Installation of a double socket. Double socket: design features, installation rules

At major renovation, people often start with wiring. At large quantities electrical appliances, the question often arises - how to connect a double socket to create more comfortable conditions. Their installation helps to avoid unnecessary communications, as well as additional sources, connections: tees, extension cords and carriers.

It often happens that connecting a double socket can cause some difficulties. This happens when there are no minimum skills or mistakes made in a hurry. To prevent this from happening, you need to prepare everything in advance and make sure that all the parts are available and that the outlet itself is in working order. In addition, there are many nuances that can affect the malfunction or short term operation.

Typically, any socket consists of a protective housing, as well as a ceramic base with contacts. They are connected by screw terminals to which the electrical cable must be connected.

The classification of sockets is very diverse. To choose the right one, it is necessary to take into account the type of plugs of the electrical equipment being connected. They are divided according to several factors:

  • By type - external and internal;
  • By type - built-in, wall-mounted and overhead;
  • Depending on the modification - with grounding, closed sockets, grounding and a protective frame, with a frame without grounding.

Also, dual power supplies are divided into classes depending on the country, manufacturer and material manufactured. Each country uses its own connectors. They come in a wide variety of shapes, but in the CIS countries, they usually use devices with ordinary round connectors of different diameters.

The main types of sockets used:

  • Ordinary, without grounding;
  • Spring, plug sockets;
  • With protective curtains used in children's rooms;
  • With rubber gaskets for damp areas;
  • Sockets with protective shutdown;
  • For different types of plugs with multiple holes;
  • With timer;
  • Functional, with the fork ejected when you press the side button built into the device;
  • With screw clamp;
  • With lid.

Necessary tools and additional materials

Installing a double socket requires tools and materials prepared in advance:

  • Screwdriver suitable for screws;
  • Indicator screwdriver;
  • Nippers or pliers;
  • Sharp knife for stripping cables;
  • If installation takes place in a new location, a hammer drill will be useful;
  • Voltmeter;
  • Socket;
  • Socket box;
  • Cable;
  • Self-tapping screws and dowels.

Installation of a double socket

Before starting work, it is necessary to de-energize the room in which the device will be installed. The connection diagram for a double socket with a ground wire depends on its classification. If the installation will be carried out in a new place, then first of all prepare a niche for the socket box. When replacing, you need to dismantle the old device and, if necessary, replace the wires.

Installing a socket in one socket box

Installation of a double socket in one socket box can be done without dismantling the old one. Replacing an old single socket with a double version most often occurs due to its breakdown. Often they are connected not in accordance with the load, as a result of which it quickly burns out from overheating of the wiring and its body melts. To prevent this, it is necessary to take into account all the nuances and... It is important to select a cable with the appropriate cross-section. If you take into account every little detail and do it conscientiously, the device can last for a long time. Sometimes after replacing sockets you have to do minor repairs, so this possibility should not be ruled out.

Removing the old socket

After a power outage, you need to make sure that the cable you will be working with is de-energized. You can check it with an indicator screwdriver. After that, proceed to dismantling the old device. First of all, you need to unscrew the mounting screws and remove the protective cover. Next, you need to disconnect the wires and unscrew the mounting spacers. Then the core is removed.

Installing a new socket box

The most labor-intensive process is installing the socket box. How further things will progress, as well as the final result, depends on this. Installation begins with preparing the niche. To do this, you will need a hammer drill, which you need to hollow out a small recess in the wall, in the place where the power source will be. The niche should be larger than the body of the socket box.

When the recess is ready, the socket itself is attached, but before that it is necessary to pass through it power cable. It is fixed using holders located on both sides. Then you need to tighten the installation tabs, which expand into the walls and hold the body. Sometimes they may not be available and must be purchased separately. That’s why it is recommended to check and prepare everything before starting work.

Over time, the structure may become loose, and subsequently the socket falls out. To prevent this from happening, some owners fill the free space between the body and the walls of the niche with some kind of solution. You can use gypsum, alabaster or ordinary cement mortar.

Installing an outlet

Like a double socket so that you don’t have to redo it later? You need to start by stripping the cable. To do this, you need to remove its main shell so that the wires are visible, with a margin of about 10 cm. Very long wires may not fit in the box. If the wiring is old and the ends are very short, they can be extended. For good contact, it is better to use special terminals, or twist them with pliers and then insulate them.

