Types of sockets: their differences from each other and their purpose. Types and types of sockets: from classic designs to modern multifunctional models Sockets and switches which material is better

We come across electrical outlets every day, so it is very important that they are convenient and reliable. A lot depends on the correct choice of the outlet. Firstly, it is the ability to fully satisfy their needs in the inclusion of electrical household appliances. In addition, the service life of the socket depends on the correct choice of the socket outlet.

When a person does not know the basic rules that must be followed when choosing an outlet, he is often faced with the problem of frequent failure of outlets. Perhaps, in this case, the outlet simply does not correspond to the actual load parameters of household appliances that are connected to it. Therefore, you need to know how to choose a quality outlet... We will talk about how to do this correctly in this article.

At the moment, the assortment of sockets is very large. In this case, your task is to choose a high-quality outlet. If you buy the first outlet you come across that was recommended by the shop assistant, you will be making a mistake. Since there is a high probability that this outlet does not meet the required parameters.

What to consider when choosing outlets

There are several criteria to consider when choosing an outlet. The first is the type of electrical wiring. If your wiring is mounted directly in the wall, that is, of a hidden type, then you need to choose an internal socket. A distinctive feature of this type of socket is that it is installed in a special box, which is pre-mounted in the wall. In this case, only the body of the socket is outside the wall, and the body of the socket is located directly in the box.

If your wiring is laid in an open way, then you need to purchase an external type outlet. This type of socket is mounted directly on the wall. A distinctive feature of an external socket is that its entire body is outside.

The next criterion is the degree of protection of the socket housing. In accordance with generally accepted standards, there are several types of plug sockets, which are classified depending on the degree of protection of their case against the negative effects of both moisture and mechanical impact of foreign objects. How to choose an outlet in this case?

Explanation of designations of the degree of protection of electrical equipment from environmental influences

As a rule, a special marking of the IP AB type is applied on the socket housing, where "A" and "B" are digital values that correspond to one or another degree of protection of the housing from negative influences. In order to make the correct choice of the outlet, you need to know the decoding of these numerical values.

So, the number "A" shows the diameter of the object, from the external influence of which the body of the electrical equipment is protected, in particular the plug socket. The number "B" indicates the degree of protection of this enclosure against moisture. Let's list the possible numerical values and the corresponding parameter.

Number "A" - diameter and type of item:

"1" - more than 50 mm, as well as the back of the hand;

"2" - more than 12 mm, as well as fingers;

"3" - more than 2.5 mm, including hand tools;

"4" - more than 1 mm, including nuts, washers, bolts and separate conductors;

"5" - the body is protected from dust, and also completely protected from the effects of objects;

"6" - the case is completely dustproof and fully protected from the effects of objects.

"0" - there is no protection of the body from the effects of objects.

The number "B" is the degree of exposure to moisture on the case:

"1" - individual drops that fall on the body vertically;

"2" - individual drops that fall on the body vertically at a slight angle, up to 15 degrees;

"3" - rain;

"4" - splashes of water that can fall on the body at different angles;

"5" - water jet;

"0" - there is no protection of the case against moisture.

Other important criteria to look out for

An important criterion for choosing an outlet is the presence or absence of a grounding conductor in the wiring of an apartment (house). If there is one, then you must choose a socket with an additional grounding contact.

The next, no less important criterion for choosing an outlet is the operating nominal characteristics: the type of current, its magnitude, voltage value, frequency of the supply network. The voltage of the household electrical network is variable, its value is 220 volts, the frequency is 50 Hz. The rated current is selected in accordance with the load of household electrical appliances that you plan to connect to this outlet.

The service life depends on the correct choice of the outlet according to the nominal parameters. If, when choosing an outlet, you find that there is no marking on it, then refuse to purchase it. There is a high probability that this outlet does not correspond to the intended load or parameter of the household network.

In addition to the above, one more criterion for choosing an outlet can be noted - this is the quality of plug connectors. Choose an outlet that has spring loaded connectors, as they provide extra contact rigidity when plugging in a household appliance. If you choose an outlet with conventional connectors, that is, without additional springs, then after a while the rigidity of the contact between the connectors and the plug will significantly decrease, which will lead to their heating and possible damage.

