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Outlets and switches are essential companions for using the amenities that electricity provides. They come in completely different shapes, purposes and configurations. You can choose exactly the product that will best fit into the interior and will best suit the purpose. In addition, a wide range of prices for electrical fittings will allow you to choose what is ideal for your pocket. It will be very easy to do this if you read and follow the suggested purchase rules below.

Both sockets and switches have a wide variety of functions depending on the type of product.

Socket types

Before choosing a socket, first of all, determine the appropriate type of product, taking into account that they are of the following types:

• Sockets without grounding. They are used in cases where grounding is not provided or is not required, for example, in residential premises.
  
• Sockets with grounding. Installed in places where it is important to have grounding. Most often, these are a kitchen or a socket for connecting a computer. They are also used in private homes.
• Sockets with a cover. The use of such an outlet is important in rooms with high humidity, such as a bathroom, a boiler room, a swimming pool, and an external outlet on the house. Such products have a special cover that covers the entire area of ​​the outlet and actively prevents the ingress of water or moisture. In addition, it is important to know that sockets for use in wet areas must have a special IP rating.
  
• Twin sockets. They are mounted in a socket box, allowing you to use two connections to the mains at once. The not very reliable mechanics of such an outlet can be unsafe.
  
• Outlets with a protective shutter or valve. Children's rooms are equipped with such sockets to prevent the possibility of sticking something subtle there. The openings of such an outlet are covered with a kind of curtain that opens only if you insert an electrical plug into it.
  
• Pull-out sockets. Equipped with a special button, by pressing which a person can easily remove the plug from the socket. Protects the wire from damage, are relevant in places where equipment is frequently changed, for example, in the kitchen or in a hairdresser.
  
• Sockets with off timer. The timer function allows you to independently set the operating time of the outlet. It is important to disconnect the network at night or in production at the end of the working day if necessary. Also used in combination with timer-equipped appliances such as air conditioning, electric oven, multicooker or TV.
  
• Special sockets. Designed for antennas, telephones, radio sets, computers, etc. There are both built-in and overhead options. There are also types that combine several connectors at the same time.
  
• Power connectors. Special plug connections, which are mainly used on construction sites to connect particularly high power devices, such as a welding machine.
  

Types of switches

To more clearly imagine how to choose a circuit breaker or a manual one, also initially familiarize yourself with the existing varieties provided by modern manufacturers:

Important! All sockets and switches are also divided into two types, depending on the type of wiring:

• outdoor wiring;
• hidden wiring.

When choosing a device, pay attention to this, since they are not interchangeable, and you may have to go to the store to make a replacement, if, when deciding which sockets to choose, you preferred the wrong option.

How to choose a circuit breaker by type of design?

As already mentioned, switches can have several design options:

Considering the sockets and switches, which ones to choose, decide based on the criterion of maximum convenience and the features of the network wiring. Also take into account the number of lamps in the fixture.

How to distinguish quality products from fakes?

To be able to determine the quality of the product yourself, do the following:

Which contact system is best?

There are two types of systems:

Considering all of the above, quick-clamping systems have the following advantages:

Which material is better?

Since the switch and socket are a device that is regularly exposed to mechanical force, it is important to choose a product made from materials of increased strength:

To understand why it is better to give preference to such options, we note some advantages:

Cladding material

Two types are used as facing material:

In addition to products made from the above two materials, which have a simple design, there are more sophisticated options, but less safe:

Safety indicators

The main indicators that determine the degree of reliability and safety of the device are its technical parameters: voltage and current of precisely calculated strength. These are the characteristics that should be considered in the first place if you yourself cope with the task of how to choose the right outlet.

The main number of outlets is designed for the following conditions:

To determine the level of protection yourself, be sure to find a special IP code on the outlet packaging, which is a conditional indicator. It is indicated by two numbers:

Of course, the higher the IP rating, the better the protection and the more expensive the outlet. Therefore, keep in mind that the standard indicators recommended for different types of premises correspond to the following parameters:

Price categories of sockets and switches

There are several price groups of electrical outlets and switches. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages.

