How to choose sockets and switches: an overview of the best brands on the market today

Where is it better to buy sockets and switches, best prices

Sockets and switches should be purchased only at official trading floors. Before choosing, you should read independent consumer reviews on well-known Internet sites. For example, reviews of Lexman sockets are not at all conducive to buying products from this manufacturer.

First, it is important to familiarize yourself with the certificates confirming the quality and safety of products before making a purchase;
secondly, in the store you can first visually check the quality of sockets and switches. Even with minimal surface defects, the products are unsuitable for use.Dealer network of well-known companies is developed throughout the country

These are the most reliable suppliers of high quality products. The probability of getting a fake is minimal

The dealer network of well-known companies is developed throughout the country. These are the most reliable suppliers of high quality products. The probability of getting a fake is minimal.

2 IEK

Russian IEK circuit breakers compare favorably with competitors at an affordable price. The trademark unites several companies that are engaged in the development, implementation and sale of electrical products. Machines under the IEK brand can be found in apartments and private houses, in the industrial sector, in energy, transport, etc. The company can boast that it has twice become the owner of the title "Brand No. 1 in Russia" in the "Electrical Engineering" nomination. The manufacturer is constantly working to improve the quality of its products, taking into account the opinions of specialists and consumers.

And there is work to be done. Users often complain about defective products that enter the distribution network. One of the most common problems is case failure. This usually happens while tightening the hold-down screws.

Unusual models of sockets and switches

Manufacturers constantly surprise consumers with their new products, offering non-standard solutions. In the trading network, such instances are not often found. If desired, you can order the product you like. We offer you to see what sockets are, you will see something of an unusual design for the first time.

A photo	Description
	Built-in Wi-Fi router in the socket housing. The color version is available in black, white and beige.
	Models supplemented with a watt meter.
	Built-in extension cord, the length of which reaches one and a half meters.
	Socket-tee manufacturer Legrand. Cost from $30.
	Safe sockets. To turn them on, you need to insert the plug and turn. It is recommended to install in houses with small children.
	Socket with built-in switch.
	Powered by solar energy. Installation is carried out on a window block.
	Stash - imitation of a socket
	Art products in the form of a mouse house, locker. The imaginations of designers in ideas from cartoon series in this solution are limitless.

Which smart socket to buy

The variety of commercially available smart sockets can be divided into two main types according to the installation method:

• Recessed sockets - are placed inside the wall, so their body does not protrude above the surface.
• Overhead - mounted on the surface itself. They are more prone to damage, but are often used for decorative purposes or in high humidity areas.

Since sockets are used constantly and quite intensively, they require a high degree of reliability. Poor-quality models or fakes are distinguished by mediocre assembly, cheap manufacturing materials with a pungent odor and poor appearance of contacts. It is better to refrain from buying such devices - no matter how cheap they are.

For the bathroom, you should choose sockets with good protection against moisture. A reasonable option is built-in sockets with protection according to the IP44 standard or higher. For safety, bathroom models must be grounded.

Before buying sockets for the kitchen, you should consider their future location so that you do not have to buy extension cords. They also require protection from dust and dirt.

Sockets for a washing machine, electric stove or other powerful equipment should have a thick copper cable.

Bedrooms will be a great place for smart plugs, which are characterized by maximum usability. They can be turned off or on at a user-specified time.

An overhead socket can be placed on the balcony to avoid unnecessary manipulation of electrical wiring. It is desirable that the model has protection from dust and a light indicator for the dark time of the day.

If there is a TV or computer in the room, you can install sockets specifically for an Internet connection or a display connection. The selection of an outlet for the Internet is made taking into account the type of cable used by the provider.

No. 4. Types of sockets

In our usual understanding, a socket is just an element with holes where you can connect an electrical appliance, and after using it, you just need to remove the plug from the socket. This is the most traditional option. It is still the most popular, but new, more modern devices have appeared that can do a little more.