Next, you need to strip the ends by 1.5 cm. Then you need to connect them to the contacts on the ceramic core. It is common to count wire markings by their color. Typically, the phase is marked with a brown wire, zero is blue, and ground is yellow.

After this, it is necessary to loosen the contact terminals on the core of the socket, insert the stripped ends in this order: phase and neutral must be connected to the side contacts, and the ground wire is connected to the central contact, which is usually marked with a ground symbol. The main thing is not to confuse anything in order to avoid short circuits.

When the contacts are connected and tightened, you can proceed directly to the installation of the double socket. To do this, carefully lay the wires in the socket box so that they do not get under the fasteners. Some electricians advise folding them like an accordion and tying them together. Then the socket core is placed inside the fixed socket box and secured with fastening tabs or self-tapping screws. To avoid distortion, you can use a level. The process ends with the attachment of a protective plate, after which it is closed with a decorative frame, which usually simply snaps into special grooves.

If everything is done correctly, there should be no gaps left. Don’t think that if there is a double socket, then its power doubles. It and the electrical wiring supplying it are designed for 16 amperes, which must be taken into account when operating it.

Sometimes people ask how to connect an outlet without grounding. This is not difficult at all. The process is similar to the previous one, only it is better to use a two-core cable. If this is not possible, then the grounding conductor is cut to the main shell, insulating it. In this case, the most common socket with two sockets is used.

Installation of a double socket with two single

In this case, you will need two single sockets included in the double socket, as well as two separate socket boxes, the installation of which is carried out in the same order as in the previous case. The main thing here is to make the markings correctly. To do this, take a common body and mark two points in the center of both rosette openings.

It looks a little different, differing in a unique connection. Phase and neutral must be connected between the sockets using a cable. The grounding conductor is connected separately. Its joint is fixed using a special clamp and then insulated. Two positive conductors are connected to one of the cores. One comes from the common cable, the other is connected to an adjacent outlet. Zero is connected in the same way. All wires must have the same cross-section. Grounding conductors are connected separately.

After connecting both sockets to the network, their insides are installed one by one in the socket box, then the overhead frame is attached. This is done in a similar way hidden installation with one socket.

Double socket can be a real lifesaver in a room where several people work household appliances. This device has two connectors where you can connect a couple of pieces of equipment at once. You can connect and install the socket yourself if you know all the installation features.

Types of double sockets

An electrical outlet is a device necessary for connecting electrical appliances to the network. The product consists of a body (cover), which isolates the working part from external influences, and a main part with a base and contacts.

Sockets can be not only single, but also double, and even multi-socket, depending on the number of plug connectors. It is a mistake to think that doubling single sockets means getting a double one; in fact, only a monolithic device is considered two-socket.

The disadvantage of double products is the division of electric power into two parts, which should be taken into account when connecting two electrical appliances at the same time.

Exist different types double sockets according to modifications:

  1. Closed. The openings of the device are covered with special curtains, which is convenient for apartments where small children live.
  2. Open. Externally, they look like familiar sockets without closing curtains.

Devices can be with or without grounding. If grounding contacts are provided, this will protect connected devices from voltage failures. Exist individual species sockets for installation outdoors and in rooms with high humidity- waterproof. The former are protected from dirt and dust, the latter are protected from water penetration.

Double products are:

  • invoices (external);
  • hidden (internal);
  • standard;
  • polar;
  • programmed, etc.

Features of installing a socket with two sockets

Before connecting the device, you need to determine where the phase and zero are located. The easiest way is to study the markings of the wires: phase - brown, black, white or red, zero - blue, white-blue, ground wire - yellow-green.

If you don’t trust the markings, you can independently check the location of the phase and zero. You can do it like this:

  1. Wear rubber gloves.
  2. Apply a special tester screwdriver to each wire.
  3. Evaluate the signal from the screwdriver - the light will light up in phase.

Before installing a double socket, you need to de-energize the wiring - turn the switch on the machines or one (necessary) machine to the “off” position. Next, in the place where the product will need to be placed, the voltage is re-checked using a special screwdriver.

There are some features of installing a double socket as opposed to a single socket. The double socket has one socket box (cup) with two separated terminals, 1 mounting compartment for wires.

The installation diagram is as follows: a grounding cable should be connected to the central or upper terminal, with the phase on the right and zero (neutral) on the left.