What color should you choose?

The color palette of modern products is quite diverse, so it allows you to choose the right outlet or switch that will perfectly and very organically fit into the interior with any choice of shades.

The following design options are distinguished in it:

Which manufacturer should you give preference to?

All manufacturers presented below have already proven themselves in the electrical fittings market. You can find information about each of these brands on the Internet. There is also a full range of products on offer.

Check out several well-known manufacturers to make your purchase choice easier:

Video

Watch the video overview of sockets and switches to clearly understand the distinctive features of the different types.

Conclusion

Installing sockets and switches is the final chord in your renovation. High-quality products will serve you for many years, but it is worth remembering that it is permissible to make the choice on your own, and it is better to trust the installation of such products to professionals. The safety of your home directly depends on this.

To secure your home and create an original interior, it is necessary not only to correctly position the electrical accessories, but also to consider all the ways to connect it. Sockets and switches play an essential role in this matter, which can add completeness to the created interior. Among the huge assortment of models, it is worth choosing the necessary design of sockets and switches that will fit into the room in a certain style. Thanks to small tips and advice, everyone will be able to choose the necessary version of the product that will correspond to its intended purpose and not pose any danger to human life.

Due to the large assortment of products, you can easily get confused and choose the wrong model that will not fit the technique and design. In order not to be mistaken, you should first of all familiarize yourself with the general classification, which is divided into 2 main groups:

• by appointment;
• by design.

Each category includes several items, which allows you to choose a socket model for a specific type of room.

Do not forget about an important criterion - the price. A cheap product will be of poor quality, which means that the term of work will be short.

Types of sockets by purpose

There are several types of outlets that have different purposes:

1. With protective curtains. This model is perfect for apartments and houses with small children.
2. With fork ejector. For convenience, the developers installed a special button in the corner of the outlet. When it is pressed, the repulsive mechanism is triggered and the fork is removed without much effort. The service life in such structures is several years longer.
3. Grounding. The standard socket has 2 holes for 2 wiring pins. In models with grounding, there are 3 of them, therefore, when turned on, the grounded contacts first of all come into contact, and then with the current. If you follow the electrical safety standards, then only grounded sockets must be installed in the house.
4. For outdoor use. Often, electricity must be removed outside the home or building. But open sockets can be unsafe. In this case, it is worth paying attention to models with a high degree of safety, as well as a cover. Neither precipitation nor temperature changes will harm such a device.
5. For rooms with high humidity. An apartment or house has rooms with high humidity, such as a bathroom and a kitchen. It also uses electricity, but due to the high humidity, standard products cannot be put into operation. For such premises, models with an IP44 mark are suitable. There are rubber gaskets inside that prevent moisture from entering the electricity.

The listed types of outlets are classified as power outlets, but there are also low-current ones. These include: satellite, antenna, computer and telephone.

Types of sockets by design

The design of the outlet is important in terms of safety. To date, the following main types are distinguished:

• With and without screw connection. In the first case, the contacts are placed between two plates, which are fixed to each other with a screw. In the second version, the wires are clamped in special contact holes.
• For indoor and outdoor wiring. Overhead sockets are used for wall mounting. Most often they can be found in country houses and dachas. Built-in sockets are used when it is necessary to hide the wires inside the wall. In this case, the electrical part is also hidden.

According to experts, the quality of work will be higher for sockets with a screw clamp.

Today, manufacturers produce a huge range of switches that differ not only in appearance. They can be manual or automatic. In addition, there are several other characteristic differences that modern manufacturers use.

