When choosing electrical accessories, great attention is paid to the quality of products, but one should not forget about its aesthetic properties. Electrical accessories, namely sockets and switches, are an integral part of every space, be it a bathroom, hallway, bedroom or living room. They fulfill not only their functional role, but also decorative. Today there is a huge selection of sockets and switches of unusual, original design and impeccable quality, which are ideal for any interior.

Sockets and switches - design for the style of the interior

Modern fashionable electrical accessories are made of high-quality, shock-resistant materials, and its design and various colors will help to create a holistic interior in which everything, even the smallest details, complement each other.

For bright, modern interiors there are huge switches with variegated frames in blue, yellow, green and other colors. This multi-colored option is also suitable for a children's room. Also, for children's rooms, designers offer a wide selection of safe sockets of various shapes with all kinds of patterns.

For an interior in a classic style, you can choose monochromatic sockets or switches in silver, gold colors with original designs. Drawings can be applied independently using stencils or.

Luxurious or undoubtedly very demanding in decoration. Perfectly fit into the atmosphere of nobility sockets and switches with imitation of stone or precious metals.

Sockets with switches, made in classic design, with square frames and elegant edging, will be an excellent option for wall decor for baroque interiors.

Emphasize electrical accessories with rhinestones or crystals and original backlighting.

Sockets and switches with colored or frosted glass suitable for a trendy high-tech interior. Such original fittings will be in perfect harmony with other items and interior details.

If the interior is made in country style, sockets and switches of retro design will look especially harmonious. Retro sockets and switches can be with round or square frames, with rotary mechanisms or unusually small keys, with ceramic or wood details. This version of electrical accessories will emphasize the flavor and mood of this style.

Types of switches

The most common type of switch is a key switch. The number of keys can be from one to four. This option is very practical, because in big room, where there are usually several light sources, it is necessary to install several switches, and in this case, one complex one can be dispensed with.

There are also many technological innovations that make our life brighter and more comfortable. A very interesting option for switches that help save energy. These switches are equipped with a rotary knob that adjusts the brightness of the light and, with it, the power consumption.

Touch switches are also new. One touch is enough and the light turns on. Very often, such switches are equipped with sound sensors, they are triggered, for example, by a clap or by a command you uttered.

For large houses or private plots, you can pick up interesting switches with motion sensors.

Remote control light switches have also become popular. These types of them are very convenient in the bedroom when you are already in bed. You don't have to get up to turn off or turn on the lights.

Sockets in the interior: types

The choice of outlets is just as important as correct selection switches. How well they are equipped depends not only on the reliability of work, but also on your safety.

For children's rooms, it is best to choose safe outlets with curtains. The openings of such outlets are protected by a kind of shutters that open only when the plug of the electrical appliance is inserted.

For rooms with high humidity, such as a kitchen or bathroom, it is necessary to choose sockets with increased protection against moisture. Usually this figure is indicated on the packaging.

An interesting version of a socket with a timer. The timer can be used to set a specific switch-off time. This is convenient if, for example, you have loaded a wash and left home.

The most practical option for the kitchen there will be a socket with a plug ejector. This option will not only protect you, but also extend the life of the outlet.

By choosing stylish design electrical accessories, you should remember about its functionality and quality. Avoid cheap goods, buy only certified, time-tested products, and trust only specialists to connect and install. This will keep yourself and your family members safe.

Sockets and switches should be easy to use and look harmonious in the interior. Prostocomfort will tell you how to choose the right ones.

Thanks to new materials that are used in the manufacture of electrical accessories, today they have turned into independent elements of the interior, which are selected not only for their operational and technical characteristics, but also for their external features.

Electrical accessories product series white, plastic, modern style. Source: VIKO product catalog.

Modern sockets, switches and other electrical accessories are designed according to a modular principle. Various series of electrical accessories and their decorative elements can be changed without dismantling the mechanisms from building structures.

Source: MAKEL product catalog.

Modular socket design:

1. Decorative panel;
2. Colored insert;
3. Decorative frame;
4. Mounting panel;
5. Mounting hole;
6. Mechanism.

Wiring accessories created in the same style are combined in a series. Products of the same series are similar to each other in the form of decorative elements, color and material from which they are made.

Three styles dominate in the design of modern electrical accessories:

• classic: decorative frames and panels are made in the form of a circle or rectangle containing figured decorations, instead of a key, a rotary mechanism is often used in switches;

A series of sockets and switches Merten in a classic style, source http://ias.kiev.ua

Surface switch in classic style. Source: ias.kiev.ua.