In order to choose a high-quality outlet, pay attention to how the electrical wire is connected to the outlet. In this case, the best option is to choose the connection where the area of the contact surface of the wire with the socket contacts is larger.

If there is a need to connect several sockets with a loop, then pay attention to the presence of an additional pair of contacts on the outlet. This will greatly simplify the connection of the wire, as well as increase the reliability of the connection.

Manufacturers of quality sockets

Expensive high-quality sockets are produced by European manufacturers. These are such well-known companies as "Legrand", "Schneider Electric", "Polo", "ABB", "Jung" and others. There are also very expensive designer sockets, most often these are Italian manufacturers, for example, "Bticino", "Fontini" ...

Outlets of Turkish and Polish firms "Makel", "Viko", "Karlik", "OSPEL" stand out for their good quality and average prices. It is better not to buy cheap and very cheap sockets (the legacy of Soviet times and domestic analogues of well-known manufacturers). Since among these outlets there are a large number of substandard ones. Although normal sockets can be caught, but this is already a lottery.

Electrical outlets can be fake and original. Buy only original sockets, and do it in proven places, where sellers value their reputation.

This material is subjective, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The most important electrical elements in every apartment and house are sockets and switches. Without them, it is impossible to imagine any modern room intended for human life. If earlier the main requirement for sockets and switches on the part of consumers was uninterrupted operation, today it is no less important to match the interior of the room. And since the number of electrical appliances in each family has grown significantly, the load on wiring, sockets and switches has seriously increased. Therefore, buyers are trying to find a balance between affordable price, design and safety. Experts recommend paying attention to several parameters when choosing electrical products.

Criteria for choosing quality sockets and switches

First of all, it is necessary to take into account the operating conditions of the outlet and switch. Most models are designed for heated rooms with low humidity and minimal dust concentration in the air. For a bathroom or shower, you should choose products in a waterproof version. Outdoor models must be well protected from both water and dust.

When choosing a stylish outlet and switch, you need to consider the workmanship as well. There are usually no problems with premium-class products, but budget models do not always meet basic safety requirements.

Not all outlets and switches are easy to connect. Therefore, it is better to ask the sales assistant how electrical wires are connected and fixed to the outlet and switch.

Our review includes the best brands of sockets and switches. When compiling the rating, the following criteria were taken into account:

innovativeness and manufacturability;

originality of design solutions;

price range;

expert opinion;

user reviews.

Rating of the best sockets and switches

Best inexpensive outlet brands

Among the huge number of electrical products, many good samples are found in the budget segment. Manufacturers manage to reduce the price by transferring production to our country, using advanced technologies, and using a simplified design. The experts praised the inexpensive products of the following brands.

The German company BERKER specializes in the production of affordable and high-quality electrical products. In the rich product line, there is a place for sockets and switches. The experts gave the first line of our rating to this brand for strength and reliability. More than one generation of employees of the concern worked on these qualities. The selection of materials was especially praised by the specialists. Low-cost sockets and switches are equipped with no worse than premium competitors.

Manufacturers from Germany are famous for the build quality, in this regard, BERKER is also at its best. The combination of well-chosen mechanisms and materials makes the electrical products of this brand attractive to different layers of domestic homeowners.

Dignity

high strength;

reliability and durability;

affordable price;

excellent build quality.

Flaws

simple design.

Electrical products under the WESSEN brand are widely used in Russia. However, experts gave the company the second line of the rating not only for its popularity. A heat-resistant material is used in the production chain, thanks to which the fire safety of sockets and switches is improved. The Prima series has silver contacts and luminous indicators. The "Rondo IP44" line is made in a waterproof design, it is perfect for installation in bathrooms or damp terraces.

It should be noted that the Russian plant "Potential" has been part of the German concern Schneider Electric since 2008. All products supplied to domestic counters are manufactured in the city of Kozmodemyansk.

Dignity

good plastic;
wide range of;

affordable price;

convenient connection of wires.

Flaws

humble design.

MAKEL

The Turkish manufacturer MAKEL has almost 40 years of experience in the world market. The company employs about a thousand people who produce excellent products at an affordable price. High performance is provided by modern German equipment. The marketing policy is also competently built, thanks to which the products are supplied to 40 countries of the world. Buyers are attracted not only by low prices, but by design and reliability. For these qualities, the brand is firmly entrenched in the top three.