1. With or without illumination. The classic models of the old model without illumination are universal. Manufacturers have installed LEDs in the case of modern switches. Thanks to this, in the interior of dark rooms (hallway, corridor and bathroom), it will be possible to find a switch without any problems.
2. Regulators. If we are talking about incandescent lamps, then it is worth considering designs with dimmers. They can be of two types: sensory and mechanical. Most often, a remote control of the intensity of the glow can be included in the package.
3. Checkpoints. Modern designers plan several light sources in one room at the same time. Pass-through switches are used to control several groups.

As in the case of outlets, switches can be divided into 2 types depending on the wiring: external and internal.

Types of switches depending on the design features of the mechanism

The most popular are key switches. Their cost is affordable for everyone, so they are used in the interior of houses and apartments. To improve the model, manufacturers have developed one-, two- and three-button switches. The first option is used to turn on and off one electrical circuit. The second is for adjusting multi-lamp fixtures. The third one is installed when there are several groups of lamps that will be controlled in one place.

Among modern switches, newer models are worth highlighting:

• swivel;
• push-button;
• sensory.

Another type of switches stands out - corded. It is used in portable lighting fixtures (floor lamps).

Today, manufacturers produce a wide range of electrical accessories, which are made of high-strength materials. With a variety of shapes, designs and colors, everyone can choose switches and sockets to suit any style. When choosing, it is worth considering the style, for example, for the classic, plain options are suitable, and the Empire or Provence style provides for imitation of precious metals. There are separate collections for children's rooms, which are made in the form of animals, toys of bright colors.

Electric accessories with frames made of matte or colored glass are matched to the modern trend, hi-tech. If we are talking about a girl's bedroom, then decorating with Swarovski stones is permissible. Some manufacturers are engaged in the development and production of exclusively retro-rosettes.

To create an original interior, you can purchase single-color switches on which patterns from the film are applied. In addition, color is of great importance. Not everyone will go well with finishing materials, so experts advise taking into account even the color of the furniture.

There is no need to use exclusively white, identical sockets and switches in all rooms. Thanks to the large assortment, you can safely experiment and select original combinations. For example, in the kitchen, either wood or plastic is present in the decoration, so the body must be made of such materials or imitate them.

In addition, it is worth considering that if gloss prevails in the room, then the use of matte elements will be unsuccessful, and vice versa. When choosing colored items, do not take into account the shade of the walls, as it will be difficult to find an identity.

Pure white switches have not been popular for a long time, even when it comes to light finishes. In this case, the electrical accessories will be lost.

Recently, everyone is concerned about saving energy. The modern "smart home" system will help in this matter. The program will automatically adjust not only the intensity of the glow, but also when there is no need to turn off the power. You can install such a system with your own hands, but first it is important to familiarize yourself with all the intricacies, as well as get expert advice.

The system is based on passive infrared sensors or photocells, which will automatically control all processes. In this case, there is no need to install a large number of switches, since the smart home will clearly fulfill the parameters set by the user. The design of the sockets and switches will differ.

Thanks to the innovative system, you can not only save energy consumption, but also prevent fires. If a person has forgotten to turn off the iron, the system will automatically turn off the power to the outlet.

Ecology and naturalness take the leading place among fashion trends. Manufacturers of sockets and switches also decided to use this trend to create an original "live" design. Several companies have managed to combine plants with sockets and switches.

Live mosses and lichens were used for decoration. It is worth noting that this invention requires care and attention, since the plants must be fed with water, which can lead to a short circuit.

Big fans of vegetation and ecology lovers can decorate their switches and sockets with herbarium.

In order not to lose your money and buy high-quality products, you must adhere to some rules:

1. All parameters must be indicated on the inner surface of the socket or switch. Study them carefully.
2. Signs of quality and international certification are also important.
3. Inspect the product carefully. If low-quality materials were used for the manufacture, then this will be immediately visible. The build level is also checked.

All imported products must bear the certification mark. Otherwise, such a product is considered fake.