• modern: the decorative frame, panel and switch button are in the shape of a square (rectangle), often with rounded corners;

Art Nouveau switch with decorative elements made of wood. Source: Gunsan product catalog.

• hi-tech: technocratic appearance.

High-tech socket strip. Source: Makel product catalog.

As materials for the manufacture of decorative elements of electrical accessories, the following can be used:

• plastic (most often, ABS plastic), the most accessible and most common material;
• metal (primarily aluminum) or metallized plastic;

Art Nouveau switch decorated decorative frame in painted aluminum. Source: ias.kiev.ua.

• glass (tempered, impact-resistant) frosted or colored opaque;

Art Nouveau switches with decorative frames made of frosted and colored glass. Source: Makel product catalog.

• natural or artificial stones;

Art Nouveau switches with decorative frames made of natural stone... Source: Makel product catalog.

• valuable wood, processed to increase fire resistance;

Art Nouveau switch with decorative pine frame. Source: ias.kiev.ua.

• Genuine Leather.

Switch, decorative frame made of genuine leather, source http://ias.kiev.ua

A wide variety of materials used allows you to choose sockets and switches for any style (from Empire and retro to modern fusion and techno).

Decorative frames for electrical accessories can have multi-colored removable elements (inserts, corners, etc.), which help to choose products to match the interior. There are series in which decorative elements shown are drawings or photographs. Most often these are sockets and switches designed for children's rooms.

Art Nouveau switches featuring popular cartoon characters. Source: Mutlusan electric product catalog

In order for sockets and switches to harmoniously fit into the interior, we recommend using the following rules.

1. When choosing a color for electrical accessories, you should consider:

• white color and its shades are in harmony in combination with any color;
• black is very pretentious and requires a very accurate selection of colors in the interior, but it always goes well with white;
• for all other colors, it is best to select harmonious combinations according to one of existing systems used by designers and artists, for example, twelve-part color wheel Itten;
• an intuitive approach to choosing the color of electrical accessories on the principle of "like it or not like it" is also quite acceptable if you do it for yourself.

2. The style of electrical accessories depends entirely on the style of the premises, therefore:

• the classic style of sockets and switches impresses with arched openings, vaulted ceilings and classic furnishings;
• sockets and switches in the Art Nouveau style are suitable for rectangular rooms with an interior dominated by modern furniture devoid of ornate forms and ornaments;
• high-tech style in electrical accessories is acceptable, exclusively, in a "high-tech" interior;

High-tech electrical fittings in a high-tech style interior.

Electrical accessories that are always in sight, at arm's length - sockets and switches. Therefore, it should be in harmony with the style of the room, without attracting undue attention to itself. Ideally, such elements are as functional as possible, useful and logical, while giving the space a complete appearance, showing its character and individuality.

Looking for something special for your interior? We have prepared a detailed (and, we hope, useful) review for those who do not agree with just "little white so that you don't get bored" sockets and switches.

There are also fashion trends in the world of wiring products. Of course, if it comes about the products of European manufacturers, offering customers not only reliability and safety, but also design developments.

The main trends of 2017:

• laconic style and simplicity of lines;
• maximum ergonomics and ease of use;
• variability color palette and textures;
• a combination of naturalistic and industrial styles;
• modularity and versatility.

We are offered more and more options and freedom: a mix of several frames in one module, playing with textures, lighting, using additional features. So, for example, sockets are often bought together with plugs, decorative and protective covers that can be locked with a key.

One series, two designs. Allure and Life by Legrand Valena

Speaking about the debut of 2017, one cannot ignore two designer lines of wiring products from Legrand within the Valena series: Allure and Life. Florent Glenisson, designer of striking new products, was guided by the thought: "Aesthetic preferences of people are endless - from the most expressive style to the utmost modesty."

As a result, each line has a pronounced visual specificity and is presented in different colors and textures.

Legrand Valena in Life design

“Life takes on a taste” - this is the slogan of the Life design concept. Here are examples to outward appearance which the epithets "expressive, rational, laconic" are most suitable.

The "square in square" design looks harmonious in any modern interior... The switch key is gracefully curved for the lightest touch to activate it. An interesting design nuance - the frame seems to float above the wall surface.

A large collection of frames for sockets: from the usual light shades (white, Ivory, pearls) to bright colors (lime, terracotta, azure, ornaments) and expressive textures of metal and wood.

