Overview of existing types of sockets and switches

The modern market of electrical goods offers a large number of types of sockets and switches for various purposes, performance and quality. For the correct and safe operation of such electrical equipment, you need to be able to choose a model for each specific case. Not the last place in the choice is the manufacturer of electrical goods and the materials used in the production of sockets and switches.

Types of sockets

The standard voltage for a home electrical network is 220 volts. Therefore, the classification of household sockets is mainly given for this voltage class. Most household consumers have power rated for this voltage. If it becomes necessary to connect high-power electrical appliances, industrial sockets are also used in everyday life. Such sockets are designed for a three-phase electrical network with a voltage of 380 volts.

Sockets are distinguished by their purpose, design, degree of protection against moisture and mechanical penetration.

The socket is a contact electrical equipment of the plug type (plug/connector).

In Russia, the CIS countries, standard models of sockets of type "C" and "F" are used. Such types are called "Euro sockets".

Sockets type "C" - plug connection without connecting a grounding conductor. Type "F" sockets - the same, but with a grounding conductor.

In a 220 V network, euro sockets are used to connect electrical consumers with a power of up to 3.5 kW. The current passing through such sockets does not exceed 16 A in normal operation of electrical appliances.

When connecting high-power electrical equipment, industrial models of plug connections are used, designed for a current of 32 A and a voltage of 380 V.

According to the frequency of alternating current, sockets can be designed for a frequency of 50 and 60 Hz. In the power grids of the CIS and Russia, alternating current with a frequency of 50 Hz is used.

Another defining feature when choosing outlets is the type of outlet installation. There are two such types:

• Outlets for outdoor installation. This type of socket provides for installation directly on the surface. Such sockets are made in the housing and do not require pre-installation of holes in the walls and other places of installation.
• Sockets for indoor installation. This type of socket does not have a housing. Installation of an indoor socket provides for the installation of a hole in the wall and the installation of a special plastic box into which the socket will be mounted. These sockets look more aesthetically pleasing in everyday life, but have a more time-consuming installation process.

According to the degree of protection against moisture, sockets are waterproof. The international classification of such sockets is designated IP44 and higher. The socket of this design is equipped with a cover that protects the power contacts from moisture. Such sockets should be installed in bathrooms and outdoors.

There are also indoor outlets with a built-in extension cable. This type of socket is very practical, but requires specific installation conditions. Namely, the presence of sufficient space in the cavity of the wall to install the cable reel.

A few additional and very useful features of modern sockets:

• Socket outlet with built-in residual current device. Protects the device consumer from failure due to malfunctions in the mains supply.
• Socket with built-in timer. This version of the sockets allows you to adjust the time of switching on and off the electrical appliance by the appearance and disappearance of voltage on the power contacts of the socket. Such sockets are not used permanently, but have the design of an adapter to the main power socket.

  Also, sockets with timers can be in the form of a separate adapter module.

• Socket outlet with built-in power consumption sensor. Such sockets are equipped with a special display, which displays the indicator of the power consumed by the appliance in kW. Additionally, the socket can be equipped with a diode backlight that changes color depending on the amount of power.
• A socket equipped with a plug eject button. Designed to facilitate the disconnection of the plug connection.
• Socket equipped with LED lighting. This socket is easier to find in the dark.

Switch types

Light switches for domestic use in apartments and houses are distinguished according to the following criteria:

• Installation method;
• fastening of wires;
• switch control method.

According to the installation method, light switches, like sockets, are outdoor and indoor installation. Such switches are called hidden and external, respectively. Hidden ones are installed in the wall with hidden electrical wiring, and outdoor ones are used for networks with open electrical wiring. Sometimes external switches are used to facilitate the installation process and time. Outdoor switches are easier to maintain and repair. Hidden, in turn, have a more attractive aesthetic appearance, better fit into the interior of the premises.

According to the method of fastening the wires to the power terminals, the switches are divided into devices with a screw conductor clamp and devices with a quick-clamp wire fixation mechanism.

Bare aluminum wire oxidizes quickly, so the contact area must be tightly pressed with a screw connection washer. Copper conductor is softer and less susceptible to oxidation.