Undoubtedly, the range of electrical accessories is very large. But even with such a variety, you can easily get confused and buy the wrong outlet or switch. Only high-quality products will be able to last a long time and not be dangerous. Do not forget that the final stage is the installation of products. It is better to entrust this work to specialists.

Video

From the provided video material, you will learn about the correct location and choice of sockets and switches in the interior of the living space:

It is impossible to imagine a room without switches and sockets. In modern interiors, outlets and switches can be a bit of a fashion accessory. This is what makes manufacturers pay great attention not only to the quality of their products, but also to develop new designs. As a result, everyone can choose electrical accessories for the chosen style of the room's interior. Choosing from a huge assortment, you can easily get confused, so it is worth considering the design of sockets and switches before heading to the store for shopping.

In the modern world, many things are different from those that were fashionable some 10 years ago. The same applies to sockets with switches. It is worth starting with the fact that they differ in the type of installation, and are:

• Embedded.
• Overhead.

And they differ in functionality. Among them are:

• dustproof;
• moisture-proof;
• remote control.

In addition, it is also worth noting that overhead options can be outdoor and indoor. For the installation of street lighting, only the first option should be used, since it has higher characteristics and protective functions.

The design of the switches can also be varied, depending on the number of keys: one-, two- and three-key. Switches are distinguished in shape:

• rectangular;
• square;
• round;
• oval;
• design.

For convenience, consider options with backlighting, they are equipped with LEDs of different colors. This is especially true in the interior of children's rooms: children will be able to navigate without problems and find the switch even in complete darkness.

Note! In modern interiors, remote control systems are used, which are controlled using a remote control.

Trendy electrical accessories

Undoubtedly, quality plays a key role in the choice of any product, but fashion dictates its own rules and design is now also important. When buying switches and sockets, you need to pay attention to their decorativeness and harmonious integration into the interior of the apartment. Both the first and the second should be the logical end of the room, as well as be comfortable and practical.

Consider the most common options for electrical accessories, depending on the style.

For the manufacture of sockets and switches in country styles and restrained minimalism, natural or artificial leather is used.

Modern minimalism or hi-tech is complemented by original multi-colored frames (green, red and blue). They are made of thick frosted glass and aluminum. It also includes touch switches - an innovative technology.

In the loft, you can also consider frosted glass models, but colored glass and metal are more appropriate.

For ethno style, designers suggest exploring the assortment made of natural wood, for example:

• dark mahogany;
• cherries;
• light maple.

There is a special series that belongs to the styles of the late 19th century - the rotary mechanism of switches can be designed:

• painted;
• ceramics;
• wood of different species.

For sockets and switches in the Baroque and Empire styles, the task of which is to emphasize wealth and luxury, expensive materials are used. Brass, bronze and gilding will harmoniously fit into a bedroom, study or living room.

In general, the material for the manufacture of sockets and switches can be:

• plastic;
• metal;
• stone;
• wood;
• glass and so on.

The design can also be very varied.

Do not forget that the selected model must be installed correctly. Many manufacturers decided to simplify the solution to this problem and attach installation instructions to their products, which allows you to do the work yourself, without the involvement of specialists.

Choosing electrical accessories, you must follow an important rule: it should not become the center of the interior of the room, it is more correct to harmoniously fit it into the overall style.

The first problem that arises when installing sockets and switches is the correct calculation of the height relative to the floor level. It is worth noting that this criterion is calculated for each room individually, for example, in the living room it can be anything, and in the kitchen - away from moisture and high temperatures, that is, the work surface.

It is believed that the socket should be located at a height of 1 m, but this indicator may be different, depending on the location and dimensions of furniture or equipment. In rooms with high humidity, installation near a bath, shower and sink is prohibited.

Note! In children's rooms, sockets must have plugs. This precaution will keep children safe from accidents. Installation should be carried out at a height of more than one and a half meters.