Legrand's innovative Allure design

This is a truly new vision of electrical accessories design, a bold and beautiful rejection of classic forms. Will appeal to innovators, people who are open to experimentation, but who value comfort in everyday little things. The slogan of the line: "feelings take shape." And this form is devoid of straightforwardness and sharp corners- the curved lines of sockets and switches are very delicate. The edges of the frames are sharpened to enhance the feeling of lightness.

The palette of shades presents a variety of light variations: white, mirror, ivory, pearl and beige, with and without embossing. You can also experiment with fancy ornaments or modern textures: natural wood, leather, solid glass, carbon, matte and mirrored surfaces.

Premium quality German bestsellers

In the segment of designer wiring products, there are lines that do not lose their relevance for several seasons. For uncompromising workmanship and variety, truly stylish solutions Note the Berker series from Hager and Unica from Schneider Electric. Both manufacturers are German headliners in the electrical installation industry.

Premium design and quality: Berker by Hager

The development of the series of sockets and switches of the German brand is carried out not only by electrical engineers, but also by leading experts in the field of design. And very successful. The brand's arsenal includes awards from prestigious design competitions: the iF gold award, the Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum, the German Design Award from the German Design Council, the iF Label in the Product Design category, and the Red Dot Design Award.

The Berker S.1 series is a landmark, transforming modern tendencies design into the classics. Modular concept of use, ergonomic design, laconic square shape. It's simple, functional and forever relevant.

Popular with adherents of unusual style decisions and vibrant colors B.3 series: the varied palette of frames (available in red, brown, black and gold anodized aluminum) allows you to create the perfect personalized combination.

The original and tactile texture of plastic with a velvet effect is presented in the colors "Anthracite" or "Polar white" in the Q1 / Q3 series.

Fans of retro style will not resist the elegant Berker Serie R.classic range from the German manufacturer, which features rotary round switches. The exquisite pieces of the Serie 1930 Porzellan version are made of German Rosenthal porcelain, in white or black.

Step by step: the style hierarchy from Schneider Electric

With truly German scrupulousness, he distributed the popular Unica series of frames for electrical accessories into several lines with a gradual increase in the degree of "coolness" of products in design and functionality.

Unica Basic: simple functional aesthetics with white or ivory movements.

Unica Colors. Here you can already show your individuality: it includes frames in 20 different colors, mechanisms are also white or ivory.

Unica Quadro: modern laconic design calm shapes and lines, frames in 14 colors. Among them are various metallic shades and the most delicate options like pearl pink or delicate gray pearl. Mechanisms are white or ivory.

Unica Plus: electrical accessories high class exquisite stylistic embodiment. 18 visual solutions for frames: from white, ivory and sandy to expressive shades of apple green, pomegranate and orange. Execution for 2, 3 and 4 modules.

Unica Top: "supermodels" from Schneider Electric. A wide range of mechanisms in aluminum and graphite options, frames from various types of wood (4 shades) and metals (10 options). Execution for 2, 3 and 4 modules.

Every day we use switches and sockets many times, sometimes without even realizing how much the comfort and safety of our life depends on them. I do not want to scare anyone, but the wrong choice threatens with fire and electric shock. V best case after a while, the plug will begin to fall out of the socket, and the body will begin to fall out of the box. The safety of wiring equipment, by which sockets with switches are understood, is the most important factor his choice, but today, when designer switches, sockets with a timer and others appear on sale interesting solutions, other parameters are of great importance, and it becomes very difficult to make a purchase. Let's try to figure out how to choose the right outlet and switch.

# 1. Electrical wiring type

The electrical wiring in the apartment can be:

• hidden type when the cable is laid in the wall. Without going into particular, we note that this is the most preferable and safe option, but, alas, not always available;
• open type when the cable is attached directly to the wall.

For hidden type internal sockets and switches are suitable. In this case, the main part of the wiring equipment is located in the wall, and only a nice case is mounted outside.

For open transactions outdoor equipment is required, i.e. overhead sockets and switches. They will bulge noticeably, but it is still impossible to say that such details can spoil the interior. True, in this case, you will have to more carefully approach the question of determining ideal location location so that the outlet or switch is not touched again. The advantages include a simpler installation.

# 2. Which socket to choose: the degree of protection of the case

Even a child understands that the socket is a source of increased danger. Adults may add that contact with water can be disastrous. So now, don't use outlets or at all? What, then, to do in swimming pools and other rooms where contact with water cannot be avoided? In this case, protective outlets have been designed, the housing of which can prevent the negative effects of moisture and dust.