You only need to choose a cable from the same material and with the same cross-section as the main wiring. If you plan to install 2 socket boxes, you will have to drill holes in the wall for them with a drill, maintaining the required distance for the holes. Before installation, markings should be applied to the walls if old socket was absent here.

Tools and materials

The craftsman will need a Phillips and flathead screwdriver, pliers, a device for stripping the braid (for example, a stationery knife), and a level. If you plan to install the device in a new location, you will need a hammer drill to drill drywall, concrete or wood.

To install the socket, additional materials are required:

  • insulating tape;
  • socket box;
  • self-tapping screws

A cable made of the appropriate material will be needed if you have to make a new outlet rather than replace the old one. If possible, it is recommended to lay the wires in corrugation - this is an additional fire safety measure.

Double socket installation sequence

When the connection diagram for a double socket is correctly determined, the location is selected, and the materials are prepared, you can begin installation.

When the product is a solid block, it can even be placed on former place single device, slightly expanding the size of the niche in the wall. This will not cause the need for repairs, but will require careful gluing of the wallpaper.

Removing the old socket

Having once again made sure that the machines in the apartment are turned off, you can begin to remove the old outlet.

The procedure is as follows:

  1. Unscrew all the screws that secure the product.
  2. Remove the outer cover of the old device.
  3. Unfasten the wires, unscrew the fixing tabs.

The new product that needs to be built in must also be disassembled. The front panel must be carefully unscrewed from the working part.

New socket box for double socket

You should pay close attention to the quality of the new socket box - it should be high enough, and in this case you can be sure of clear fixation and normal operation sockets

The socket box is secured to the wall with side holders, which are sold separately or come in one set. Cheaper socket boxes are attached not with special claws, but with screws.

The procedure for mounting a socket box is simple. The screws on it need to be tightened clockwise, the holders will move apart to the right and left, securing the product itself. But as you work, the glass always weakens, so the best option- additionally secure it with alabaster.

Instructions for action:

  1. Dilute dry alabaster powder (you can replace it with cement) to the consistency of sour cream. You need to take a small portion of the powder, since the composition instantly hardens.
  2. Place the mixture in the place of the future socket box, slightly wetting the niche with water.
  3. After 20 minutes, you can attach the socket box to the hole in the wall.
  4. Level the position of the glass using a hammer and level so that it is perfectly level.
  5. Next, fill the gaps between the product and the wall with a new portion of alabaster.
  6. Remove excess mass with a knife.
  7. Secure the glass with screws, making sure not to tighten them too much - this could cause the plastic to crack.

Preparing to connect

To ensure the correct two-pole connection of the wires, you need to open the cable. A sharp knife will help you quickly remove the outer insulation from the required cable. You should not leave the supply of wires too long, otherwise it will create inconvenience when connecting the outlet.

It is considered optimal to expose the wires from insulation by 1 cm. The total supply of wires usually does not exceed 12 cm. Shorter wires can be extended. Next, you are allowed to proceed to the most important stage - connecting a double socket with grounding.

How to connect wires

At this stage, you need to clearly identify the wires present in the working part of the product, identifying the zero, phase and ground wire in them by color.

The procedure is as follows:

  1. Loosen the bolts on the terminals intended for connecting wires.
  2. Insert the socket wires into the contacts.
  3. Carefully tighten the bolts with a screwdriver.

The main point is to connect the grounding cable to the corresponding wire in the product (there is always a “ground” symbol at its location). It is important not to connect the phase and neutral to one contact - a short circuit will occur.

Product Installation

Careful laying of the wires in the glass is very important: if this is not done, sooner or later the cable insulation will be damaged and the operation of electrical appliances may be impaired. The wires must be folded without sharp bends. They should not be located in the socket directly under the mounting bolts.

At the end of the work, the socket must be deepened inward and secured with fastening paws or screwed with self-tapping screws. Then you need to give it a level position using a level and connect the caliper to the installation box block.

They put it last decorative overlay- a new socket with two sockets is ready!

The situation when the number of electrical appliances working simultaneously exceeds the number of sockets in the room is no longer uncommon today.

You have to resort to tees and multiplier extensions, which is not only inconvenient, but also not aesthetically pleasing.