When deciding which outlet to choose, pay attention to their types:

• a socket with a cover is indispensable where there is a high probability of moisture or dust getting into the equipment. Such products are placed in bathrooms, pools, on the streets. While the socket is covered with a lid, it is protected from negative external influences;
• a socket with a curtain is ideal for a children's room and child care facilities. The design provides for the presence of special blocking elements that will not allow you to put a wire or other thin object into the socket. The curtains open only when an electrical plug is inserted;
• a socket with a switch that allows you to turn the power on and off of an electrical appliance, eliminating the need to constantly insert and remove the plug.A similar solution is aimed at extending the life of the outlet;
• Push-pull sockets make it easier to disconnect electrical appliances from the power supply, thereby extending the life of the socket itself and the power cable. The design assumes the presence of a button on the body, when pressed, the plug literally pops out of the socket. Something similar is implemented in mixers. It is appropriate to put such sockets in places where they are actively used, for example, in hairdressing salons and in kitchens;
• a socket with a light indicator assumes the presence of a small light bulb in the design. Its light indicates the presence of electricity in the network and allows you to quickly navigate in the dark;
• a floor socket with a retractable mechanism will be needed when it is impossible to place it in the wall for some reason. By the way, retractable sockets of this type are sometimes mounted on countertops;
• socket with timer. The functionality is clear, and the shutdown time can be set both using the buttons and the display, and using the rotary mechanism;
• Wi-Fi sockets are used in the smart home system, they can be controlled remotely using a special application;
• the socket block is appropriate where the work of several electrical appliances is constantly required, for example, in the kitchen;
• special sockets may be required to connect a telephone, radio or antenna;
• power connectors are needed mainly at the stage of construction and repair work to connect high power devices.

Among the more original options, there are also window outlets that convert solar energy into electricity, outlets with a wattmeter (show how much energy the connected device consumes) and outlets with a USB output.

Criteria for selecting sockets and switches

Experts recommend choosing sockets and switches for an apartment and a house, relying on a number of criteria. The main ones will be discussed below.

socket type

Separate 2 samples of sockets: internal (classic) and external. In the first case, the electrical outlet elements will be hidden in the wall. This is a very convenient solution, because only the casing is visible to the user, and the core remains inside the wall. Experts advise using it for a closed type of wiring.

The outdoor socket is designed for open wiring. The appearance of the design of the case will allow you to focus on the design of the room.

outdoor socket

Degree of protection

If you look closely, there is a special marking on the body of the sockets - IP, marked with the letters "A" and "B". They should be understood as digital values ​​that meet a certain protection. For example, in an apartment in any of the usual rooms, it will be enough to install a socket with IP 20, which, in accordance with the decoding, is protected from fingers and objects (diameter no more than 12 mm), but is not equipped with moisture-proof properties. For the bathroom, you need to find an option with moisture protection.

External parameter

There are many different designs on the market that vary in shape, color and material. The choice is yours.

If you are confused and don’t know which sockets and switches to buy, the best advice in this case is to rely on the general interior of your house or apartment.

Length of a series of sockets and switches

This is a very very important point. We are constantly faced with this issue and we feel sorry for our customers who are already counting on some kind of series, but in the end it just doesn’t add up. Let's take an example. You have been thinking for a long time about which sockets and switches to buy for your apartment and eventually settled on the Legrand Etika series. You liked it, you tuned in to it, the designer supported the idea. But when it comes time to buy, it turns out that there are no cross switches in Ethics! They just don't show up in this series. and the design project is already ready, it’s already a shame to refuse. Okay, you think, it doesn't matter. Take ABB Cosmo. It has cross switches. And everything seemed to work out, but it turns out that in this series there are no frames for 5 posts. Therefore, check in advance the availability of all components in the series that you like. Especially when it comes to frames for 5 posts, cross switches, three-gang switches - such positions are not always found.

Peculiarities

Schneider sockets are significantly different from their competitors in that they are completely collapsible. Let's describe each detail separately.

• Metal support Metal support socket Schnider
  1. It has special mounting holes so that you can accurately install several sockets side by side in one block;
• attached to the socket separately from the rest of the socket;
• has a metal thickness of more than 1 mm, very hard.
• socket mechanism. Schnider outlet mechanism
  1. Holds the plug firmly, preventing it from accidentally falling out under any circumstances.

  Internally, oxidation-resistant bronze contacts guarantee a perfect connection throughout its lifetime.

• Overlay (frame).It is made of high-strength heat-resistant plastic and is attached to the socket mechanism with latches. Available in various colors and shapes Schnider aluminum frame Schnider glass frame Schnider stone frame Schnider wood frame

High-quality budget sockets and switches from the Schneider Electric brand

• high quality;
• good materials;
• a large assortment;
• varied design.