When choosing an outlet, you should definitely pay attention to degree of protection against moisture and ingress of small objects, which is indicated in the marking by the letters IP followed by two numbers.

The first number shows how far the socket is protected from the ingress of third-party objects:

• 0 - no protection;
• 1 - protection against objects larger than 50 mm;
• 2 - protection against objects over 12 mm;
• 3 - protection against objects over 2.5 mm;
• 4 - protection against objects larger than 1 mm;
• 5 - protection against small particles, incl. from dust;
• 6 - absolutely dustproof.

The second digit indicates moisture protection:

• 0 - no protection;
• 1 - protection against drops falling from above;
• 2 - protection against drops falling not only strictly from above, but also at an angle of 15 degrees;
• 3 - protection against splashes that fall at an angle of 60 degrees, incl. from the rain;
• 4 - protection against splashes that fall at different angles;
• 5 - protection against water jets;
• 6 - protection against a powerful jet of water;
• 7 - protection against short immersion in water;
• 8 - protection during long immersion in water.

The choice of the outlet depends on the where will it be operated, and what impacts are expected on it. For example, for living rooms an IP 20 socket is suitable, for a bathroom - IP 44, although some advise to take IP 45, and for the street it is worth looking after an IP 65 socket.

No. 3. Important technical parameters of the socket

Installing sockets and switches is best if there is even the slightest doubt about your own abilities. On the other hand, whoever undertakes the installation of such equipment, the main technical specifications you need to know.

Earthing

Sockets can be with or without grounding. The choice depends on whether there is a grounding conductor in the wiring of the apartment:

• socket without grounding usually marked 2K, where K is the contact, and the number is the number of contacts. Such sockets are used when grounding is not provided or is optional;
• socket without grounding marked 2K + Z, externally differs in the presence of two metal strips in the socket with contacts. This is an option for homes where a 3-wire network is used.

It is worth noting that wiring without grounding is less and less common today, it remained only in old houses.

Ratings

Gender and strength, voltage, mains frequency are the most important parameters when choosing an outlet. Our networks use an alternating voltage of 220 V and a frequency of 50 Hz, in other countries these parameters are somewhat different. It is better to choose the rated current depending on the planned load on this outlet. For domestic conditions, it is better to take products with a voltage of 250 V and a rated current of 10 A, for connection washing machine, electric stoves - 16 A. Experts recommend using the ratio of 4 A - 0.88 kW when choosing.

When choosing an outlet and calculating their total number in an apartment, you should take into account the number of kilowatts that is allocated for your apartment. If powerful equipment is connected to all sockets at the same time, the cable may overheat, and this risks turning into a fire. That is why electricians are advised to calculate the power electrical network before installing new equipment and new outlets. A similar calculation is performed by a specialist - it is better not to spare money for this.

Screw and screwless connection

Without going into the nuances of installing the socket, we note that special screws are used to fix the core in the socket box. They are screwed into a plate that clamps the contact. If contact looses over time, you can gently tighten the screw.

There are sockets with quick-release contacts, i.e. without screws. Instead of the traditional clamp, fixation is carried out here thanks to a special hole that can narrow and expand when a key is pressed. Manufacturers of such products promise that such a system does not need regular maintenance, and the mechanism is capable of independently and reliably tightening the contact. In fact, this is not always the case, and to restore contact, you will have to do a much more complicated procedure than just tighten the screw.

In addition, experts advise taking sockets where the plug connectors are equipped with springs - they allow you to more firmly fix the plug. If it is supposed to connect several sockets with a loop, then there must be an additional pair of contacts, which will simplify the installation process and increase the safety of the connection.

Types of connectors

V different countries world use sockets in which the connectors are arranged in different ways. Accordingly, they have a plug of a certain shape, hence the problem of adapters arose. Push into different options and the geography of their use will not be (this is clearly shown in the picture), but note that we use sockets of type C (without grounding) and F (with grounding).

No. 4. Types of sockets

In our usual understanding, a socket is just an element with holes where you can connect an electrical appliance, and after using it, you just need to remove the plug from the socket. This is the most traditional version... It is still the most popular, but new, more modern devices, which may be slightly more.