More rational decision- replace one or more sockets with double ones: there will be more sockets, and there will be no need to cut walls to lay new wires. How to choose and how to connect a double socket - read about it further.

Double sockets are available in the most different versions. Here's what they are like:

  1. With grounding and without grounding. In the first case, in addition to the main ones (phase and neutral), the socket has contacts for connecting the grounding wire (inside) and the grounding contact on the device plug (outside). If a two-wire wire is connected to the electrical outlet or there is no grounding contact on the plug of the device, then there is no point in purchasing a double socket with grounding.
  2. Open and closed. The latter are equipped with curtains that block the holes in the socket when no device is plugged into it. A child will not be able to insert a nail or pin into a closed outlet and receive an electric shock. The curtains move back only if there is a simultaneous impact on each of them, that is, when the plug of an electrical appliance is plugged into the socket.
  3. Ordinary and in moisture-dust-proof version. The level of moisture and dust protection is indicated by an index consisting of the letters “IP” and two numbers. For installation in rooms with high humidity you should purchase sockets of IP44 class (equipped with a cover), but if the electrical outlet is located outdoors - IP55.
  4. Programmable. This outlet has a timer with which you can set the time to turn it off or on.
  5. Spring loaded. There are springs inside such a socket, and a button on the body. When you press the button, the latch holding the fork is released, and it is pushed out by springs.
  6. Built-in and overhead. In the first case, the front surface of the socket after installation will be flush with the wall, in the second it will be slightly protruding.

Double socket with grounding

Sockets may have different shape holes - depending on what type of plug the product is intended for.

Installation Tools

To quickly and efficiently install an outlet, you will have to arm yourself with something.

We will need:

  • phase indicator (looks like a screwdriver with a light bulb at the end);
  • crosshead screwdriver;
  • wire cutters (can be replaced with pliers);
  • well sharpened knife.

If the socket is installed in a new location, you will have to get a hammer drill.

Preparatory work

Volume preparatory work will depend on whether the socket is installed in a new location, or whether they simply want to replace an old regular socket with it. Let's consider both options.

Preparations before replacing the outlet

If there is already an outlet at the installation site, it must be removed. This can only be done after disconnecting the outlet from the power supply. After turning off the machine, you need to use the phase indicator to check whether the electric point is really turned off.

Removing the socket

Dismantling the socket is carried out in the following sequence:

  1. First, remove the front panel by unscrewing the screw holding it in place. Sometimes to access the fastener you need to pry off the plastic with a flat screwdriver or knife. decorative panel, which is held on by a latch.
  2. Having gained access to the inside, unscrew the screws holding the wire strands in the terminals.

Preparations before installing a new outlet

As part of the preparatory work for the installation site of a new electrical point from distribution box you need to lay the wire. To do this, a channel - a groove - is made in the wall with a puncher.

When the groove is ready, a wire is laid in it. It is best to place it in a corrugated tube. In this case, if the wire burns out, it can be easily removed and replaced with a new one without breaking the plaster.

Socket outlet

After laying the corrugated pipe with the wire, the groove must be covered with cement-sand mortar.

The wire is connected to the terminals of the junction box after installing the socket.

Now you need to make a recess in the wall in which the new double socket will be placed.

Marking the wall

In that place on the wall, you need to make a mark with a pencil. To install a double socket, which has two glasses, you need to measure the distance between drilled holes. For this purpose, determine the location of the central point of one of the socket boxes, which is located at the intersection of the diagonals. In a similar way it is revealed center point installation box No. 2.

Socket layout in the kitchen

In order for the recess to have the correct round shape, you can first make an annular cut using a crown mounted on a drill, after which the material inside the cutout is knocked out with a chisel. The diameter of the crown should be 2 - 3 mm greater than the diameter of the socket. In the absence of a crown, a recess is formed using a drill, drilling several holes and then removing the remaining material with a chisel.

You need to go deep enough so that the mounting box fits completely in the recess without protruding from it.

Fastening socket boxes

Before attaching the mounting box, you need to insert a wire into it. Next, the part is placed in the recess and fixed. Most models have holders (legs), which, when the corresponding screws are tightened, diverge to the sides, resting against the walls of the niche.

As practice has shown, such fasteners do not provide sufficient strength: the force acting on the socket when pulling the plug increases due to the lever and over time the fastening becomes loose.

