Waterproof sockets: an overview of the possibilities, where to use and how to choose

Waterproof laminate in the kitchen advantages and disadvantages

When starting to arrange the floor in the kitchen, keep in mind that the housewives regularly cook food here. It will be affected by temperature changes, high humidity, and liquid is often spilled in the kitchen, cutlery falls, grease stains appear.

When choosing a laminate for the kitchen, be sure to opt for a moisture-resistant material. Since ordinary panels will quickly become unusable under the influence of the above negative factors.

Of course, even moisture-resistant lamellas cannot be filled with water; it is recommended to wash them not with a wet, but with a slightly damp cloth.

Listing the main advantages of this coverage can be noted:

• attractive appearance;
• hygiene, hygroscopicity;
• simple installation, convenience in further care;
• excellent heat and sound insulation qualities.

It is pleasant to walk on such a floor in home shoes, barefoot. It is warm and pleasant to the touch. Laying laminate will cost you much less than linoleum or ceramic tiles. A special laying technology allows you to lay it all over your home with a smooth and beautiful transition between rooms.

Outlets for outdoor use

If you are the owner of a private house, a country estate or an ordinary 6 acres with a trailer, then there is no need to talk about the variety of situations when a simple socket is needed “at hand”. In order to avoid the purchase of 100-meter extension cords, it is rational to install the required number of sockets on the outside of any object.

Waterproof socket blocks can be installed almost anywhere: the wall of a building, on a wooden gazebo pole, on the “deck” of a mini-pool, inside a stone / brick fence pole, on the outside of the wall of a garage or other utility room.

Innovative technologies penetrate everywhere and everywhere, even such public places as parks, squares, embankments do not lag behind in this regard. Now there is no need to run home to charge your favorite device.

Virtually any electric tool or special equipment can be easily connected to such sockets, which is more economical in terms of energy consumption, unlike devices on gasoline and diesel engines.

For example, we plug in a power saw, electric pruners, an electric barbecue and oven, a submersible pump and a pressurized water / air compressor. We turn to passive rest - we can easily connect an external audio system, a TV panel and much more to such sockets.

Regardless of the purpose of using the “street” socket, we recommend that you follow some notes on choosing a place and how to mount the electrical connector:

• it is advisable to install the socket under any ledge or visor;
• height from the ground at least 75-80 cm (we take into account the possible level of snow cover);
• the cable for the socket must be with protective earth;
• connecting the wire to the outlet exclusively from below - this will allow the flowing water not to get inside the electrical equipment.

Protective membranes must be provided inside the socket, and the contact group is made of bronze or some copper alloy. Such a “street” moisture-resistant socket is integrated into an individual bag - this will secure the rest of the power supply network in the event of a malfunction.

Features of waterproof devices

As noted above, the electrical fittings market is represented by a wide range of socket products that meet almost all technical requirements and even protection against moisture and dust.

Such sockets have a special design: a robust housing, a protective valve cover, an insulated terminal block, a contact group and grounding is mandatory.

For the most part, waterproof sockets do not differ in a brilliant and unique design, but this does not stop them from being such necessary and safe “things” in the household.

Cases and covers of such sockets are made of special polymer heavy-duty plastics that can withstand moisture and low temperatures. The terminal block can also be made of plastic or high-strength ceramic.

The contact group and grounding “petals” are made of alloyed steel and brass alloys, which allows you to have a reliable and safe connection of contacts with the plug connector of an electrical device.

This corrosion-resistant product is capable of operating in the most extreme weather conditions, with direct contact between droplets and water jets.

A typical moisture-resistant socket has a different form factor, in almost most cases it includes a recess in the housing for the plug and a protective cover. The recess protects the socket from the lateral influence of water, and the cover protects from direct moisture ingress into the openings of the socket.

The moisture-proof socket cover is made of solid/transparent PVC plastic, rubber, silicone material. It is attached to the body of the product using springs, latches or the material itself in the case of a rubber cover.

In addition, the housing and socket cover protect the terminal block from dust and other abrasive particles that can adversely affect the state of electrical contact between the power supply network and the electrical device.

