Electrical / | Sockets are different: blue, yellow, red. |
Probably many of us have heard the phrase " wiring devices ". But what lies behind this boring technical term know, most likely, not all, but most use these devices every day. It turns out that the so-called qualified electricians sockets, switches, sockets, plugs, junction boxes, fuses, in a word, all the usual items, without which our lives would be plunged into total darkness. And in the truest sense of the word.
Of the variety of wiring devices in everyday life, we often encounter with the switches, sockets and plugs. Their purpose: electrical switching and fast connection to a variety of devices.
The modern sockets and switches are made of high impact resistant plastic c smooth surfaces.
The design of wiring devices is varied: classical forms of the product are not subject to short-term fashion trends, models, giving the interior a personality trait or having a distinct functional design. The color palette of the instrument is able to satisfy the most exacting taste - and strict white or black, and all the colors of the rainbow (which are only some names of colors - " blue sapphire " or, for example, " green safari ").
In addition, the manufactured products, painted by precious woods (" red maple ", " dark oak "), and even such housing are made of this same wood ( GIRA). Therefore, to achieve a combination of them not only with wallpaper, but with wood-paneled walls or furniture trim - the problem is solvable. But this is not the limit. Some companies produce switches and sockets with decorative interchangeable parts. It is enough to replace the thin ring of the same, but a different color to change the look of podnadoevshy switch.
However, admiring the stylish design of modern wiring accessories, we should not forget that these devices operate in networks with dangerous voltage. Therefore, the first requirement for them - complete safety in operation, which is achieved to a large extent, structural measures: from serviceable and correctly installed switch or outlet all uninsulated live parts are inaccessible to the touch.
The maximum allowable voltage and current, which designed a particular type of device indicated on the unit. Exceeding their lead to overheating of the switch (outlet), which can cause fire. To avoid such an undesirable course of events is quite simple - we just have to choose the switch that corresponds to the current in the circuit and its voltage.
Versions of wiring devices, mainly determined by the conditions of their operation (raw or dry room), view wiring (open or hidden), purpose (the number of switched circuits) and the need for protective grounding (neutral). The usefulness of the latter (ie, ground) at anybody doubts does not cause. Therefore, in the construction of modern buildings perform with mandatory wiring circuit protective earthing and use the appropriate switches and sockets. In older homes also have to make do without safety devices contact (simply connect to nothing), and modern appliances with euro (microwave oven, kettle, iron) are connected via a plug-adapter.
According to the degree of protection against external influences, ie operating conditions, wiring devices in accordance with the rules of the European countries classified IP-code. The structure of the code consists of a pointer (the letters IP) and following it two digits. The first (from 0 to 6) indicates the degree of protection of the device from a penetration of foreign objects or dust, second (0 to 8) - for resistance to moisture. The vast majority of switches and sockets for rooms with normal climatic conditions have a degree of protection IP20. Devices in the splash-proof installed in rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms must be carried out according to the norms IP44.
By their construction rotary switches, rocker, push-button; in appearance - for open and concealed wiring. A variety of rocker designs are widespread push button. Depending on the number of switched circuit breakers are one-, two- or three-key, but can sometimes be found products with four or even five keys. For the convenience of finding the switch in a dark room, many models are equipped with lighting on a miniature gas-discharge (neon) lamps.
The maximum current, which is calculated most types of push buttons, does not exceed 10A. Some firms have contacts in their products from alloys with a high silver content, which allows switching circuit currents up to 16 A, and also increases the lifetime of switches to a few tens of years.
The relatively new types of switches can be considered the so-called devices with elements of automation. Dimmers (Dimmers) different capacity allows to smoothly adjust the brightness of the lamps on and off by turning the knob to the left. Switches with built-in motion sensor include lighting with the movements of people in the area of their " visibility " and disable it some time after the cessation of movement in the area they control. Timers (time relay) suitable for switching electrical appliances on specified period of time. They come in mechanical and electronic. Switches with remote control allows you to turn on and turn off the light by remote from a distance of several meters, as well as by pressing directly on the switch.
For connection and disconnection of electrical circuits using the plugs and sockets. Since these products are always used in pairs, regardless of their external design, method of mounting and they must match. Otherwise require special adapters.
Power sockets, as well as circuit breakers, are made for indoor and outdoor wiring, with protective contacts, and without them, in a simple and splash-proof design. They come in single and double, and the blocks of sockets allow simultaneous connection of four appliances. Many types of devices are equipped with power outlets (mainly pivoting or sliding spring-loaded flaps) that prevent free access to the terminals. These tricks are needed to protect against electric shock is not the best of the curious young children.
The range of modern outlets is not confined only powered devices. Widely represented and telecommunications products, they are sometimes also called low-current sockets. The best known of these sockets for connecting telephones and radioreproduktorov. Less frequently until Use connection device to the TV antenna cable laid covertly and outlets for computer connections.
For ease of wiring devices of various types of produce and mounted on a common base or in a common housing. Such devices are known as combined (units). The most typical of various combinations of power sockets and switches. Using blocks sobenno including low-voltage sockets, simplifies the installation of cable lines and wires.
All kinds of wiring devices, including blocks, manufacturers produced the so-called series, different from each other in the basic design framework, caps and key. Products included in one series have a common design but are different in color. With this unification is possible to equip the entire house or individual room switches and sockets, made in the same style.