The Schneider Electric brand appeared in France in 1836 as an arms company. The company has now grown into a large transnational corporation. Electrical engineering is produced not only under the main name, but also under others - the brand owns different trademarks.

The range includes a variety of switches, plugs, covers, single and double sockets, and other related products. Cases can be both in classical and original style. The company's products undergo internal quality control, as well as third-party, receiving both mandatory and voluntary certificates of conformity.

Pros:

• many models;
• there are hybrid devices;
• quality materials and assembly;
• interchangeable pads, frames;
• dimmer switches are produced;
• recognizable look.

What to look for when choosing

these items are perhaps the most frequently used in the house, so it is better to give preference to those made of the most dense material, otherwise the product will quickly rub off and lose its appearance;
pay attention to the marking, a self-respecting manufacturer will definitely tell you who made the product, otherwise you can purchase a low-quality fake;
nothing should hang out inside, ideally everything should be tightly tightened and tightened, it will also be a big plus to have several mounting options and additional gaskets in the kit;
some experienced experts advise you to sniff the electrical product and refuse to purchase it if you feel a sharp smell of cheap plastic;
look into the hole for the plug, do the latches match these holes, gaps and deviations - they speak of poor quality;
the presence of various instructions and certificates in the kit will also be a plus, this indicates that the manufacturer cares about its customers;
select the product according to the rated voltage, the value of which will necessarily be on the back cover (correspondence to the value of the values ​​​​and connected devices is shown in the table below);
combined devices are popular today, where a socket and a switch are combined, such a solution will save on installation.

Types of socket connectors

Depending on the country in which certain standards are legally fixed, sockets differ in the number of contact elements, as well as their shapes and sizes. Moreover, each device has a letter designation approved at the end of the last century by the US Department of Commerce. The classification proposed by the Americans was approved by other countries, and is currently valid worldwide:

Type A

A is a standard that was once ubiquitous in North America. Following the United States, it began to be used in 38 countries. This type consists of two ungrounded flat contacts arranged in parallel. A grounding element is not provided in this case.Today, such devices can still be seen in many old buildings, since they are all compatible with the modern type of plug. The Japanese standard has certain differences, which provides for additional requirements for the parameters of product cases.

Type B

B - an improved version of the American standard, supplemented at the bottom of the design with a long round contact that provides grounding. In addition to the United States, these types of electrical outlets are used in Canada and Mexico. In addition, they are found in a number of countries in South America, including Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.

Type C

C is the most common standard in Europe. The so-called euro socket, consisting of two round contacts, is used, among other things, in the CIS, as well as in the Middle East and in most countries of the African continent. There is no grounding in this design. In the Russian Federation, the dimensions and safety requirements for such products are determined by GOST 7396.

Type D

D is an obsolete standard previously used by the British in the territories that belonged to the British Empire. At the moment, sockets with three round contacts located at the vertices of a triangle are mainly used in India, and are also found in old houses in other countries, where the British once had a hand in arranging power lines.

Type E

E is a modern French standard, which differs from type C by the presence of a grounding contact, which is located at the top of the device. Similar power grid elements are also used in Belgium and Poland.At one time they were introduced on the territory of the former Czechoslovakia.

Type F

F - European standard in the form of a design of two round contacts, supplemented at the top and bottom with grounding brackets. Initially, such devices appeared in Germany and began to be used for alternating current. These types of sockets and plugs are also called "Schuko", which is an abbreviation for the German Schutzkontakt, which literally means "protective contact". Products are fully compatible with plugs of Russian and Soviet production.

Type G

G - British standard, which provides for a fuse located inside the plug. The device consists of three flat contacts, two of which are located at the bottom and one at the top. It is allowed to connect euro plugs using a special adapter, which must also have a built-in fuse. This type of power grid elements is supported in Ireland, as well as in the territories of some states that were once British colonies.

Type H

H is the Israeli standard, which is three round contacts (until 1989, flat elements were used), forming the Latin letter Y with their location. This type of connection to the electrical network is unique, since it is used exclusively in Israel. Other types of sockets and plugs are absolutely incompatible with it.