To compare the degree of protection against moisture and dust relative to the shell of a product, the so-called parameter - Ingress Protection (IP) is used.

Classification of electrical outlets

The socket is a standardized socket for connecting household tools and appliances, industrial plants and machines.

Experts in the field of electrical wiring distinguish a large number of types and types of socket products, which can be grouped into several classes:

Mount type. Subdivided into overhead and hidden. The former are actively used in auxiliary, utility and industrial premises. They are used when installing retro wiring in cottages made of timber or logs.

The latter are installed in spaces where the main focus is on the interior, namely the absence of any protruding elements on the walls of residential premises.

By the number of connectors in the socket panel. The most common products with one, two and three connectors

There are products with the number of connectors from four or more pieces. The number of simultaneously connected and operating devices in the room depends on this.

Plug type. For division into type groups, marking in Latin letters is used. On the territory of the countries of the post-Soviet space, C, E and F are in use. Although there are at least 13 different socket plugs in the world, and sockets for them, respectively.

Speaking of related factors, it is also necessary to remember the voltage of the power supply network into which we mount the socket: 220 or 380 V. 220 V is used for household appliances, and 380 V is often used to power all kinds of installations, machines, machines, etc.

In the post-Soviet space, German-style sockets are common that meet European water supply standards.

During the selection process, you can pay attention to the color palette of the finished product, and especially you need to pay attention to the manufacturer.We strongly do not recommend buying cheap sockets - this indicates the presence of cheap materials in the design, which directly affects the safety and reliability of the product

All plug connectors (C, E and F) for Eastern Europe have almost the same diameter (0.5 mm difference) of the plug holes and the same distance between the contacts, so they are almost interchangeable

General safety rules

It is clear that for the safe use of household appliances and auxiliary equipment, it is necessary to follow trivial safety rules when connecting, disconnecting an electrical appliance to an outlet.

For example, before plugging the plug into the socket, inspect the cavity of the socket and make sure that there are no foreign objects in the socket, and that there are no burns and “dark” spots on the surface of the socket and near it on the surface of the wall where it is installed.

If obvious signs of “burning” are visible on the surface, you must immediately stop any attempts to connect the electrical device to the network and turn off the bag. After replacing the outlet

Next, inspect the wire of the electrical appliance itself and the plug, check for the absence of bare parts of the wire and darkening on the cable. In case of detection of the above factors, refuse to use this electrical appliance, call a specialist. Or check the malfunction yourself if you have the appropriate skills.

When disconnecting the plug from the socket, it is recommended to hold the surface of the outer panel of the socket with your free hand and gently pull the plug out of the socket.If you sharply “pull out” the plug from the socket, you can “pull out” the terminal block from the socket.

Never try to put the socket back in place. First you need to turn off the electrical network on the switchboard, then turn off the device, remove the outer socket panel and only then return the terminal block to the socket

Everyone knows that water is an excellent substance for transmitting an electrical charge, therefore it is necessary to avoid any contact of moisture with a conductive element of the network, which is the socket. Although the socket itself is protected from moisture, this does not mean that electricity cannot affect human health.

If you find water near the outlet, we strongly recommend that you completely turn off the power supply in the entire room, for example, on the distribution brush, call a specialist.

Where is the best place to place an outlet?

The bathroom can be conditionally divided into several electrical safety zones. They are usually numbered from 0 to 4.

• Zero zone - this is directly a bath, shower or tray, their internal space, as well as the vertical plane near which they are located. In this area, devices with a high degree of protection IP67 or IP68 can be used. The supply voltage must not exceed 12 V.
• To zone 1 includes the adjacent space up to 2.25 m high. Typically, boilers, water heaters and sockets with an IP55 protection index are installed in this area. It is not forbidden to use the space under the bathroom, provided that it has open access.
• Zone 2 starts from a distance of 60 cm from the first zone, as well as the upper tier of the room above 2.25 m.This is the rightful place for lighting systems, ventilation, hydraulic drives, as well as sockets with water protection no less than IP44.
• Zone 3 - this is the volume that is located 240 cm from zone 2 horizontally, and everything above it. Water splashes rarely reach here, the movement of air flows increases, therefore it is allowed to use IPX1 class equipment and electrical installation products.

