How to choose sockets and switches: types and types

The selection of outlets and switches is often overlooked. In fact, the devices seem very simple, you can save money on switches and sockets without thinking about the possible consequences. Meanwhile, there are quite a few types and types of devices for controlling light and supplying energy to household appliances. Let’s try to figure out what sockets and switches exist and what they are used for.

Sockets

Immediately, we note that the types of outlets in different countries of the world can be radically different from those we are used to..

• Type A – USA and Japan, no grounding.
• Type B – also USA, but with grounding.
• Type C is a familiar European standard; such sockets are used in Europe and the CIS countries. This is an option without grounding.
• Type D – UK.
• Type E – France.
• Type F is also a European standard, this time grounded. The same sockets are used in Russia..
• Type G – found in England.
• Type H – Israel.
• Type I – Australia.
• Type J – Switzerland.
• Type K – Denmark.
• Type L – Italy.

After such a journey through the world of outlets, we will focus on our own version – the F type with grounding. Type C is currently not used in new homes.

In our country, sockets are traditionally designed for mains voltage from 220 to 240 Volts and an alternating current frequency of 50 Hertz. To connect powerful equipment, you will need industrial three-phase sockets.

By the type of installation, the sockets are divided into built-in, when the wiring is hidden in the wall and the cover protrudes only slightly, and overhead, when the wires are not hidden inside the wall. The first option is more common, now it is not accepted to leave the wiring in plain sight.

By purpose, the sockets are divided into standard ones, designed for power supply of TVs, microwave ovens, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, and so on, as well as sockets for connecting to the Internet, for a telephone and with USB-outputs, for gadgets.

The socket may have additional functions: a screen for protection against moisture (important for bathrooms and street sockets), a timer, a protective shutdown system, a plug ejector (does not allow the device to be pulled out of the wall while disconnecting an electrical appliance), backlighting, child protection. An interesting option is also a power outlet with a wattmeter, which allows you to control electricity consumption.

And finally, the sockets, of course, can differ in design. You don’t have to choose a traditional white device with a simple overlay now. Manufacturers offer a fairly wide selection of shades and design solutions..

Switches

The main task of the switch is two functions: opening the electrical network and supplying voltage to the light source. Switches differ significantly in the way they switch lighting:

• Keyboards. The most common type of switch with the smooth keys we are used to. It can be backlit or without, with a protruding housing recessed into the wall, with one or more keys, of any colors and shades. Convenient, simple, and therefore popular.

• With cord or chain. This type of switch is often found in sconces. Convenient yet beautiful, the light switching device turns into a design element of the luminaire.

• Toggle switch.
• Push button switch.
• Slider switch.

• Sensor switch. A modern and high-tech option for switching lighting at the touch of your finger. Sensors often have both backlighting and dimming.

• Switches with built-in motion sensor. Turns on the light automatically when someone enters the room.

• There are also switches that are remotely controlled, as well as respond to the intensity of the incident light.

Whichever type of switch and outlet you choose, we strongly advise you to pay attention to reliability and quality. Agree, it will be very upsetting if an expensive TV burns out due to a cheap outlet or a switch causes smoke in the house.