Type I

I is the standard used in Australia and New Zealand. Two flat contacts are set at an angle. The third is vertically located below and is a grounding element. Similar types of electrical outlets are used in Papua New Guinea and also in the Republic of the Fiji Islands.

Type J

J is a Swiss standard that has a certain similarity with type C, but at the same time differs in the presence of a grounding contact set aside. When connecting europlugs, there is no need to use adapters.

Type K

K - Danish standard, the only difference from the French type is the location of the grounding contact installed directly in the plug, and not in the socket design.

Type L

L - Italian standard, assuming compatibility with Euro plugs type C. The design consists of three round contacts forming a horizontal row.

In some cases, older British designs still in use in South Africa may be marked with the letter M.

Viko

Our rating of the best manufacturers of sockets and switches is completed by Viko, a very popular company in the CIS. The Turkish manufacturer makes large deliveries of this product to the domestic market, so it is unlikely that it will be possible not to “collide” with it at least once. The most important advantage of the product is its low price, availability and reliability. The laconic design of electrical appliances is presented in several colors and has a completely classic style. Vito products are the best budget option, which are easy to install, long-lasting and manufactured according to all fire safety rules. It is for these qualities that the company got into our rating.

Finally, we recommend watching a useful video on the topic:

We have introduced you to the rating of the best sockets and switches in 2017. All these brands have already appeared on the electrical equipment market for quite a long time and have firmly taken a leading position on it.The provided companies produce high-quality and durable goods and all that remains for you is to decide on the desired model and buy it in a trusted store where fakes are excluded.

Also read:

• The best air conditioner manufacturers in 2017
• What are light switches
• What are electrical sockets

Top China Circuit Breaker Manufacturers

EKF

Rating: 4.8

We noted the manufacturer in the rating due to the presence in the assortment of switches with insulation that can withstand 690 V versus 660 V from competitors. If a high power surge occurs, then they will survive it better. This affordable product also wins in terms of the number of electrical shutdown cycles: 10,000 versus 6,000.

Advantages

• automatic devices comply with GOST R 51327.1-2010;
• there are modular and differential automata;
• protect against overcurrents;
• The manufacturer promises a guarantee of up to 5 years.

Flaws

• a small choice at face value among small values;
• may periodically turn off spontaneously;
• sometimes it is difficult to start after shutdown (the toggle switch returns to the off position).

CHINT

Rating: 4.6

Chint products are "pure China", not trying to disguise themselves as other countries. But the manufacturer produces products at the factory and provides a wide selection of circuit breakers, which would be impossible with "handicraft" production. Modular devices are divided into NB1, DZ47, DZ158, NBH8 series. Additional accessories are available for the NB1 line. All devices are designed for alternating current up to 400 V. The machines are made in a narrow case with IP20 protection.

Our experts evaluated and added the manufacturer to the rating as the one producing the cheapest electrical products.All masters and ordinary users in the reviews agree that this is the most affordable option. At the same time, Chint is “industrial China”, and not self-made products, and the goods are accompanied by quality certificates.

Advantages

• all types of response characteristics (B, C, D);
• variants of modular models with poles 1-4;
• rated current in steps of 1 A in the range of 1-6 A;
• the possibility of installing emergency contacts.

Flaws

• low wear resistance of the electromagnetic part - 4000 cycles;
• operating temperature range from -20 to +40 (for others up to +50º C);
• for wires with a cross section of not more than 25 mm2;
• uncomfortable toggle switch lever (slippery and narrow).

Criterias of choice

When choosing and buying this useful device, you should focus on the characteristics and main parameters of the device:

• Device type. Socket outlet or built-in device? In the first case, this is an adapter that is connected to a regular outlet, in the second - an independent device mounted on the wall. The choice of one type or another depends on its purpose. The most popular are overhead sockets.
• Control method. This parameter also depends on the purpose of the outlet and individual preferences. What type of control is most convenient for the user - using remote control, via a mobile phone and sending SMS messages, or via the Internet (for example, with Wi-Fi control) and a special mobile application.
• List of functions.Here you should determine for yourself what basic and additional features of the device are most needed - sending back SMS messages about the network status or malfunctions, the ability to monitor power consumption, the presence of a USB port, etc.
• Working conditions. Before buying, you should determine in what conditions the outlet will work. If the appliance is intended to be used in a shower or bathroom, models with moisture protection should be preferred. A device located outdoors (for example, on the street) must be protected not only from moisture, but also from dust. Most of the sockets are designed to operate in a heated room with low levels of humidity and a minimum amount of dust in the air.
• Build quality and materials. Expensive smart sockets have not only a stylish design, but also high quality and a safety indicator. Inexpensive models, unfortunately, cannot boast of the same. This should be taken into account when buying.

