No modern home can do without electrical appliances. Therefore, the role of places for their connection remains high. After reading the article to the end, it will become clear how to choose sockets and switches for the interior. And also how many of them are needed for each room and where it is best to place them.
Electrical sockets in the interior Source vse-e.com
Modern design of sockets and switches
Since today devices can play the role of original decor in interiors, manufacturers pay great attention to their design. You can choose a product based on color and material.
Color options
Thanks to the wide range, buyers are faced with the problem of how to choose the color of sockets and switches in the interior. When choosing a shade, designers recommend focusing on the color of the wallpaper and the general style of the room:
- minimalism and hi-tech will be complemented by original frames made of frosted light or dark glass or aluminum in gray, red or turquoise shades. Black switches look beautiful in the interior;
- on walls made of untreated brick in loft rooms, in modern and retro rooms, rosettes made of frosted glass and metal (copper, bronze) would be appropriate;
- for classic interiors, decorative items made from expensive materials are suitable: brass, bronze, silver, gilding;
- for decorating a Provence interior, you can look for pink products;
- Country style will be complemented by objects made of natural wood.
Classic-looking products in neutral white and beige shades will fit into almost all interiors.
Chrome models
Designer metal products of any shape can be considered standards of quality and style. Chrome frames will add sophistication to the interior and fit perfectly into modern design or high-tech style.
Designer sockets and switches with original shapes
Square and rectangular sockets in the interior acquire a stylish look thanks to expensive materials: leather, wood, stone. Decorative devices of round or oval shapes made of colored frosted glass look elegant and bright.
Switches (with rotary switches) made of porcelain and painted ceramics have a vintage look.
Minimalism
The laconic decor and simplicity of finishing inherent in this style are also reflected in the electrical equipment. The basic requirements for devices are functionality, accessibility, and thoughtfulness.
Greater importance is paid not to the appearance of switches and sockets, but to their technical properties and convenient location on the walls. The most suitable colors are gray, black, white.
How to choose an outlet
Numerous characteristics and installation methods must be taken into account when choosing products for certain premises, for specific equipment.
By voltage
The main parameters by which you need to select a device are the current and voltage of electrical appliances. Previously, almost all products were produced with a current of 6A and a voltage of 220-230V. And if such an outlet was used to connect several devices, then fire and melting of the housing often occurred.
In modern apartments, the number of household appliances has increased significantly, and the technical characteristics of the devices have changed. Therefore, manufacturers began to produce more powerful sockets. It is recommended to install products designed for a current of 10 or 16A.
By number of seats
Sometimes it is advisable to mount a socket block at one point. The number of “seats” can vary from two to four. It is advisable to place such models near work tables, on the wall behind the TV or in the work area in the kitchen.
By mounting method
The choice of installation method for the outlet is determined not only by the style of the interior, but depends primarily on the wiring installation option:
- When installing hidden wiring, an internal (hidden) outlet is installed. In this case, the core of the products is hidden in the wall, and only a special overlay is left on top;
- The overhead model goes well with open-type wiring. To make the product look aesthetically pleasing, manufacturers produce sockets in various beautiful shades with a minimalist design. You need to carefully choose the location so that no one touches the protruding body.
If there is a need to install an outlet near the baseboard or in the floor, then floor installation is used. You can install a retractable device in an apartment or private house. Naturally, the electrical wiring is hidden in the floor. An original idea is to arrange a similar outlet in the kitchen countertop.
By connector
Many countries use sockets with different plugs. About 15 types are known. Naturally, when purchasing equipment today, you must first of all pay attention to the shape of the fork (in addition to the performance characteristics).
Manufacturers have taken into account possible difficulties and therefore there are all kinds of adapters on sale that solve the problem of matching plugs and connectors.
Loft
The industrial direction of design involves the use of deliberately rough finishing materials and pieces of furniture when decorating premises. Catchy and at the same time laconic decor emphasizes the general character of such an environment.
Technical equipment is of great importance, so switches and sockets must be modern and functional. It is allowed to use bright devices that attract attention.
These tips will help you make a choice and purchase equipment that is most suitable for a specific situation.
Modern models of sockets and switches
The functions of familiar devices have expanded significantly thanks to technology. And already familiar sockets and switches become important elements of the “smart home” system.
USB sockets
Such devices are increasingly in demand, since you don’t need a lot of wires or removable power supplies to connect gadgets - all you need is a USB cable. Important advantages:
- the device is compact, functional and located in a specific location;
- Can be installed in place of a regular outlet. Replacement takes literally half an hour.
Moreover, when charging a tablet or smartphone, the main outlet remains free.
Sockets with timer
Devices equipped with timers of various types are in increasing demand. The time interval for the socket operation is set by an electronic timer (there are buttons and a display) or by a traditional rotary mechanism.
As an option, a timer allows you to program the time to turn on a fan or street lighting, which provides comfort and helps save energy.