When choosing a place for placing switches, you should not adhere to stereotypes, you must follow the requirements of ergonomics:

• The best option is considered to be a zone 10 cm from the doorway on the side of the door handle.
• The height should be selected in accordance with the level of the hand lowered down (according to the floor level, this is about 85 cm).
• When installing switches in the kitchen or bathroom, follow the same guidelines as for power outlets.

Note! When installing electrical accessories, it is important to follow the safety rules. If these skills are not available, it is better to seek the help of a professional electrician.

Ecodesign

Recently, eco-friendly design - the use of natural materials - has become very popular. Manufacturers of sockets and switches have also decided to use it to decorate their products. The combination of electrical appliances and living plants turned out to be quite real. To do this, use:

• lichens.

Such a design will be an excellent addition to a bathroom or kitchen, since they will take the required amount of moisture from the air. But, nevertheless, this option is quite dangerous for families with children, so if you are an ardent fan of nature, you should consider options with a dried herbarium.

Modern electrical accessories are not just utilitarian devices, but also important components of the decor that are included in the interior. For many years, classic white models have been considered the most popular, but if you have a desire to purchase something original and unusual, study all the options for modern switches and sockets.

Electricity, which is a valuable energy resource, provides an opportunity to bring warmth and comfort to a house or apartment, a special atmosphere of comfort, moreover, it warms in cold weather, provides light and power to electrical appliances.

Modern housing does not dispense with all kinds of household devices and appliances powered by a network or mobile gadgets requiring recharging, computers and TVs, it is impossible to imagine leisure.

A full-fledged layout of functioning power supplies must be carefully thought out and worked out before carrying out a complex of work on the arrangement of housing or utility rooms in an apartment.

Having studied in detail the proposed photos of sockets in the room, you can independently prepare a project for the distribution of power sources, it will take into account interior and design solutions.

What determines the placement of outlets and installation

In every residential or utility room, ready for living, there are already certain engineering systems and communications, which include the supply of electrical wires to certain outputs.

Pre-planning the future distribution of sockets in any room, it is important to install them so that they are freely available and do not spoil the aesthetics of the design of the allocated functional area.

In addition to the necessary power supplies, one or two can be installed, which can be used instead of busy outlets, in emergency cases and when necessary.

Conceptual features of the placement of outlets

According to frequently used European standards, power supplies for electrical appliances and electronic devices must be installed at least 15 cm from the floor, do not forget that in this case small children and animals have open access to them.

Adhering to the most important safety standards and rules, the correct location of the outlets is carried out at the level of the raised hand, which can significantly affect the concept of the stylistic design of a living room for any purpose.

For the corridor, you can provide no more than one outlet, which is used in emergencies or to connect an electric dryer for wet shoes.

Bathroom and toilet. The power supplies are placed next to the hair dryer mirror and in the immediate vicinity of the washing machine, ensuring its continuous operation.

Living room or common room. First, it is necessary to accurately determine the planned location of the TV and tuner, wall sconces or floor lamps installed on the floor, 3-4 separate slots are enough.

Kitchen or dining area. In such designated areas, the installation height of the sockets plays an important role; to ensure increased safety, 2-3 sockets with a protective case are mounted.

Bedroom or boudoir. Outlets are efficiently distributed on either side of the bed for easy and comfortable access when turning on additional lights or setting up gadgets for charging.

Personal and work office. The provided 5-7 slots are enough for the normal operation of a personal computer and monitor, additional devices such as a printer, scanner or speaker system.

Children's or playroom. For these premises, power supplies with specialized protection are selected; they must be located outside the reach of children, at the shoulder level of an adult.

Special attention should be paid to the socket, which is intended for powering air purification systems or air conditioners, due to the specifics of their installation, power supplies are mounted 30 cm below the ceiling.

What to do if there are not enough outlets

Knowing how to install an outlet with your own hands, you can supplement the existing power supply system and provide home and loved ones with comfortable access to free devices to charge the phone or other needs.

