Sockets, purpose, characteristics, device

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This is an electrical device designed to connect various devices and units to the electrical network. The main characteristic of the socket is the rated current at which it must remain operational throughout the entire period of operation. Ordinary sockets are designed for a current of 10, 16 A, i.e., they are designed to provide energy to devices with a power of no more than 2-3 kW. Exceeding these values ​​can lead to an overload of the contact pair ("plug-socket") and an emergency. Sockets come with or without grounding.

Protective earthing provides protection for electrical installations and equipment, as well as protection of people from the effects of current. Each house has a sufficient number of devices, the grounding of which is mandatory. As a rule, these are devices with a large power consumption - electric stoves, washing machines, etc.

A conventional socket has two contacts (phase and working zero). A grounded socket has a third prong connected to a ground wire. Through it, static electricity is discharged to the ground, as well as dangerous voltages and currents that arise in devices as a result of a breakdown to the case. Especially for children's rooms, sockets with protective covers or shutters have been developed that open only when the plug is installed.

Indoor socket does not have its own housing and is installed in a mounting box.

Reliable connection of socket contacts with wiring is provided by screw terminals, which require a certain amount of force when tightening.

Enclosed in a housing that can have a different design. Such sockets are mounted on top of a mounting surface made of non-combustible material.

An indispensable condition for the trouble-free operation of the socket is the reliability of the contact of the plug connection of the plug-socket pair, i.e., the pins of the plug must be tightly connected to the socket sockets. In this case, first the grounding contacts come into contact, and then the contacts that conduct electric current.

With the modern variety of electrical appliances for various purposes and different capacities, it should be remembered that they can be equipped with plugs of different design and appearance, and therefore sockets must also correspond to them (both in design and in electrical characteristics).

Designed to connect powerful equipment (electric stoves, ovens, etc.). The third contact (yellow-green wire) provides a reliable protective earth. In addition, plugs can be additionally equipped with a fuse.

Some manufacturers offer sockets with a built-in voltage relay that breaks the electrical circuit when the mains voltage changes below or above acceptable limits. After restoring the parameters, the relay switches on automatically.

There are sockets that neutralize the short circuit of the conductor to the body of the device(eg washing machine). They are equipped with a residual current device (RCD), and when the human body comes into contact with a energized housing, the socket automatically disconnects the device from the mains.

A very convenient addition to a conventional outlet is built-in switch, allowing you to disconnect the device from the network without pulling out the plug.

The currently used types of sockets can be produced in various designs, differing in the degree of dust and moisture protection of these products. For indoor placement, for example, products with a degree of protection IP20 are used, for toilets and bathrooms - IP44.

Outdoor sockets are manufactured with a degree of moisture protection IP65 and higher and with protective covers for safety. They also have increased mechanical strength.

Some models of sockets are equipped with a “catapult”, which is triggered when a special button is pressed and pushes the plug out. This design protects the fastening elements of the socket from destruction and allows you to maintain the reliability of electrical contact.

In one block with a regular socket, special connectors for connecting to telephone and computer networks and cable television networks can also be installed.

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