Outlet socket: overview, views, specifications, installation rules and reviews

Each gardener or owner of a summer cottage was thinking about placing the outlet on the outside of his home. Such a solution will allow you to get rid of uncomfortable "carry-over" when using electric tools. However, only outdoor sockets are suitable for outdoor installation, which have a number of features and differences from home appliances.

Features of the device of outdoor sockets

The first distinctive feature of street devices, which immediately strikes the eye, is the appearance. As a rule, products seem more massive and "more severe" than their "brethren". This is due to the type of material used in the manufacture of the case. As such, acts as galvanized steel or thermo-hardened plastic.

On the body of the product, there are necessarily troughs and flanges, which divert water from the wires. Inputs for power cables are supplied with silicone or rubberized gaskets, which tightly fit the inputs. The socket can have a protective door.

The presence of a protective membrane inside the case is the second distinctive 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 space. The contacts themselves are made of metals with good conductivity. As a rule, it is copper or steel with a bronze coating.

Types of sockets for the street

In fairness, it should be said that all sockets intended for installation in the open air must be waterproof. Therefore, it is pointless to look for a special type of outdoor waterproof devices. Now the products are basically divided into two groups according to the installation method:

1. Overhead. Are installed directly on any stable object - wall, pillar, high curb. Such devices are equipped with hinged covers, as well as rubber gasket between the bottom and the surface.
2. Built-in. Mounted in special mounting holes. In the kit should go plastic podrozetnik and sealing pads.

Built-in outdoor sockets after installation look more attractive, better protected from moisture and abuse of hooligans. However, they are more expensive, and with their installation there can be some difficulties.

Degree of protection

The degree of protection of the outlet from various factors of impact must comply with the worldwide standard IP - system for classifying the protective enclosures of electrical appliances against penetration of foreign objects, water and moisture. It is determined by two indicators - resistance to the penetration of solid objects (the first figure after the abbreviation) and moisture protection characteristics (the second figure after the letters IP).

The level of protection from moisture is only eight. The table will acquaint you with them more closely.

Obviously, to buy a street outlet with a level of protection from water above the fifth does not make sense, especially since the "more" IP indicator, the more expensive the socket is.

The resistance to penetration of solid objects also implies protecting a person against penetration of electrical parts. For a street device, the first digit must be at least 4. This means that you can not get to the terminals even with a wire of only 1 mm in thickness. If you live in an arid climate, it is better that this level is not lower than 5, when only dust can penetrate inside. Figure 6 indicates that the outlet is protected even from dust.

Rules of placement

From the most secure outlets there will be no sense if you place them incorrectly. Therefore, before going to the store, carefully study the location of the future installation. If you need a street outlet for a garden or a garden, places where there are no buildings, it is better to give preference to built-in appliances.

If you want to place the outlet on a veranda, terrace or in an open garage, you can use overhead varieties. The main thing is that the product is protected from direct water flow. Otherwise, under the pressure of a large amount of liquid, it will eventually fail sooner or later.

Home network analysis

When installing the outlet you will do the right thing if you call the wizard. However, this possibility is far from at all, therefore independently installing an electric street outlet, one should not forget about safety and about certain rules.

The first thing you need to do before installation, take into account the parameters of the home electrical network. The outlet should be connected in such a way that it does not 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 the outdoor unit, you need to think about the possibility of its emergency shutdown. The simplest way is to install the switch in front of the supply wire. When planning to create a system of outlets, it is better to adapt a control panel with toggles for them.

Connection Features

When you intend 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 the rosettes are already mounted. All you need is to securely fix the unit and bring the power cable to it.

You can connect this cable in several ways - pull it between the input and output devices, lay it underground, or fasten it to the wall. With frequent and strong gusty winds it is better to hide the wiring under the ground, placing it before it in the protective box.

When installing a single outlet, remember that it is located in an accessible location. 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 to measure the wire section thickness with it. Typically, for outdoor devices, cables that can withstand a load current of 16 amps are suitable.

Manufacturers of outdoor sockets

In our country, street outlet manufacturers Simon and Legrand are popular. The Spanish company Simon is a recognized supplier of electrical equipment for home, office and street. Products are famous for the optimal ratio of price and quality. Products are made in the style of minimalism, mostly in gold, white and gray.

The cost of the sockets varies - from 250 for single units and up to 700-900 rubles for sets. Buyers note the high strength of products, ease of installation. All products are equipped with protective doors.

The French company Legrand won its customers original design solutions. In the company's catalog there are several collections that contain all the elements for the arrangement of the house - from outlets and switches to street lamps. The cost of production starts to grow from 300 rubles.

Users note the thoroughness of each detail, the versatility of the devices. Pushed away from buying can only a high price for a particularly liked product.

Tips for buying

When choosing street appliances, be guided by your needs. If you need a simple and reliable design without frills, then choose outdoor sockets waterproof to IP65. Such a product will withstand the onslaught and dust, and dirt, and direct water flow.

If your site represents an original work of art, then focus your attention on the design of instruments. Perhaps, then the best option is to buy a block of outlets. But in any case, do not forget about the device's compliance with minimum security requirements.