Serviceable sockets are important for any home. They are a guarantee of safety during operation, and also do not provoke a fire from a circuit. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor this element. In the event of failure, a replacement outlet is required. Consider how to do it yourself.
Tools and materials
For such work, the following tools will be required: a screwdriver, current indicator or indicator screwdriver, hammer, level, primer brush, small plaster container, narrow spatula, nippers or knife.
In an operation such as replacing a socket, the following materials are required: socket, socket, insulating tape, gypsum plaster, small packaging, primer or PVA glue.
When choosing a power outlet, you should understand what option is required - invoice or mortise. It is better to get the latter. With proper installation, such a socket will be firmly fixed, which will not cause its further loss from the wall. The hidden element has a more aesthetic appearance.
Preparation for work
Installation, replacement of sockets (switches also) is carried out during daylight hours when the power supply is off. It is desirable to arrange tools and materials conveniently at hand.
So, how to turn off the power in the apartment or house? This is done using the toggle switch in the switchboard or by unscrewing the plugs in the counter. It all depends on what kind of automation system it costs. Be sure to check if the network is disconnected.
To do this, the indicator tool must alternately touch the contacts of the outlet. If the light does not come on, the system is de-energized. Both contacts are checked, because one of them is a phase, and the second is zero. And if in working condition to check the zero phase, the indicator will not light up.
Important
When working with an indicator screwdriver, press the metal button located on top of the tool handle. If you do not press it, then even with a working network, the indicator will not work when in contact with the phase. After you have made sure that the network is de-energized, you can begin to work.
Removing an old outlet
It consists of an internal and external part - a decorative panel. First you need to unscrew the screw located in the center and remove the plastic panel. Underneath is the inside of the outlet. Next, you must disconnect the wires, which are also bolted. We unwind them and disconnect the desired element. In conclusion, untwist the screws that hold the spacers of the outlet. We take out the inside.
It is important to review the condition of the wires. If the ends are burnt, they should be cut off with nippers or a knife and cleaned from the insulating braid to the desired length. The resulting ends should be insulated. If you need to install a socket, then replacing the outlet may take some time. Therefore, it is better to make insulation.
You should pay attention to whether or not the stalker is worth it. If so, then you need to find out in what condition it is. Previously used homemade devices for such a device. Nowadays, you can buy a finished product made of plastic. It has an opening for wires and ears for attaching struts. Sockets can be single and with transitions for double and triple sockets. Such devices greatly facilitate the process when replacement, installation of sockets, switches and other devices is required.
Mounting a socket
This type of work will be required if the old device is no longer held in the hole or is completely absent. Replace the socket and if it is made of conductive material. Remove the old device from the hole and try on a new one. If it is not included, then it is necessary to expand it and try again. The socket should fit easily into the hole and be flush with the wall.
Next, you need to brush the garbage from the inside and make a primer. If there is no such composition, then you can dilute the PVA glue with water in a ratio of 1: 3 (one part of the adhesive into three parts of water) and process it. When this is not at hand, the inside of the hole is wetted with water. But preferably still primed. This process will ensure strong adhesion of the gypsum plaster to the surface, which will further prevent the outlet from falling out.
In the next step, a small amount of gypsum mixture is diluted. The solution should be applied to the walls of the hole and distributed. Next, insert the socket, previously through the hole in its bottom, the wires are pulled. With a pushing movement, the device is inserted into the hole, the excess solution is removed. The end part is trimmed with plaster. The socket should be flush and level. Allow time to solidify the solution.
Connection
After the solution has frozen, the replacement of the outlet is nearing the finish. First you need to check the length of the wire. If it is more than necessary, it will be possible to hide it in the socket, and if less, it will have to be increased. To do this, determine which wire is available - copper or aluminum. In the first option, it is enough to lengthen it with twisting or soldering. The extension must be isolated. If the core of the wire is aluminum, then the extension is done using a special terminal.
Before the final installation, you should determine which wire is the phase and which is zero, and mark this for yourself. We take a new outlet, remove the front panel by unscrewing the corresponding screw. Next, we fix the wires in the corresponding connectors and tighten with screws. The phase is usually plugged into the right side of the outlet. Insert the inside of the element into the socket. We fix on the level and fix with screws.
Installation of the front part
This is the easiest step. The front part is fixed in level with a central screw. After all work is done, you should connect the network. If the traffic jams or the machine has not been knocked out, then everything is installed correctly.
Common mistakes
If after work the socket staggers, the replacement, its repair were made poorly. Consider what errors are most often made:
- The lack of a podrozetnik. This causes the element to fall out of the hole.
- The socket is buried in the technical hole. In such cases, it will be difficult to install the outlet itself.
- The undergrowth protrudes above the surface of the wall. During installation, there will be a gap between the front of the element and the wall.
- Incorrect build-up of aluminum wire with copper.
- Work under stress is dangerous to human health and life.
Replacing outlets in the apartment is a simple process, but requires accuracy and attention. The tool requires a simple and inexpensive, so many can carry out this work.
Recommendations
Replacing old outlets sometimes entails the replacement of all wiring. This happens if the wires are worn out. At the same time, work should not be postponed until tomorrow, since the consequences can be very sad.
If you plan to
replace the wiring, it is important to consider where and how the switches and sockets will be located. This will reduce the period of electrical work, for which it is worth hiring a specialist with the appropriate license and access to work. Better to conduct covert wiring. All strobes should be laid strictly vertically and horizontally. Distribution boxes must be placed under the ceiling. It is better to use a copper wire. The cross-section is provided depending on the expected power consumption. It is possible to replace the outlets on their own. If more complex installation is required, it is better to consult a specialist.
So, we found out how to replace sockets and switches.