Modern apartments cannot be imagined without various household appliances. In this connection, situations often arise when there are simply not enough connection points.
This problem can be solved in different ways, for example, by adding new sockets.
However, it is not always convenient, especially after a recent repair, so the only way out is a double socket in one socket, which is installed instead of a standard product.
Double sockets are compact in size, suitable for existing wiring, double the possibilities for connecting electrical appliances. Such sockets work reliably for a long time, provided they are correctly selected and connected.
The main types of double sockets
All types of electrical outlets, including USB, are intended for connecting various devices to the network. The design includes the main or working part with a contact group, and a cover that protects the internal mechanism from external influences.
Often a problem arises due to the impossibility of connecting an additional device due to the lack of free sockets. That is why a double socket , installed in one sub -socket, is gaining more and more popularity among apartment owners . Almost all models are equipped with contacts for connecting the ground wire.
Combined double sockets are presented as separate devices installed at a close distance from each other. However, as practice shows, this option does not differ in aesthetics and requires additional drilling of the wall for one more socket outlet.
Advice of electricians in Sacramento. A monoblock made in the form of a double outlet is considered more convenient. It can be installed in the old place with the mandatory replacement of the existing mounting box and does not cause significant damage to the interior finish. In such monoblocks, the power of the electric current is divided into two parts, and this is their disadvantage, which is especially noticeable when household appliances are connected at the same time.
Depending on the modification, monoblocks with double sockets are divided into the following types:
- Closed and open. In the closed version, the holes under the plug are protected by curtains. Such sockets are used in rooms where small children may be present. To activate the curtains, you need to press them simultaneously. Therefore, if the child wants to push an object into the hole, nothing terrible will happen. The 2nd option is a standard design with open contacts.
- With or without grounding. In the first case, sockets are equipped with contacts for connecting the ground wire. Thus, additional protection against current leakage to the device body is provided.
- Sockets with additional protection against moisture and with the possibility of installation on the street. Moisture-proof devices have a protection class of IP44, and those designed for the street – IP
Products can be additionally marked. For example, the letter A indicates a double outlet made in the USA, the letter indicates a grounding contact.
Features of installation and operation
Many mistakenly believe that double monoblocs have the same properties as twin models located in close proximity to each other.
As a rule, two separate devices are used for this, connected by means of one loop.
Modern single sockets are considered more advanced compared to the old designs, capable of withstanding no more than 10 A. New designs are already designed for 16 A.
However, two separate sockets have nothing to do with a monoblock equipped with a common clamp and several distribution bars.
This ensures the same supply of electric current to each point, however, during operation, its level is unevenly distributed, in accordance with the power of each connected device.
When making a decision to replace an old outlet with a new monoblock, it is necessary to take into account its parameters, technical characteristics, features of installation and further operation.
The most modern sockets of this type have the possibility of programming. A timer is installed on them, which ensures that the device is turned on and off independently at pre-set time intervals. Unbreakable heat-resistant plastic is used for the manufacture of cases, and all kinds of colored inserts provide the appearance and decor.
If independent installation is planned, it is recommended to use the simplest options, without technical excesses. In extreme cases, you can use devices with spring ejector plugs when removing them from the sockets. It is best to install the products of Schneider electric, Legrand, ABB and other well-known manufacturers.
Pay attention ! For a double socket , a general sub-socket is provided, equipped with two terminal blocks and a mounting part for wiring. The use of jumpers is possible if you do not plan to connect too powerful devices. High-power equipment is recommended to be included in two sockets connected in parallel with the lead to each point.
The wire used for connection must match the main cable in terms of its parameters. If the cable is aluminum, then the jumpers are made of the same material.
Materials and tools
Before starting work, you should stock up on all the necessary materials, accessories and tools.
For installation you will need :
- Perforator or impact electric drill for arranging the seat where the sockets will be installed.
- Jumper cable.
- Indicator screwdriver. Necessary to determine the phase and neutral wire.
- The socket outlet, preferably Legrand, is made of durable fire-resistant plastic or metal.
- Multimeter. It is needed to measure the voltage in the sections of the electric circuit where the connection is planned.
- Monoblock made in the form of a double socket.
- Screwdrivers with a cross or flat working part, in accordance with the self-tapping screws used.
- Self-tapping screws or other appropriate fasteners used when installing the outlet in the mounting box.
- A sharp clerical knife, which is used to strip the insulation of conductors.
- Insulating tape to protect connections and open parts.
- Corrugated tube. Its use is not mandatory, but it is desirable to ensure additional electrical safety.