Installation of socket boxes in a concrete/brick/aerated concrete wall

For greater reliability, you have to place the installation box on the solution. Any one will do - cement-sand, alabaster or gypsum. In order for the adhesion force between the solution and the niche to be maximum, the walls of the latter must first be moistened with water. The socket box is not installed immediately after laying the solution, but after 20 - 30 minutes, when it has set a little.

Having filled the gaps remaining between the box and the wall with the solution, remove the excess, and this completes the installation of this part of the socket.

Holders are not always included. When purchasing, you should immediately check whether the socket box is equipped with them, and if they are not found, these parts should be purchased separately.

The mounting boxes of inexpensive sockets are often secured using dowels. In this case, additional fastening with a solution is not required.

Routing sockets and twisting wires

At this stage, it is necessary to connect the wire strands to the contacts of the inside of the socket. You need to act in the following sequence:

  1. The end of the wire is freed to a length of approximately 10 cm from the outer insulation, after which the wires will be separated. With such a length, it will be convenient to work, and the wire will easily fit into the box.
  2. It happens that the end of the wire protruding from the wall is too short and has to be extended. In this case, it is advisable to connect the cores by soldering or using special connecting terminals. The twist can have a lot of resistance and get hot because of this. If you still have to connect the wires in this way, then you need to twist them as tightly as possible, using pliers for this.
  3. The ends of the conductors are cleared to a length of 1 - 1.5 cm from the insulation. Stripping can be done with a knife, but this must be done carefully so as not to damage the conductor itself. You can also use one of special devices- stripper or puller.
  4. Now you need to determine which of the conductors is the phase, which is the neutral, and which is the ground. If you weren't the one who installed the wiring, you can't rely on the color coding - it could be mixed up. It’s easy to determine the phase: you need to turn on the machine by supplying power to the electrical outlet, and touch the wires one by one with the phase indicator.

Wiring in a one-room apartment

Before applying power, make sure that the bare ends of the wires do not contact each other. Contact will cause a short circuit.

There are two ways to distinguish the ground wire from the neutral:

  1. Measure the voltage between the phase and each of the other two conductors with a voltmeter. When the second probe comes into contact with the grounding conductor, the readings on the device will be slightly higher than when in contact with the neutral.
  2. Measure between each of the conductors being tested (that is, not phase) and some grounded metal object, for example, a heating pipe. When in contact with the “ground” the device will show “zero”, when in contact with the neutral - some meager value.

It is customary to connect the neutral with blue insulation, and the ground with yellow-green insulation. The phase is usually connected to a residential one with brown insulation.

Finally, all that remains is to clamp the ends of the wires in the screw clamps on the inside of the socket, install it in the socket box and screw on the front panel.

Connecting a double socket

A double socket should not be confused with two separate ones. It is connected by one wire, so the total power of the included devices should not exceed the power for which this wire is designed.

In addition, the outlet itself has a limited capacity: the current flowing through it should not exceed 16 A, that is, devices with a total power of up to 220x16 = 3.52 kW can be plugged into such an outlet.

Connecting a double socket has become very popular not only in modern apartments, but in older buildings single electrical fittings are also replaced with double ones. This is due, first of all, to the expanded capabilities for connecting several devices at once. Such sockets are also cheaper than single ones. Connection diagram double switch with a socket and a separate dual device will not cause any particular difficulties if you have at least minimal knowledge in the field of electricity.

Before proceeding directly to connecting a double socket with grounding, you need to prepare necessary tools and materials.

  1. Drill or hammer drill. With their help it is done seat for the socket box.
  2. Jumper cable. In terms of material and cross-section, it must completely coincide with the output wire.
  3. Indicator screwdriver for phase determination.
  4. Plastic or metal socket box.
  5. Multimeter for measuring voltage in the working section of an electrical circuit.
  6. Double socket.
  7. A flathead or Phillips screwdriver, depending on the type of screws.
  8. Self-tapping screws for attaching the socket to the socket box.
  9. A utility knife for stripping wire braid.
  10. Insulating tape.
  11. If desired, you can use corrugation for laying wires to ensure safety.

Diagram of step-by-step connection of a double socket

Before connecting a double socket into a ready-made socket box, you need to make preparations. By using indicator screwdriver The identity of the wires is checked: phase, neutral and ground. This is done very simply. Apply the tip of a screwdriver to the exposed wires, and cover the area with the light bulb with your finger. If at the moment of touching the core a light signal appears, then this is a phase.

