Hidden sockets look aesthetically pleasing and are characterized by a high degree of safety. They are also more convenient in operation than their analogues of an open installation method. Installing hidden outlets in a wall or other surface has some features that must be taken into account.
general characteristics
Secret sockets are installed if there is internal (hidden) wiring in the room. They are mainly built into the wall, and on top is only a decorative strip. When you turn on the plug of the appliance is fixed with a special clamping mechanism.
Type of circuit
Recessed sockets in the wall are usually divided into devices with and without grounding. The first option is equipped with a special part that provides a protective function. But this type of device is installed exclusively in those rooms where there is a grounding wire. They are equipped with pin sockets for supplying grounding.
Sockets of this type are ideal for turning on the refrigerator, freezer. They are installed for electric stoves, ovens, air conditioners. Options without grounding are two-pin. They are mounted in rooms where there is a two-wire type wiring.
Moisture protection
Sockets are usually divided into ordinary (standard) and waterproof. The first option can be installed in residential premises, in offices.
Devices with increased moisture protection are ideal for the bathroom, kitchen, sauna. They realize their function due to the presence of a special rubber membrane in the design. Such models are often equipped with a plastic cover, which additionally protects against penetration of moisture.
Number of pads
Sockets can be single, double or triple. The first type has only one socket for switching on electrical appliances. Such models can be used in any room. Double and triple options are mainly used in the kitchen, where there is a need to simultaneously connect several appliances to the network.
Features of hidden sockets for different rooms
When using a hidden outlet, it is necessary to take into account the features of the room in which it is installed.
- Devices to which the washing machine is connected must have a high degree of protection against moisture.
- In the kitchen, it is appropriate to use special pull-out sockets that are built into the countertop or furniture. Such models provide limited access to electricity and save space.
- On the street, special types of outlets are installed with increased protection against moisture and dust.
- When choosing a device for a bedroom, they pay more attention to its appearance. The socket must have a beautiful case, fit well into the interior and is located in a convenient place for connecting electrical appliances.
In the children's room, models with child protection are appropriate. They are equipped with special plastic dampers. It is impossible to insert anything into such sockets, except for the plug of the appliance.
Degree of protection
Two types of models are popular on the market - IP44, IP54. This marking reflects the degree of protection of the device from negative environmental factors.
The first figure indicates the ability to work in conditions of intense dust, the second - humidity.The greater the degree indicated in the marking, the higher the degree of protection.
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- Concealed socket IP44
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- Flush Mount Socket IP54
In everyday life, IP44 devices are common. They are protected against ingress of foreign particles larger than 1 mm. Additionally, their housing is resistant to moisture. IP54 sockets are especially protected. They are recommended to be used outdoors or in dusty rooms.
Installation tips
When installing hidden sockets, you must follow simple rules:
- The optimal height for installing devices is 30-80 cm. There are also above-plinth models, which are mounted much lower. Also on sale are sockets hidden in the floor.
- If small children live in the house, it is allowed to increase the height of installation.
- In the presence of the grounding function, the device is installed at a distance of more than 50 cm from gas pipes and heating appliances.
- When installing outlets provide for the presence of excess cable in the amount of 5-6 cm.
- Models that need to be hidden in the wall must be installed in special plastic or metal boxes.
- Before starting installation, check the status of the power supply. An indicator screwdriver is used to test the voltage.
Experts recommend installing the necessary accessories during the installation of electrical wiring. When installing several connectors in close proximity, use boxes with the required number of pads. Subsequently, they are connected to each other. For the installation of sockets also use a loop. It is used to connect device contacts.
Installation Instructions
In order for the electrical installation to be successful, it is necessary to adhere to a strict sequence of operations.
Preparatory stage
The place on the wall where the installation will be carried out is marked with a marker. To obtain a niche, where later you can hide the case of the device, use a hammer with a chisel. To speed up the installation, an electric drill is used. When choosing a tool, the material of which the wall is made must be taken into account. The formed niche should have a certain depth and even edges, which will simplify the subsequent installation of the device body.
For the installation of a podrozetnik, building mixtures are used - plaster, gypsum, adhesive compositions. The box should completely cover the hole. The resulting gaps must be filled with the selected composition. Installation work continues only after the adhesive has cured.
Connect the outlet to the network
The electrical wire should exit through the hole in the mounting box. To facilitate the implementation of further work, it is fixed with a special clamp.
To connect the contacts of the pads to the wires of the electric network, the latter are pre-cleaned. It is recommended to first connect the zeros, then the phase and grounding. Screws and a spring mechanism are used to secure the wires.
Additional recommendations
To fix the pads on the socket, sliding paws or screws are used. The last to be mounted is a plastic decorative strip.
When installing floor hatches, a special box is used to install outlets. It can not be used when installation is carried out on the surface of the countertop.
Technical requirements
When installing hidden sockets, follow the simple rules:
- When choosing a device, the following technical parameters are taken into account: current size and type, voltage level, connector rating.
- If there is open wiring, the use of concealed sockets is not allowed.
- High-quality devices are made exclusively from non-combustible materials, providing a high degree of reliability.
When installing outlets take into account that for every 6 square meters.There should be one connector in the room. In the corridor, in the lobby, there may be fewer of them (1 pc. / 10 sq. M). In the kitchen, the number of outlets that are allowed to be installed is much larger. For rooms 8-10 square meters. m optimal is the presence of four connectors. At the same time, the power of three outlets should be within 6 A, the fourth with grounding - up to 10 A. If there is an electric stove, the 25 A connector is considered optimal.
