it presses already at two points at the same time.

Use all products according to the norms and recommendations and problems will never arise. For example, in some European countries, at the legislative level, since the 60s, the use of screw terminals has been prohibited.

The main advantage of screwless terminals is that such connection does not require further maintenance. As the manufacturer assures, after installation, subject to rated loads, you will no longer look into such an outlet for many decades.

All old sockets use screw technology. The stripped wire strands are clamped with traditional screws.

Moreover, the clamping force is also normalized. Professional installers use special torque screwdrivers for this.

Such contacts have a much higher labor intensity during installation and dismantling. In addition, it is desirable to periodically tighten these clamps, that is, to service them. And this entails the analysis of almost half of the design of the entire outlet.

Wires compressed by a screw during temperature fluctuations - heating at maximum load and cooling when it is turned off, can shrink. And accordingly, the contact will weaken over time.

In high-quality sockets, conductors in screwless contacts are in a constant preloaded state, even hot, even cold.

In addition, they have a limiter template on the reverse side, which shows how accurately millimeters it is necessary to remove the insulation from the core.