Not everyone and not always have an indicator screwdriver at hand. In this case it will help color coding cables:

  • Red or Brown color indicates phase;
  • Blue or cyan - zero;
  • Yellow-green will always be ground.

If you install the socket in a new location, you should prepare a niche for it. Using a hammer drill or drill, a hole is drilled, wires are brought out, and a socket box is installed. The wires can be taken out of each socket box separately or routed through a cable from one to another. Thus, in one glass there should be two phases, two zeros and one ground. In the second - one from each wire. It must be taken into account that the grounding wire cannot be pulled in a loop; it can only branch off.

The next step will be to turn off the electricity completely in the apartment or only in the room in which installation work. The lack of power in the network is checked again.

The socket body is disassembled. By unscrewing the mounting screws, the plastic cover is removed. The screws on the terminals are loosened, and the prepared wires are connected to them one by one.

Scheme step-by-step connection a double socket to two sockets looks like this:

  • A PE (grounding) wire is connected to the central terminal in both designs;
  • Two phase wires are connected to the left terminal of the first socket, and two neutral wires are connected to the right terminal;
  • The second electrical outlet is connected in the same way, only one wire is connected to the outer terminals and one (ground) to the central one.
  • At the final stage, the sockets are screwed with self-tapping screws to the socket box, and the top panel is attached to them on top.

The junction box must have a five-conductor cable and a separate ground wire. For a double switch with a socket, the connection diagram looks like this:

  • Using a jumper, a phase is supplied to the switch;
  • Ground and zero from the panel go only to the socket;
  • Two free conductors are connected to two switch nodes, through which the phase goes to both lighting groups;
  • In the distribution box, zero and ground are twisted with the conductors from the lighting.

When using such a prefabricated structure, it should be remembered that the socket can withstand only periodic use; it is not designed for constant use.

Marking the wall

Place the future outlet on the wall, not far from the running cable. Before installation, markings are made on the wall. To do this, mark the centers of the first and second socket boxes. The distance from one point to another must be at least 7 cm. Deviation from this pointer may result in uneven installation of the decorative socket cover. Both socket boxes must be located strictly in a horizontal or vertical plane. The building level will help with this.

Routing sockets and twisting wires

The wiring stage is one of the most important in the process of connecting a double socket. You need to connect the power wire to the contacts by pulling it from the junction box to the outlet. A drill is placed on a hammer drill or drill, the diameter of which is equal to or slightly larger than the cross-section of the wire being laid.

The cable is cut with a knife or a special tool and the cores are released. The twisting is done directly in the glass. First, the first 1-1.5 cm of wires are exposed, then they are twisted together. To ensure reliability of the connection point, it is recommended to solder it.

The main cable is pulled into the hole of the first socket cup, and the auxiliary cable into the hole of the other. Next, the wires are connected to the socket mechanism.

Subtleties of fastening socket boxes

There are two types of socket boxes: with clamping claws and those that are attached with screws. The latter are considered more reliable, because During operation, the clamps may become loose and the structure may fall out. They can also be single round or elongated for two rosette mechanisms at once. To install a double socket and connect the wires in wooden house, apply hardware.


A niche is made for the socket box using a hammer drill and a crown attachment. For reliable fixation, alabaster or cement mixture. The inner walls of the hole are moistened with water, then the solution is applied to them. You need to wait 20-30 minutes so that the alabaster has time to set and only then install the glass.

After deepening into the niche, the position of the socket box is leveled using a level. The voids between the walls and the wall are filled with the remaining solution. Using a knife, uneven surfaces are cleaned and excess mixture is removed.

Fastening a glass to a plasterboard wall is a little easier. Holes are made in the wall for the future socket, a socket box with already wired wires is installed and secured using presser feet. Then, using mounting screws, it is pressed tightly against the wall.

Double socket in one socket box - instructions

The disadvantage of this installation is the reduction in power to power two “strong” devices at once. When installing a double socket with grounding in one socket box, you need to make sure that all the wires lie correctly and do not fall on adjacent contacts or mounting tabs.