Self-assembly must be carried out on the basis of the general design concept of the room or its functional area with a preliminary disconnection of the power supply to the entire apartment, observing increased security measures and not leaving the exposed wires exposed.

Photo of sockets in the room

Sockets and switches should be easy to use and look harmonious in the interior. Prostocomfort will tell you how to choose the right ones.

Thanks to new materials that are used in the manufacture of electrical accessories, today they have turned into independent elements of the interior, which are selected not only for their operational and technical characteristics, but also for their external features.

A series of white electrical accessories, made of plastic, in a modern style. Source: VIKO product catalog.

Modern sockets, switches and other electrical accessories are designed according to a modular principle. Various series of electrical accessories and their decorative elements can be changed without dismantling the mechanisms from building structures.

Source: MAKEL product catalog.

Modular socket design:

1. Decorative panel;
2. Colored insert;
3. Decorative frame;
4. Mounting panel;
5. Mounting hole;
6. Mechanism.

Wiring accessories created in the same style are combined in a series. Products of the same series are similar to each other in the form of decorative elements, color and material from which they are made.

Three styles dominate in the design of modern electrical accessories:

• classic: decorative frames and panels are made in the form of a circle or rectangle containing figured decorations, instead of a key, a rotary mechanism is often used in switches;

A series of sockets and switches Merten in a classic style, source http://ias.kiev.ua

Surface switch in classic style. Source: ias.kiev.ua.

• modern: the decorative frame, panel and switch button are in the shape of a square (rectangle), often with rounded corners;

Art Nouveau switch with decorative elements made of wood. Source: Gunsan product catalog.

• hi-tech: technocratic appearance.

High-tech socket strip. Source: Makel product catalog.

As materials for the manufacture of decorative elements of electrical accessories, the following can be used:

• plastic (most often, ABS plastic), the most affordable and most common material;
• metal (primarily aluminum) or metallized plastic;

Art Nouveau switch with decorative painted aluminum frame. Source: ias.kiev.ua.

• glass (tempered, impact-resistant) frosted or colored opaque;

Art Nouveau switches with decorative frames made of frosted and colored glass. Source: Makel product catalog.

• natural or artificial stones;

Art Nouveau switches with decorative frames made of natural stone. Source: Makel product catalog.

• valuable wood, processed to increase fire resistance;

Art Nouveau switch with decorative pine frame. Source: ias.kiev.ua.

• Genuine Leather.

Switch, decorative frame made of genuine leather, source http://ias.kiev.ua

A wide variety of materials used allows you to choose sockets and switches for any style (from Empire and retro to modern fusion and techno).

Decorative frames for electrical accessories can have multi-colored removable elements (inserts, corners, etc.), which help to choose products to match the interior. There are series in which drawings or photographs are depicted on decorative elements. Most often these are sockets and switches designed for children's rooms.

Art Nouveau switches featuring popular cartoon characters. Source: Mutlusan electric product catalog

In order for sockets and switches to harmoniously fit into the interior, we recommend using the following rules.

1. When choosing a color for electrical accessories, you should consider:

• white color and its shades are in harmony in combination with any color;
• black is very pretentious and requires a very accurate selection of colors in the interior, but it always goes well with white;
• for all other colors, it is best to select harmonious combinations according to one of the existing systems used by designers and artists, for example, according to Itten's twelve-part color wheel;
• an intuitive approach to choosing the color of electrical accessories on the principle of "like it or not like it" is also quite acceptable if you do it for yourself.

2. The style of electrical accessories depends entirely on the style of the premises, therefore:

• the classic style of sockets and switches impresses with arched openings, vaulted ceilings and classic furnishings;
• sockets and switches in the Art Nouveau style are suitable for rectangular rooms with an interior dominated by modern furniture, devoid of ornate forms and decorations;
• high-tech style in electrical accessories is acceptable, exclusively, in a "high-tech" interior;

High-tech electrical fittings in a high-tech style interior.