Remote control switch
This device allows you to control both single lighting fixtures and entire systems. Thanks to the remote control, it is easy, while in the same room, to simultaneously turn on or off the lights in different rooms. This is especially convenient in large apartments where there is multi-level lighting, or in multi-storey private houses.
Infrared, ultrasonic, radio frequency and other devices are used to control switches. The range ranges from 20 to 500 m.
Switches with built-in motion sensor
Such devices bring comfort to everyday life and ensure rational use of electricity. The principle of operation of the switch is to detect movement at a certain distance from the sensors. Numerous devices can be classified according to the control method, installation features, operating principle, and functionality.
Motion-activated devices must be placed taking into account the area of good visibility. All kinds of obstacles (cornices, curtains, hanging structures) can affect the operation of the devices.
Brutal stone
Another natural material that is practical and durable is natural stone. Accessories with stone elements add status to the setting and make it visually more expensive.
Photo: alef-elektro.ru
Photo: Instagram lumart_spb
Photo: alef-elektro.ru
Photo: plhitalia.com
Photo: alef-elektro.ru
Touch switch made of natural marble
Sockets for different rooms
Since the operating conditions of electrical outlets can vary greatly, manufacturers produce special-purpose products with original designs. They can be selected to suit any interior and purpose of the room.
Sockets in the living room or bedroom
When choosing products, special attention is paid to aesthetics and functionality. It is convenient to install devices with a USB output in the bedroom, allowing you to charge tablets and smartphones.
When choosing products for the hall, special importance is attached to decorating the environment. A fashion trend is the installation of models made of expensive materials. Wooden, stone, metal, black leather products look beautiful.
Sockets for the nursery
A night light is often turned on in a children's room, and a table lamp is always placed in the work corner. And it is impossible to imagine the life of a modern schoolchild without a tablet or laptop.
It is also important to properly ensure the safety of outlets. The special pads that manufacturers used to produce did not always guarantee protection. Nowadays, products are equipped with special curtains that open only with the simultaneous insertion (with force) of two metal contacts.
Sockets for the kitchen
As a rule, most kitchen appliances are hidden in cabinets and are taken out as needed, so very often you have to connect different kitchen devices. Manufacturers offer sockets with a special button built into the body. Just press on it and the plug just pops out.
If the kitchen is equipped with an island, then a retractable device “disguised” in the countertop will be indispensable.
Sockets in the bathroom
Given the high level of humidity in the room, experts recommend selecting products with the required degree of splash protection.
The easiest way to install indoors is a model with a protective cover that covers the entire body. Thanks to this, moisture will definitely not get into sockets that are not in use periodically.
Convenient lighting
Models with backlighting that turns on at night are not only spectacular from a design point of view, but also a very practical solution.
Photo: alef-elektro.ru
Photo: busch-jaeger.de
Photo: alef-elektro.ru
How to properly arrange sockets in an apartment
Of course, extension cords make using equipment easier. However, the wires get tangled underfoot, spoil the appearance of the apartment, and can be damaged by animals. Ideally, each electrical appliance should be connected separately. You can roughly calculate the required number of points:
- in the corridor 5-6 sockets will be useful for connecting routers, telephones, and intercoms;
- in the living room you will need about 10 (2-3 points near the soft area, for a TV, audio system, 2-3 for floor lamps, an aquarium);
- in the bedroom, two residents will be comfortable using 6-8 points (for connecting gadgets, lamps, electronic alarm clocks);
- in the office they usually connect gadgets, a table lamp, a laptop or system unit, a monitor, speakers, and a printer. In general, 6-7 sockets are installed;
- in the kitchen you will need 9-10 points for small and large household appliances;
- A boiler and a washing machine are usually installed in the bathroom. They use hair dryers and electric shavers. You will need 5-6 points.
In total, 47-50 sockets are installed in a large apartment. This also takes into account equipment that is periodically used throughout the home - a vacuum cleaner, an air humidifier, an ionizer.
When choosing an ergonomic location for installing an outlet in any room, first of all determine the height of the location relative to the floor level and the distance from the door. As a rule, devices are mounted no lower than 30 cm and no closer than 10 cm. In a children's room it is recommended to install them higher than one and a half meters.
Modern electrical fittings are distinguished by a combination of several functions. The operation of various household appliances and gadgets began to be ensured by high-tech devices, which at the same time play an important decorative role in the interior. Sometimes it’s even difficult to decide what to give preference to: sophisticated design or “smart” functions.
Under what circumstances and where should they be installed?
A big advantage is that there is no need for gating (making special channels in the walls for electrical wiring). Meanwhile, an overhead socket can help when the room has already been renovated. Its installation will not require any disruption to the finish.
This device can be easily installed on ceramic tiles. To do this, you will need to make several holes for the mounting screws with a special drill.
This type of socket is also popular in country houses.