When deciding which outlet to choose, pay attention to these. views:

• socket with cover irreplaceable where there is a high probability of moisture or dust getting into the equipment. Such products are placed in bathrooms, swimming pools,. While the socket is covered with a lid, it is protected from negative external influences;
  
• outlet with shutter- ideal for childcare facilities. The design provides for the presence of special barrier elements that will not allow a wire or other thin object to be pushed into the outlet. The shutters only open when the electrical plug is inserted;
• socket with switch, which allows you to turn on and off the power of the appliance, eliminating the need to constantly insert and remove the plug. A similar solution aimed at extending the life of the outlet;
  
• push-out sockets facilitate the process of disconnecting from the power of electrical appliances, thereby allowing you to extend the life of the outlet itself and the power cable. The design assumes the presence of a button on the body, when pressed, the plug literally jumps out of the socket. Something similar is implemented in mixers. It is appropriate to install such sockets in places where they are actively used, for example, in hairdressing salons and in kitchens;
  
• socket with indicator light assumes the presence of a small light bulb in the design. Its light indicates the presence of electricity in the network and allows you to quickly navigate in the dark;
• floor socket with retractable mechanism will be needed when it is impossible to place it in the wall for some reason. By the way, retractable sockets of this type are sometimes mounted on countertops;
  
• socket with timer... The functionality is clear, and the shutdown time can be set both using buttons and the display, and using a rotary mechanism;

  
  
  
  

• Wi-Fi sockets are used in the "" system, they can be controlled remotely using a special application;
  
• socket strip appropriate where several electrical appliances are constantly required, for example, in the kitchen;
  
• special sockets may be required to connect a telephone, radio or antenna;
• power connectors are needed mainly at the stage of construction and renovation works for connecting high power devices.

Among the more original options also presented window sockets that convert solar energy into electricity, sockets with wattmeter(show how much power the connected device consumes) and sockets withUSB output.

No. 5. Breaker selection

Many options for choosing a socket are also valid for a switch:

By way fastenings switches can be:

• screw by analogy with screw sockets. Experts say these switches work well with aluminum wiring that does not spark or heat;
• screwless are often used with copper wiring.

Depending on the design features switches are divided into:

• flip-flops- the most familiar and most easy-to-manage option;
  
• swivel- such a mechanism is often used in retro-style switches. To turn it on, you need to turn the lever clockwise;
  
• push-button- an option that, in terms of convenience, can be compared with a cross-over, but has not yet found distribution. To turn on the light, just press the button, it is also pressed to turn it off;
• dimmers allow not only to turn on the light, but also to adjust its brightness by turning the lever. This is very economical and convenient when you need to create different lighting scenarios in the same room. Dimmers are usually used with incandescent and halogen lamps - it is difficult to find one that can connect to a dimmer, and it will cost a couple of times more expensive than usual.
  

Several switches can be installed on one panel, which are responsible for switching on different groups of luminaires - this is common today and is sufficient convenient solution... Moreover, the same luminaires can be controlled from different places in the room - this requires the installation of additional switches. The system becomes more complex, but the comfort increases. Smart switches with motion sensor, touch or remote control installed in smart home systems.

Separately, it is worth highlighting illuminated switches: A built-in small light will tell you that there is electricity and make it easier to search in pitch darkness. Can be installed at home timer switch or switch that will respond to pop.

No. 6. Design and material of execution

Elements such as sockets and switches are unacceptable to emphasize in interior design, so they are always matched to the tone of the walls. The style of their performance should correspond to the chosen one, and there is where to roam. Manufacturers offer us products both in the simplest and most familiar design, as well as real works of art.

As material of manufacture usually use shockproof and fireproof plastic... Less common and rather elite options are - wood, leather, stone, glass and even concrete, porcelain, clay and textiles... The switches are allowed to use steel, bronze, chrome, aluminum and other metals. Despite the fact that no one focuses on sockets and switches, their design is an important touch in creating a holistic, harmonious interior.

The more refined and original design has equipment, the more expensive it will cost, but in the pursuit of aesthetics, do not forget about safety.

No. 7. What else is important to consider when choosing?

Considering several options in the store, it does not interfere make a visual assessment:

Among producers sockets and switches, we note Legrand (a French company, an industry leader), Schneider Electric, Jung, Bticino, ABB, Polo, Fontini. There are slightly cheaper products from Polish and Turkish companies, which also have good quality: Viko, Makel, Karlik, MONO, OSPEL. From domestic producers the largest is Wessen.

Finally, we note that the standards regulate the installation of sockets and switches at a height of no more than 1 m from the floor, but there are many exceptions to this rule, especially when it comes to bathrooms and kitchens - it is allowed to mount equipment in the most convenient place.