Preparatory works
After choosing the connection scheme and installation location, you need to perform a few more mandatory actions. In most cases, monoblocks are installed in place of the old device. For this purpose, it is necessary to dismantle the existing single outlet and installation box.
Before starting dismantling, the apartment must be de-energized using automatic switches. After that, the outlet can be dismantled. This procedure is performed easily: the conductors are disconnected from the terminals and the feet that fix the device are unscrewed. The new outlet is also disassembled into its main structural elements.
If the installation of a double socket in one sub-socket is planned in a new place, a new hole must be drilled in the wall. For this, a crown is installed on the perforator. Its diameter should be slightly larger than the rosette.
Drilling of concrete is carried out in impact mode, brick and plasterboard – in normal mode. The hole should be of such a depth that the rosette becomes flush with the surface of the wall.
The remains of the material from the middle are carefully cleaned with a hammer and a chisel so as not to damage the connected wire.
Next, all cables are wound into the sockets through the mounting holes. Then the mounting box can be inserted into the seat. Expensive products are attached using side holders, which are included or purchased separately. Simpler models are fixed with screws.
Additional fixation is provided by alabaster, which is placed in the niche before installing the box. At the same time, the product is leveled using a building level. Excess solution is removed with a spatula or knife. After complete drying, you can start installing the outlet.
Wiring and connection
Before starting the connection, it is necessary to clean the cores of the cable from insulation. This operation is performed with a sharp knife. The length of the wire should not be too long, usually it is no more than 12 cm. The wires themselves are cleaned of insulation by about 1 cm. If the wires are too short, then they are lengthened.
Until the installation of the double socket has begun, the marking of the cables is determined according to the appropriateness. The phase conductor is colored brown or red, less often its color is black or white. The neutral wire is laid in blue or white-blue insulation. The grounding conductor is always painted in the traditional yellow-green color.
However, sometimes the color gamut is disturbed, so it is recommended to measure. For this, an indicator screwdriver is used, which alternately touches the bare wires. A light signal lights up on the phase wire, and there will be no such signal on the neutral wire.
Before the installation of the double outlet begins, the room must be de-energized using an automatic switch. If it is not possible to turn off only one room, the entire apartment is completely de-energized. At the point where the wire exits, where the double socket will be connected, it is necessary to check the presence or absence of voltage again.
The wires are twisted together directly inside the socket. The bare ends are connected by soldering or using a special brass contact. In the second case, further operation of the outlet becomes safer.
Dilution and connection of wires to a socket equipped with grounding is carried out according to the established rules. The right terminals are designated for the phase wire, and the left terminals are for the neutral.
Importantly! The grounding cable is connected to the upper and central terminals of the outlet. The central terminal has antennae, which most often protrude beyond the body.
The grounding contact is attached according to the same scheme that is used for the phase and zero.
It is forbidden to attach the phase and neutral wires to the common plate, as this will lead to a short circuit and failure of the entire electrical wiring.
Creating a block from two single sockets
In some cases, the use of double sockets in a monobloc is not always suitable for convenient use of plugs manufactured according to the European standard.
For normal inclusion, they must be turned over, which is not always convenient and aesthetically pleasing.
In this regard, the number of connection points can be increased by installing a block that includes two single sockets that need to be doubled.
The installation kit consists of two identical sockets and the same sub-sockets, suitable in size. One double socket can be used. In addition, a general overhead frame is required. Using this method, it is possible to install not only two, but also three sockets.
First, with the help of a crown, holes are drilled in the wall intended for the installation of socket outlets. In the absence of a crown, a hard alloy drill is used, with which holes are drilled in a circle, and the excess is then removed with a chisel and hammer.
After the sockets are installed and fixed, it is necessary to process the cable. The VVHng brand with a cross section of 2.5 square meters is usually used. mm Before connecting, it is necessary to de-energize the power cable.
Unlike a monoblock, two separate Legrand sockets are connected in a different way. Since the PUE prohibits the connection of a loop of the grounding wire, this method will be used only for the phase and neutral conductors. Grounding will be connected using a separate line.
Advice! For this purpose, the necessary number of branches is made in the junction box. The joints are insulated with sleeves, heat-shrinkable tubes or insulating tape.
Next, you can connect the double outlet itself . Two phase wires are connected to the first device to one of the terminals. One goes from the power cable, the other goes to the second outlet.
The neutral wire is connected in the same way, only to another terminal. At the end, a separate grounding wire is connected to each socket, two in total.
Then the sockets are fixed in the mounting boxes, and a general overlay frame is put on top of them.
