All sockets in a house or apartment are connected to the main panel, where automatic switches are installed, which, in case of a dangerous situation, turn off, sometimes even at the most inopportune moment. The initiator of their operation is sometimes the wrong scheme of connecting the sockets to each other or their output to one power cable. Correct connection of the sockets ensures the smooth and safe operation of household appliances. In this article, we will look at how to connect sockets in different cases and which schemes are considered correct.
Content:
- Outlet connection diagrams
- Serial circuit
- Parallel connection
- Mixed scheme
- Ring connection
- Conclusion
Outlet connection diagrams
During the installation of electrical wiring, it is important to choose the right scheme for connecting several outlets to each other. In total, there are three ways:
- Parallel or star connections.
- Serial or daisy chain.
- Mixed.
The concepts "sequential" and "parallel" are relative in this context, and they do not need to be perceived in the classical understanding of the connections of the elements of electrical circuits.
The above methods can be supplemented with a ring connection, when all sockets of an apartment or in a house are powered from one wire. Such a scheme can include all three connection options. Each of them has its own pros and cons. When choosing a connection method, it must be borne in mind that the electrical connection is vulnerable at the twist points. At the same time, the increase in the number of junction boxes reduces the life of the wiring.
Let's consider each socket connection diagram in more detail.
Serial circuit
Daisy chain connection involves connecting several sockets in series in a row with each other. The connection is made without a junction box, since the wires are fixed on the contacts of the sockets in the socket boxes. A phase and a neutral conductor are connected to the main outlet. Wires extend from it to other points.
This method is used when it is necessary to combine the outlets into a single unit. But such a scheme is not suitable for connecting power devices, such as electric and microwave ovens, washing machines, air conditioners. If the load is exceeded, the contacts may burn out. And if the wire in the first outlet burns out, the ones connected after it will not work.
It is also important to note that the ground wire cannot be looped through, it must be connected to each point as shown in the diagram above.
Parallel connection
Parallel connection of sockets is also called "star" connection. The essence of the method lies in the fact that the circuit includes junction boxes in which an independent connection of sockets is made. One main supply cable goes into the box. From it, branching of wires is performed at points. Outwardly, it resembles a star, for this reason the method got its name.
An important advantage of this method is the autonomy of the outlet, that is, independence from the state of others. If one of the sockets fails, then the rest continue to function further. But if the main cable burns out, then the voltage disappears in everyone. However, in such cases, it is always reliably known where to look for a break.
Another disadvantage of such a connection scheme (in parallel) is the increased wiring consumption. Each outlet requires a separate line to be connected, which increases the cost of electrical work.
Mixed scheme
Mixed connection helps improve the reliability of the outlet wiring diagram. Often this method is used when mounting points using a loopback method. The essence of the method is to install a junction box to which the supply cable is connected. Then they bring out the electrical wiring for each outlet in the room. Branches are made from it to the remaining points, which are located between the box and the far connection point.
Mixed connection provides reliability as the circuit includes independent power points. In the event of failure of one of them, the remaining sockets do not lose power and continue to function. Finding a break is also not difficult, since the electrical points are connected independently of each other.
Ring connection
Connecting sockets with a ring is an unusual scheme, since it is rarely used. But this method has a number of advantages. The meaning of the wiring is to lay the main supply cable around the perimeter of the room. The wiring comes out of the switchboard and enters it at the other end.
The joints for branching into separate rooms are made in junction boxes. The connection is made by a loop or star type.
The cross-section of the main cable is chosen based on the total load of the room, when several devices are simultaneously turned on in each room. The ring connection is not inferior in reliability to the parallel connection, since the circuit retains the autonomy of the points.
Conclusion
The choice of the method of connecting the sockets is always determined by the power of the connected electrical equipment and the cost of installation work. Separate circuitry ensures reliable and uninterrupted power supply to all devices. However, this is the most expensive method as it requires more cable. But it is the star connection that guarantees the independent operation of all points.
It is also important to take into account that when connecting the sockets in series, the total load must not exceed the maximum current of the outlet. And it, in most cases, does not exceed 16A (3.5 kW). Those. if you are going to install a block of 3 sockets and connect them in series, categorically it is forbidden to simultaneously turn on a load of more than 16A into each of these outlets (this situation is relevant for kitchen). At the same time, if you decide to connect the sockets with a star, each of them can be connected to a load of up to 16A. The main thing is that the cable also withstands the machine, which is installed on this outlet line.
Related materials:
- Wiring diagram star and delta
- How to connect machines in a dashboard
- Ways to connect electrical wires