Equally important are parameters such as:

Connection

For the successful connection of the socket (RS) and its long-term operation, several components are required: a cable of the appropriate category, a connector or an eight-pin plug for connecting to a computer. It is possible to install a patch panel that simplifies switching between network equipment and working points. It is best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations during installation. It would not be superfluous to listen to the advice of a professional or someone who has already encountered similar work.

The RJ45 standard for PCs has been in widespread use since 2001. A four-pair shielded cable is connected to the RJ45 relay. Two-pair cables are limited to 1 Gb/s.If you intend to use a large number of conductors, the choice should be made in favor of the four-pair model. The RPC circuit must contain shielding, this ensures transmission protection from interference.

When planning a home renovation, many people think about how many outlets they need for a PC. It is better to resolve this issue in advance, because. cable laying provides for chasing. A desktop computer will require an average of five outlets, one of which will definitely be a computer one.

To install the RZ, you will need: a puncher, a knife, screwdrivers, a tester, crimping pliers.
The cable is brought to the device in an open or closed way. The open method involves mounting the device on the wall. A hidden mounting method involves deepening the device into a socket prepared for it.

The most popular models are now overhead, when the cable is fixed to the wall using special dowels. To place the box, make a round recess in the wall. The cable to be connected is cut off with a margin, it is placed in a box, avoiding kinks.

The ends of the cable 5-6 cm long are bare, avoiding damage to the insulation, additional processing is not required. Level each pair separately. The front panel is removed from the body of the product by unscrewing the fixing bolt or turning the lever to the open position at the socket with fixation. According to the color, all the cores are connected, trying to immerse them deeper, and the ends are fixed with a bolt.

Incomplete insertion of the core should not be a cause for concern, as closing the latch will push them all the way in.

At the end of the connection, a check is made using a tester, after checking, the front panel is attached. Plugging in the cable from the computer can replace the tester as the screen shows a network connection.

Similarly, a double or triple RZ is installed.

Advantages and disadvantages of electrical fittings from well-known manufacturers

Often, despite the reputation of well-known brands, after installing electrical fittings, home craftsmen remain dissatisfied with the quality. Some are not satisfied with the way sockets and switches look after installation, others are dissatisfied with the quality of the wire clamp in contact. But the point here is rather not that the manufacturer allowed the marriage, but the inattention of the buyer himself. Well-known companies that have been on the Russian market for electrical goods for more than a year will not risk their reputation for dubious one-time income. More often than not, it's all about fraud.

Terminals can be self-clamping - such is preferable. After all, they do not require periodic broach

But not only fakes can upset the home master. Some people acquire electrical fittings, just a glimpse of its appearance. They do not think about the fact that plastic can be cheap, and contacts can be rather weak. This can happen not because it is a fake, but because of the cheapness. Almost every manufacturer in the line has both premium sockets and switches and economy options. And do not hope that they will not differ from more expensive ones - this simply cannot be

That is why it is worth understanding how to choose the right electrical fittings and what you should pay special attention to

Electrical fittings can be like this - a block of a three-gang switch with a socket

2 Gira

High degree of strength of constituent elements Country: Germany Ranking (2018): 4.9

The Gira company, which developed its activities at the very beginning of the 20th century, could not move away from the canons of the form of sockets and switches, smoothing the corners, but still taking square boxes as a basis. Despite this fact, it is certainly impossible to call the assortment and variety of series boring: where forms lay down their powers, design and design continue to retain a solid audience.

Yes, Gira's country coverage is not as large as, for example, that of ABB (about 36 versus 100), but given the scale of a German company, this is a very solid indicator. In their reviews, consumers often praise the strength of the construction of boxes, keys and connectors, while noting the average level of cost with a smooth (serial) transition to premium. The most popular products of the company include the Linoleum Multiplex and E2 lines of different price categories, which are not devoid of design sophistication and high quality.