The process of installing a double socket with a grounding wire in one glass is as follows:

  • The power in the apartment is turned off;
  • The old single socket is dismantled or a new seat is prepared;
  • The electricity is turned on for a while and it is determined where the phase is and where the zero is. Afterwards the power turns off again;
  • The structure is disassembled new socket. To do this, the panel is unscrewed and the mechanism is released;
  • We cut off the long end from the cable sticking out in the wall, so that the protruding end is no more than 10 cm;
  • The veins are stripped to 1.5-2 cm;
  • The wires are connected according to the location of the terminals: the zero is connected to the screw on the right, the phase is connected to the left, the ground is connected in the middle or on top. After this, the guilt lingers;
  • Using fastening screws, the mechanism is fixed in the socket box;
  • The front panel is installed. Attached and secured with screws.

Afterwards, the electricity in the house is turned on and the functionality of the double socket is checked. Each stage of installation must be carried out very carefully, because... The slightest discrepancy can lead to a short circuit in the future.

Before you begin repairing an electrical appliance, you should remember simple safety rules.

First you need to find out what the reason for the replacement is. If the device simply doesn’t fit well into the wall, then just tighten the screws. A pungent odor, smoke or electric shock indicates that installing a new outlet is simply necessary.

Rules to avoid injury when changing sockets:

  1. Turn off the power to the entire apartment. This is quite easy to do. The shield is usually located in the corridor or entrance. If the meter is an old model and has plugs, then pressing them will cut off power to the entire apartment. Many homes now have electrical panels in the form of boxes. In this case, you need to find the levers on it and move them to the off position. Some craftsmen believe that they know all the wiring well and neglect it simple rule. Often the consequences in such cases are dire.
  2. Carry out all work during the daytime. The only exception is when repairs are necessary at a given time, and the normal functioning of the family depends on it. You can use a flashlight and rubber gloves. In other options, it is better to postpone dismantling until daylight hours.
  3. Both the installation tools and the socket itself must be of excellent quality.
  4. If the installation of electrical equipment is carried out for the first time, then you definitely need to study step by step instructions for replacement and installation. Detailed Guide described in this article.

Instructions for dismantling the socket


  1. Removing the protective cover of electrical equipment. To do this, you need to take a sacral or flat-head screwdriver. As a rule, there is always one screw and it is located between two holes for supplying electricity. If the socket is double, then there are two screws, unscrew both. Carefully remove the panel.
  2. The next step is to check for voltage. There are 2 types of wire: contact and neutral. We alternately connect the phase to each of them. Once you are completely sure that there is no voltage, you can continue working.
  3. Dismantling the mechanism. No matter which socket is on the outside, there are 2 screws on the internal equipment on 2 sides. They hold the legs that connect the two components. There are a couple more bolts at the top and bottom; they secure 2 wires. Unscrew all 4 bolts one by one. You can throw them away, because... Most likely they already scroll poorly. For a new installation, it is better to buy new screws.
  4. There should be 2 cables left in the wall hole. If they are bare, then you need to wrap them with electrical tape.
  5. The last step of dismantling will be to check the size of the new socket box. If it does not completely fit into the wall in depth, then you can trim it. This option is suitable for plastic samples. If the equipment is made of metal, you will have to deepen the hole in the wall.

It should be noted that during dismantling you may find that it is missing. Such sockets were often installed in old houses in order to save money.

Of course, this is wrong and you should not repeat the mistakes of others. In this case, there is no need to get lost, you just need to carefully disconnect the outer part.

Preparing a new outlet


A socket box is not always required during installation. This depends on the design of the new electrical equipment. Some modern designs use the central part itself as protection.

Let's take a closer look at this option.

The appearance of this option is different in that there is a special metal frame around it, and the mechanism is initially attached to the rim itself.

Such equipment is sold whole, i.e. external panel, the frame and mechanism are interconnected. To begin installation, you need to disconnect the outer part from the protective frame. The fastening is carried out using bolts, so you just need to unscrew them.

All that remains is the bezel and the mechanism.

Upon closer examination of the mechanism, you can see that it no longer has 4, but 5 screws. The latter is located at the top between the two contacts. This bolt holds a special plate.

It presses the contact wires more firmly, which allows you to install the plug firmly. This also serves as additional protection against electrical shock.