In short and simple language, the farther the outlet is from the source of water or heat, the better. It is not recommended to mount power points behind the equipment; it is more convenient to mount it on the left, right or below. The outlet must always be freely accessible so that you can replace it or quickly turn off the device.

Types of outlets for the street

In fairness, it should be said that all sockets intended for outdoor installation must be waterproof. Therefore, it makes no sense to look for a special type of outdoor waterproof devices. Now products are mainly divided into two groups according to the installation method:

1. Overhead. They are installed directly on any stable object - a wall, a pole, a high curb. Such devices are equipped with hinged lids, as well as a rubber gasket between the bottom and the surface.
2. Embedded. Mounted in special mounting holes. The kit should include a plastic socket and sealing pads.

Built-in street sockets after installation look more attractive, better protected from moisture and encroachments of hooligans. However, they are more expensive, and some difficulties may arise with their installation.

Optimal location

In each room, residents often or constantly use various electrical appliances.So that all interior items are in place and the sockets are not hidden behind a closet or sofa, you should draw a plan for each room with the indicated dimensions and determine where the furniture, appliances, and lighting will fit. It is also necessary to take into account building codes and regulations in order to ensure fire safety and the accurate operation of electrical wiring.

Hallway and corridor

Lighting in the hallway is best connected using separate switches. Most often in this room they use dryers for shoes or a vacuum cleaner. Therefore, two sockets will be sufficient, located in the corner at a height of 30 cm from the floor and 10 cm from the door or furniture. If it is necessary to install additional electrical devices in the hallway, the circuit becomes more complicated.

Bathroom

In the bathroom, a washing machine, a shower cabin and a water heater can be permanently plugged into sockets. Often you need to use a hair dryer or a razor. For large equipment, separate energy sources will be required, which, according to the rules, should be located no closer than 60 cm from the water source and from the floor. You should buy special moisture-proof sockets with a cover and marking IP44 - they have a special plastic flange on the inside to drain water when it hits.

A forced exhaust fan is usually connected to a light switch - if a person enters the bathroom, the hood starts to work.

Kitchen

The kitchen leads in the number of constantly working electrical appliances. The main list of equipment constantly included in the network:

• fridge;
• Dishwasher;
• electric stove;
• microwave;
• television;
• hood;
• electric kettle;
• washing machine.

Therefore, you need at least eight sockets for constant work and at least five for small household appliances, such as a mixer, coffee grinder or meat grinder.

The main difficulty is the correct location of sockets for built-in appliances - they cannot be placed behind electrical appliances, so it is better to move the energy sources beyond the adjacent kitchen cabinets. Separate power supplies must be installed for the hob and oven - a double socket will not withstand the load.

Living room

This room is used for recreation and entertainment of the household, it has a TV, audio center, Wi-Fi router, split system, local lighting points. These devices are connected permanently, sockets for them, according to safety rules, are mounted at a height of 30 cm from the floor and at least 10 cm from door and window openings.

For a split system, the socket should be placed at the top, near the installation site of the indoor unit - this will avoid ugly wires on the walls.

Bedroom

Bedside tables usually have phones or tablets that require additional recharging. Therefore, the best solution would be to place a couple of sockets by the bed, at a distance of 15-20 cm from the countertop.

It is convenient to watch your favorite movies and programs while lying in bed, so the TV is usually hung on the wall opposite the head of the bed. You can hide the socket behind the screen panel.

Children's

A small child needs a socket for a night light, but it is worth considering that in a couple of years you will need energy sources for game consoles and charging your phone, tablet, TV and computer. And if there are several children, then the load on the power grid increases.

For children's rooms, it is advisable to buy safe sockets with covers or plugs and arrange them so that the baby does not reach hanging wires.