The experts also liked such an interesting feature as coloring the current conductors in different colors, which simplifies installation. Special clamps hold the wires securely. The basis of the sockets is a heat-resistant core, it prevents the entire product from overheating when a powerful electrical appliance is connected.

Dignity

availability;

stylish design;

replaceable frames;

convenient installation.

Flaws

fast abrasion of electroplated coatings.

The best sockets and switches in terms of price-performance ratio

Only at first glance, sockets and switches of well-known brands may seem high. But for this price, the user gets a stylish, reliable, durable and safe electrical device. Thanks to a well-thought-out design, you can connect a switch or an outlet with your own hands, which has a positive effect on the total cost of repairs. The following brands have a good reputation among professionals.

Experts consider the sockets and switches of the French company Legrand to be the standard of quality and reliability. Thanks to the introduction of advanced technologies and the use of modern materials, the manufacturer managed to obtain premium-class products at an affordable price. The widespread dealer network, which covers more than 180 countries, is also impressive. Therefore, the brand deservedly becomes the winner of the rating. On the Russian market, products are found under the trademarks Kontaktor, Sarlam, Zucchini, Cablofil.

The French company does not forget about such properties of sockets and switches, such as design and safety. The assortment includes classic and original versions, while the focus on safety is not reflected in the design.

Dignity

combination of price and quality;

Hi-tech;

modern design;

safe execution.

Flaws

not detected.

The German concern Schneider-Electric can boast of deep historical roots. Since the 19th century, the company has been manufacturing electrical products. Today there is only an office in Germany, and production facilities are scattered around the world. 5 plants owned by Schneider-Electric are located in Russia.

The experts gave the high second position in the rating to this brand for the excellent quality of its products. It is backed by independent research and internal testing. The consumer is offered a wide range of switch sockets, which have modular designs. Schneider-Electric products are recommended for use by professional electricians.

Dignity

recognizable design;

modular structures;

quality proven over the years.

Flaws

high price.

The Italian brand BTicino has been owned by the famous French concern Legrand since 1989. The products of this brand combine high quality, manufacturability and original design. A set of these properties allowed the company to successfully sell sockets and switches around the world. Experts included the brand in the top three in the rating for the continuous improvement of electrical products. BTicino engineers and designers independently develop new models that can fit into the concept of a smart home and other automated systems.

The quality of BTicino sockets and switches is confirmed by international certificates. Thanks to the modular design, the installation of sockets and switches is not difficult even for DIYers.

Dignity

unique design;

modular structures;

independent development.

Flaws

high price.

ABB

ABB Corporation (Asea Brown Boveri) is the result of the merger of two companies ASEA (Sweden) and BBC (Switzerland). The production sites of this international concern are scattered across different continents. In total, the syndicate includes over 100 branches. Among the well-known partners of ABB are such giants as Microsoft, BASF, Siemens, Aibel. In our country, the brand's products are used by such large companies as Gazprom, Rosneft, Lukoil, Mosenergo.

According to experts, the combination of Swedish pedantry and Swiss precision helped the brand get into the rating. These qualities are fully represented in every outlet and switch. Each customer will find a suitable model in the rich product line.

The German manufacturer has been a laureate of various international competitions more than once. The brand got into our rating due to original design solutions and high reliability. The Standart 55 series can boast of an acceptable price, and the ClassiX line becomes an example of elegance and progressive technologies.

Dignity

wide range of products;

German quality;

elegant design.

Flaws

high price.

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

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

To facilitate the choice, we present an overview of popular wiring products from manufacturers whose products have won the trust of consumers. In addition, we will tell you what characteristics and parameters should be taken into account in order to choose the optimal sockets and switches for the home.

The installation of high-quality sockets and switches plays an important role in the safety of the technical equipment of an apartment or house. 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 five leading European brands that produce high-quality wiring products has not changed over the past ten years. All standard models of the leaders of the rating are in approximately 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 rather be inaccessible to the common buyer. But in any case, these five leaders produce really high quality products.

Schneider Electric - Expert in Energy Management

The French company, founded 180 years ago, initially specialized in weapons. Over time, expanding its specialization, the transnational enterprise began to deal with issues of electrical engineering and telemechanics, developing more promising electricity markets.

Today the company is considered the global expert in energy management.

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