According to the method of switching on and off, the switches are divided into the following types:

• Key switches.

  The principle of operation of such a switch is based on the inclusion of contacts mechanically using one or more toggle keys. Depending on the number of keys, the switch can control one or more lamps or even groups of luminaires. This method of inclusion is the most common and most frequently used. The price of such switches is minimal compared to models of other designs.

• Pushbutton switch.

  These switches turn the power on and off by pressing the same button. There are switches with multiple buttons. They are popular among the offers on the market.

• Dimmers.

  Dimmers are light switches equipped with a light intensity control device. Such a device can be made using a wheel, buttons, or even a touch panel.

  An example of the most modern performance. Dimmer with touch panel.

  The range of illumination intensity can be adjusted from 0 to 100%. Such switches are popular, but have a higher cost than standard models. The modern design of dimmers makes them popular in the design of interiors of various subjects. By reducing the illumination, you can significantly save electricity.

• Rotary switches.

  Rotary switches are also available in various designs.

  Such switches do not have any additional functions. Turn the lighting on and off by turning the control knob. Very popular in retro style interiors. They are mainly used for outdoor wiring, but there are also hidden installation models. Easy to maintain, install and repair.

• Rope switches.

  This type of inclusion is used solely for design purposes. It does not add any functional practicality. Work efficiency also does not change. Often, sconces and nightlights are equipped with switches of this type of control.

• Sensor switch.

  Such switches are the most modern. They are equipped with a special touch panel with which the lighting is controlled. Touch switches have a very wide variety of models with various additional functions (timer, backlight, motion sensors, room temperature, etc.). In the light switch market, touch switch models are the most expensive switch category. But despite the cost, they are also one of the most sought after. Mainly due to its design, functionality and long working hours.

• Acoustic switch.

  The principle of operation of such a switch is based on controlling the supply of electricity by including a sound sensor in the circuit. This sensor responds to certain sound signals, often pops. The undoubted advantage of such switches is that they do not need to be searched for in the dark. Some cheap models may be of poor quality and not work the first time.

• A separate category can be attributed to the control of the lighting of the room using a remote control. Such panels are used in modern smart control systems for household electrical appliances. With its versatility, the remote control has some unpleasant moments. For example, the loss or breakdown of the remote control. It is not always good when the management of all processes is concentrated in one device. To avoid unpleasant situations, the remote control is made as an additional to the main one.

Switches, like sockets, fall under the international IP classification system for electrical equipment. The system regulates the design of switches in various degrees of protection against moisture and ingress of solid particles on live parts. The designation of such switches starts with IP44 and above.

Moisture-proof switches must be installed in rooms with high humidity: bathrooms, baths, saunas, as well as outdoors.

How to choose an outlet in an apartment

The correct choice of the outlet largely depends on its efficient and safe operation.

You must select an outlet according to the following criteria:

To facilitate the choice, a comparative description of several of the most popular manufacturers (top 5) is given.

The information is provided for informational purposes only and is not an advertisement.

1. Schneider Electric. The products of this manufacturer are known for their undeniable quality and extensive range. It is noteworthy that the company occupies a leading position not only in the production of household electrical equipment, but also in the industrial equipment sector. The products of this company are used by professional installers, but they are also suitable for beginners, because they have a simple but effective design. And also the products of this manufacturer are made with various degrees of IP protection.
2. Kuntsevo-Electro. An example of high-quality electrical equipment from a domestic manufacturer. The products of this company are distinguished by a relatively low cost with a decent quality of the materials used and the quality of the assembly of products. The sockets are also available in various configurations according to the IP standard. The company's products are the winner of the "100 Best Goods of Russia" award.
3. TDM electrician. The production facilities of this company are also located in Russia. The company is distinguished by the outstanding quality of its products. It has in its arsenal many modern developments of both sockets and other electrical equipment. Products comply with IP, ISO9000 standards. The sockets of this manufacturer are easy to install, maintain and repair. They have a standard set of modifications and are the most widely represented on the market.
4. ABB. The products of the German manufacturer ABB (formerly Siemens) are also an example of the quality of assembly and materials of products. The sockets of this company are distinguished by reliable fastenings, a standard but modern design. Their price category is slightly higher than previous manufacturers, but the service life of ABB products is one of the highest among electrical goods.
5. Legrand. This manufacturer offers high quality electrical products and modern design. The company even produces many collections of electrical accessories for various interiors. At the same time, the requirements of IP and ISO9000 standards are observed in products of any design. The price category of such goods is also higher than the market average. Despite the cost, the sockets of this manufacturer deserve a place of honor in any rating.