Office or desktop

The desktop usually has a computer, a monitor, peripheral equipment, a telephone, and a table lamp. For comfortable work, you will need at least 6 sockets with a surge protector, and in order to hide an ugly mess of wires, you should mount electrical accessories at a height of 25-30 cm above the floor and remove the wires under the cable channel.

The use of moisture-proof sockets

There are practically no questions regarding the use of ordinary sockets - where necessary, we put it there.

But a waterproof socket is another matter - a special class of sockets that are used in special cases, namely:

• bathrooms, and bathrooms of apartments (houses);
• cosmetology centers and fitness clubs, where water procedures, saunas, baths, steam rooms, showers are provided;
• swimming pools and entertainment centers such as dolphinariums, water parks, etc.;
• "street" application (on the outside of buildings) and industrial facilities.

The bathroom of a classic apartment has long ceased to be an archaic room with only a washbasin and a cast-iron bath, now it is a high-tech room in which “washers”, hydromassages, a jacuzzi, boilers, electric hoods and dryers are installed.

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Location of sockets in the bathroom

Waterproof sockets in the kitchen

Power points in pools and saunas

Outdoor use

Do not forget about the need for an outlet for a hair dryer, curling iron, electric shaver and much more.The bathroom also needs such basic things as an electric hood and a hand dryer after washing. All this "good" must be powered by a reliable source - the electrical network through a waterproof outlet.

The current beauty salons, sports fitness clubs provide more than a wide range of beauty and wellness services, which include water treatments.

For the safe provision of such services, moisture-resistant sockets are used, into which an extensive list of electrical appliances and equipment is connected: from a dryer to a tubular electric heater (heater) for “heating” the stones in the sauna.

The bathroom space has several danger zones for the presence of an electrical appliance, so experts recommend installing sockets in zones 2 and 3

There is no need to talk about the need for moisture-resistant sockets in a pool or water park. It is impossible to normally, and most importantly safely, turn on any water ring pump or other injection unit to ensure water circulation in the tank or the presence of the required water flow on the attraction.

A huge amount of industrial equipment is powered by the electrical network in the most extreme environmental weather conditions or with the presence of liquid inside the unit.

In order to exclude the systematic or accidental negative effect of moisture on the electrical connection between the power supply network and the equipment, waterproof sockets with the maximum shell protection class are widely used.

Often I install a moisture-proof socket next to an electric light switch, which should also have a similar class of protection against moisture and water.

Choosing the right placement

After you have chosen the socket you need from the available assortment, you need to choose the place of its installation. Remember that a properly selected placement will allow you to operate the product for the entire period specified by the manufacturers. But placement in the wrong place can negate all the advantages of this type of device in the near future. When determining the location of street-type outlets, the following requirements should be followed:

• devices must be placed under the visor. Its role can be played by both a ledge of the roof and a canopy over the porch;
• installation by the device is recommended to be carried out in protective boxes or switchboards;
• the height of the outlet must be correctly selected. So you can avoid excessive flooding of the device or its flooding.

Option for placing a street outlet

Even despite the high degree of protection of the product from moisture, its prolonged and constant flooding can still lead to leakage of hermetic elements and, as a result, failure of the outlet. Therefore, in order to protect yourself and your loved ones from the risk of electrical injury, the choice of location for the localization of this device must be carried out in accordance with all the rules, taking into account all the requirements.

Transparent impregnations

The cheapest treatment option is water-repellent colorless impregnations. There are no special solutions for OSB. You can use any wood products, with the exception of those prepared on a water basis. Examples of such compositions:

• Antiseptic impregnation for wood Elcon on a silicone basis. Designed for long-term protection of wooden structures from atmospheric influences, rotting, mold. Scope: for internal and external works.Forms a water-repellent film, non-toxic, allows the tree to "breathe".
• Innovative domestic hydrophobic composition NEOGARD-Derevo-40 based on organosilicon oligomers. Designed to impart water-repellent properties to wood products and materials based on it: plywood, chipboard, fiberboard. Water absorption for chipboard is reduced by 15 - 25 times. Obviously, it is also suitable for OSB. Does not change the natural color of the material, the protective properties are preserved for at least 5 years.