Installation instructions

device

Installation of a European socket:

  1. Remove the electrical tape. We measure the depth of the hole intended for the cable. If the size does not match, you need to peel off the protective layer of rubber. The exposed cable should protrude quite slightly from the hole;
  2. Using the clamping screw, insert the first wire. The fixation must be very reliable. If this does not happen, the outlet will stop working quite quickly. To do this, the cable must be pulled carefully, it should not move from side to side;
  3. Repeat the same procedure with the second wire. We must not forget to be careful when exposing wires.
  4. If you purchased equipment with grounding, a special cable is required. It is not available in all homes. In new houses or apartments after renovation, such a cable is usually present. The cable is inserted into the upper hole of the mechanism. If the house is old and there is no grounding wire, then this step is not required. It must be taken into account that equipment without a grounding wire will not be able to supply electricity to all types of plugs. Therefore, it is worth thinking about carrying it out;
  5. The main network connection is complete. Next, you should install the mechanism in the hole in the wall and secure it using quick claws. A protective plastic panel is installed on the outside.


Installation requiring a new socket box:

  1. A new box is required when it is impossible to fix the tabs on the old socket. It was stated above that during dismantling it is checked whether it is suitable new box into the old hole. Therefore, at the installation stage, the new structure must fit perfectly into the wall. In order for the socket box to hold tightly, you need to fill it with a special solution, such as glue.
  2. The fixation of the new mechanism depends on the design. These will be quick tabs or screws that are screwed to the box itself.
  3. Exposing the wires. This is done as in the first option.
  4. We connect the cables to the common mechanism. The protective frame is not removed and remains attached to the equipment.
  5. We fasten the screws on the top and sides. We install the outer plastic panel and frame. Installation is complete.

Features of installing a double socket


There are 2 mechanisms for connecting such equipment. The first implies 2 power outputs from one point. This is an extremely unsafe option.

This is due to the fact that the current remains unchanged, but the voltage and load increase. It follows from this that this option is short-lived. In addition, the mechanism has significantly fewer fasteners than the single version, so the contact with the fork will be weaker.

It is better to make double holes from different points. It means that outer panel will be double and connected together, but inside the power sources will be different.

In this case, the risk of voltage surges and electric shock is the same as with single sockets, i.e. almost equal to zero.

It is also necessary to take into account where exactly such a mechanism will be installed.

So, for example, when installing in concrete wall, a small number of mounting holes does not matter, because the base is very strong.


Walls made of chipboard, OSB or fiberboard will not be able to hold such equipment for a long time; over time, the mechanism will begin to fall out.

Necessary equipment

Socket


It is best to choose new samples. Namely European production. In them, the forks are held more firmly, and the structure itself is very stable. Devices made in Russia are also of good quality.

It should be noted that if the apartment has old Soviet-style sockets, then replacement must be carried out. Such equipment can fail at any time.

Socket box


Typically they have standard diameter 7 cm There are also larger options, but they are required for old-style sockets. Therefore, if drilling the wall is not included in the plans for repairing the socket, you need to measure the hole before purchasing the socket box.

The material used for using this electrical equipment varies. Is it plastic or metal. If the wall is concrete, brick or any other non-combustible material, then you can safely install metal socket boxes. Wood, plywood or plasterboard are very fragile. Therefore, to install an outlet in such rooms, you need to use a plastic base.

Screwdriver


Basic equipment for installation and dismantling. All sockets are attached with bolts and screws, which is why it is impossible to imagine such a repair without a screwdriver.

Insulating tape


Used as wire insulation to eliminate the risk of electric shock. Required for extending old wires.

Voltage indicator


It is necessary to check whether there is voltage left in the circuit. Both contacts need to be checked. If the indicator has not changed, then you can safely get to work.

Gloves


Both fabric and rubber samples are used. In the case where there is absolutely no voltage, you can use the first option. Rubber gloves are used if there is no voltage indicator available, because rubber practically does not conduct electricity. It is inconvenient to work in them.


  1. If there is no grounding cable in the house, you should not refuse to buy a mechanism with such a hole. They cost a little more. But at the same time, the structure is installed more firmly in the wall, which extends its service life. The contact with the plug is also much stronger;
  2. You should carefully measure the contact of the bare wire. If it comes out of the hole too much or, conversely, is not visible at all, then the socket will not last short term. You will have to repeat the procedure in the near future.
  3. If it is possible not to install a double panel from one point, then it is better to install two single mechanisms with different connections;
  4. When all the wiring in the house is changed, you should change the height of the sockets. It should be about 20 cm from the floor.