What to look for when buying a switch

The choice of a switch for installation in any room must be made according to certain criteria. Only then will the work on its installation and operation be carried out correctly and safely.

Circuit breaker selection criteria:

• According to the installation method. Choice of switch for outdoor or indoor wiring. Sometimes outdoor-type flush-wiring switches are used to speed up the installation process or for installation in specific conditions (for example, high humidity or outdoors).
• By the number of keys, buttons. Depends on the number of controlled consumers - one light source or a group.
• according to local working conditions. The choice depends on the installation site, its features in accordance with the requirements of the IP standard.
• For additional features. The choice is determined by the presence of a backlight switch, sound sensors, touch controls and more. This choice largely depends on the characteristics of the interior of the room.

To facilitate the process of choosing a switch for electrical goods manufacturers, several of the most popular companies are listed.

1. TDM electrician. As in the case of sockets, the switches of this manufacturer have a wide range of designs and additional functions. Modern design and unconditional build quality make the company's products a leader among domestic manufacturers in this industry.
2. Rexant. Manufacturer of electrical products from China. Despite the generally accepted opinion about the low quality of products from this country, this manufacturer is distinguished by the high-quality assembly of its products. The switches meet the standards of the European class of electrical equipment, are reliable in operation, have a fairly serious working life and many functional additions. The price of these switches is relatively low. They can be used in interiors of different directions.
3. Berker. German manufacturer of switches and other electrical products. A notable type of switches from this manufacturer are dimmers (switches with dimmers). Modern execution, thoughtful functional design and high quality products are the distinguishing features of switches from this company.
4. Arlight. A company specializing not only in the production of household light switches, but also in various modern developments. The main direction of this company is LED lighting of premises and illumination of interiors of any complexity. Qualitatively made switches, designed for certain values ​​​​of the mains voltage, are excellent for both professional installation and for self-installation.
5. Legrand. The switches of this company (like sockets and other equipment) comply with the requirements of European quality standards and protection systems. In the assembly of products, high-quality certified materials are used. The switches themselves are made in a modern design and design. Equipped with many functional additions: lighting, motion sensors and others.

Features of the choice of sockets and switches in the bathroom

The bathroom is a room with high humidity and the possibility of a direct hit on electrical appliances by a jet of water. The choice of switches and sockets in such premises must be made taking into account their protected design according to the IP standard.

Sockets and switches in this case must be marked at least IP44.

An example of the appearance of a waterproof switch:

An example of the appearance of a waterproof outlet.

For a wooden house (log house), outdoor sockets are suitable. Such sockets are suitable for outdoor wiring (wiring in wooden houses is made externally for fire safety reasons). Sockets and switches in this case must be installed on sockets made of non-combustible material. All for the same reasons of fire safety. Socket boxes can be made, for example, from textolite.

How to distinguish high-quality devices from low-quality ones

First of all, you should pay attention to the build quality of the product. Contact connections must be made with high quality and look reliable. Housings of sockets and switches should not be deformed, without chips or cracks. The color of the cases should be uniform, without traces of heating and darkening. Fasteners must be included.

All products must be accompanied by a certificate of quality and the corresponding marking according to the IP protection system.

Many products carry the IP marking directly on the housing.

Do not try to choose the cheapest option for the product. The safety of people who are in close proximity to the electrical appliance largely depends on the quality of the electrical product.

The electrical goods market is filled with many offers of electrical products. Switches and sockets are one of the most sought after products in this category. In order not to get confused and make the right decision when choosing them, you must always follow the above recommendations and objectively evaluate the functional features of the required product.