Where is it customary to use sockets with moisture protection

No one has any questions about using simple sockets, since they can be installed almost anywhere.

But for devices with a certain level of moisture protection, there is a certain list of places of application:

• bathrooms with toilets;
• cosmetology centers and sports clubs with facilities for water procedures;
• steam rooms with saunas, showers and baths;
• entertainment centers with swimming pools, water parks with dolphinariums;
• outdoor use - industrial type objects and external parts of buildings.

It is customary to install sockets with a certain level of moisture protection in bathrooms, where the location of the washing machine, jacuzzi, boilers, hydromassages and dryers is provided. For comfort purposes, they are often installed under a curling iron, hair dryer, electric razor and similar appliances. Often sockets are located together with the same type of switches.

Requirements for installing power points

New modifications of electrical devices are designed to be operated in rooms with high humidity. But both them and the sockets are subject to increased requirements.You can clarify legal information in regulatory documents, for example, in GOST R 50571.11 (1996) and PUE (7.1).

What areas are suitable for installation

As you know, the combination of water and electricity in everyday life is very dangerous for humans. Therefore, the bathroom, where such contact is possible, is usually divided into zones. There are four of them, from 0 to 3.

According to the rules, electrical appliances can be placed in any of the zones, but they must comply with voltage standards, the degree of protection, and also be connected to RCDs in the apartment electrical panel.

Let's analyze the possibilities of each zone.

If partitions are installed in the bathroom or niches are made to prevent regular splashes of water on the housing of electrical outlets, the installation requirements are more relaxed. For example, you can do without a protective cover.

At what height to install the outlet

The height standards at which sockets should be installed in a bathroom or bathroom have not changed in half a century: 0.9-1 m from the floor surface.

However, there are no strict rules, therefore, during installation, they are more often guided by ease of use. For example, an electrical outlet for a washing machine is usually located below its top cover, on the side of the body.

In modern reference documentation, one can come across height standards that are radically different from previously accepted standards.

When planning apartments in high-rise buildings, a height of 40-45 cm from the level of the concrete slab is chosen, that is, taking into account the subsequent finishing - 30-35 cm above the finishing floor covering.

Let's turn to the requirements of the PUE. It turns out that only the maximum distance of the outlet from the floor covering is indicated there - 1 m.The minimum is not indicated, which means that it can even be mounted in a baseboard. Moreover, if there are children in the family, it is recommended to use special technical devices - with protective curtains.

However, the position at a distance of 0.3 m from the floor, and even more so in the plinth, is absolutely not suitable for the bathroom. In places where communications pass through which water circulates, it is impossible to place sockets at the bottom, because there is always a risk of flooding the premises.

You should also follow the general rules for all rooms:

• at least 10 cm - distance to door and window openings;
• at least 15 cm - distance to the ceiling;
• 90 cm - when installing the socket / switch block, height from the floor.

It can be concluded that the optimal location of the outlet is at a distance of 0.5 m to 0.9 m above the level of the finished floor. If you need to replace an old socket, it is better to simply dismantle it and install a new one without changing the place.

Electrical cable laying rules

In new homes, when replacing sockets, the cable is usually not touched, as it fully complies with safety standards and is able to withstand the load. If the house is old, then during repairs in the bathroom, it is better to replace the wires before installing the sockets.

To install household appliances - a washing machine, a heater - it is recommended to install powerful power lines, and in some cases, dedicated electric lines with a separate RCD.

You will definitely need junction boxes - for distributing wires along the lines. If 2 socket blocks are installed in the bathroom, respectively, 2 junction boxes will also be required.

Mounting boxes are placed under the ceiling at a distance regulated by the rules, and the wires are lowered vertically down from them to the place where the outlet is installed.

The fact is that the location of the cable is not visible behind the lining, so its diagonal placement is strictly prohibited. Any wire outside the junction box/socket box can cause an accident.

At a close distance, that is, straight ahead, the wires can be placed either under the floor covering or above suspended structures - stretch or plasterboard ceilings. But in this case, it is desirable to place the wires inside protective sleeves (non-metallic). This applies to all types of products: VVGng, VVG and even NYM.

A few words about the type of wiring. For bathrooms, the safest is the interior, located in the strobes under the cladding. The outdoor one is also used, but extremely rarely, as it is typical for baths in wooden houses. You can cover the wires with plastic boxes made of non-combustible material.

Features of waterproof devices

As noted above, the electrical fittings market is represented by a wide range of socket products that meet almost all technical requirements and even protection against moisture and dust.

Such sockets have a special design: a robust housing, a protective valve cover, an insulated terminal block, a contact group and grounding is mandatory.

For the most part, waterproof sockets do not differ in a brilliant and unique design, but this does not stop them from being such necessary and safe “things” in the household.

Cases and covers of such sockets are made of special polymer heavy-duty plastics that can withstand moisture and low temperatures. The terminal block can also be made of plastic or high-strength ceramic.

The contact group and grounding “petals” are made of alloyed steel and brass alloys, which allows you to have a reliable and safe connection of contacts with the plug connector of an electrical device.

This corrosion-resistant product is capable of operating in the most extreme weather conditions, with direct contact between droplets and water jets.

A typical moisture-resistant socket has a different form factor, in almost most cases it includes a recess in the housing for the plug and a protective cover. The recess protects the socket from the lateral influence of water, and the cover protects from direct moisture ingress into the openings of the socket.

The moisture-proof socket cover is made of solid/transparent PVC plastic, rubber, silicone material. It is attached to the body of the product using springs, latches or the material itself in the case of a rubber cover.

In addition, the housing and socket cover protect the terminal block from dust and other abrasive particles that can adversely affect the state of electrical contact between the power supply network and the electrical device.

To compare the degree of protection against moisture and dust relative to the shell of a product, the so-called parameter - Ingress Protection (IP) is used.

Preparing to install outlets

It can be done in two ways. This is the installation of a new point in an old place with the replacement of electrical wiring or the installation of a point with new wiring. The installation process takes place in several stages. For sockets, a separate group with a cable should be allocated.Before moving on to installation work, the line must be equipped with a separate machine. What it is? This is a special device that automatically turns off the power supply to the consumer. It is installed if the room has a boiler or washing machine.

If powerful household appliances are not available, you can do without it. Often its power is 16 amperes. When installing, it is necessary to maintain a height of at least 60 centimeters from the floor. A ground wire is required. The ideal choice is a socket with a cover. If the installation of elements is carried out without repair, then it is equipped with a separate cable, which is connected to the shield through the machine.

Where to put and how to connect

It all depends on the goals that are set for the outlet, for example, to power the gazebo with electricity, it is better to install the outlet inside this gazebo itself, to output it to the outer wall of a house or garage - you should mount a waterproof outlet as close as possible to the visor so that it does not fall on raindrops, but so that it can be used without additional devices (ladders, ladders, stools), if you need a socket right in the middle of the yard, then a garden protected option will suit you. Please note that when choosing a garden outlet option, you will need to protect it from snow exposure, because. its melting can significantly affect the performance of the mechanism.

Useful advice: use outlets of trusted brands, such as ABB or Legrand - this way you will protect yourself from the unpleasant consequences of cheap electricians

In any case, when installing a waterproof outdoor outlet, you must follow a few rules:

• The cable with which the socket will be connected must be with a protective zero (grounding);
• At least - a double shell, for example AVVG;
• The cable must be brought to the outlet from below, so that the water that will drain through it does not get inside the appliance.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

A worthy example of the correct selection and installation of a waterproof double socket with the correct connection to a separate circuit breaker:

The following video is provided solely as an introduction to advanced technology in the field of electrical wiring components:

Finished products from popular manufacturing companies LEGRAND, SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC and BERKER have excellent characteristics of strength, reliability and safety. It is also possible to purchase accessories from the Swedish ABB and the German GIRA, but these firms have a slightly more expensive pricing policy due to the use of quite expensive materials in the production of products, including bronze and gold-plated metals.