One of the important and responsible works is electrical installation. Not only the uninterrupted operation of all electrical appliances in the apartment, but also the safety of the home as a whole depends on the quality of their implementation. Such work begins with installation electrical installation products. Today we will touch upon the issues of arranging electrical outlets and junction boxes.

Installation of socket boxes

The socket box, also known as the installation box, is the basis for the installation of sockets and switches.

In accordance with the rules against fire safety And building codes and the rules, electrical wiring, as well as sockets and switches, can be of two types: mounted open method(on the surface of the wall) and hidden (directly into the wall). In the case when all the wiring in the apartment is done in an open way (for example, in boxes) or when connecting an additional electrical appliance, external sockets/switches are used.

However, much more often, wiring is done in a more aesthetically pleasing hidden way (for example, by stripping a wall), therefore, sockets/switches are also mounted into the wall. With this installation method, in accordance with SNiPs, it is necessary to use socket boxes.

It is recommended that the installation of socket boxes and unopened boxes be carried out simultaneously with the laying of electrical cables. In this case, when marking the wiring, the future locations of end points (sockets/switches) and node stations (junction boxes) are marked.

Installation of socket boxes

• We determine the height of the future socket/switch, and, therefore, the installation location of the socket box. For the most part, it depends on the overall design project of the room and the designer’s intentions. One of the placement options from an ergonomic point of view is a height of seventy centimeters from the floor. Sockets can be placed at a height of about thirty centimeters from the floor. If there are small children in the family, electrical installation products are mounted as high as possible. From an aesthetic point of view, they should all be located at the same height. For the kitchen, the optimal level is just above the table. One more thing important rule: distance of at least half a meter from electrical appliances and gas pipes.
• We draw the outline of the future mounting hole of the socket box, attaching it to the wall as a sample. Using a drill or hammer drill with a crown bit, we make a hole in the wall. The size of the hole depends on the wall material. If it is concrete or brick, the diameter should be three millimeters deeper and wider than the box itself. In this case, it will be fixed using alabaster or plaster. If the wall material is plasterboard, then the hole should be equal to the box. In this case, fastening is carried out using the socket box legs. Taking into account this difference in installation, we also select the type of socket box - “for plaster” or “for plasterboard”.

• Having drilled the outline of the hole using a “crown”, we remove the hammer drill and, using a hammer and chisel, remove the remaining stones and trim the bottom. If there is no “crown” attachment or the shape of the hole should not be round, but square, we use a hammer drill with a diamond attachment for concrete, a grinder or a drill for concrete.
• After the hole for the socket box is prepared, we make a fine - a groove for laying electric cable. We deepen the hole into the hole so that the cable passes freely. Next, we break out special holes at the bottom of the box, cover them with hatches, and insert the cable.
• Cleaning mounting hole from dust, apply a primer. For reliable fixation boxes in monolithic wall(brick/concrete) use building gypsum or gypsum glue (knead until the stage of soft plasticine).

• Apply a little prepared mixture into the planting hole. Insert the socket and press down with your fingers. A small amount of glue should squeeze out into the openings of the box.
• We cover the resulting gap between it and the hole with the prepared mixture (gypsum, glue, alabaster) using a spatula. After drying, remove the remaining mixture with a spatula.
• After the mixture has completely dried, remove it from the socket, level and sand the outer edges. The socket box is prepared for installation of a socket or switch.

Arrangement of junction boxes

The junction box, also known as the distribution box, is where connections are located and protected. electrical wires and cables.

After installing the socket in the electrical box, it is necessary to connect the power supply to it. Since running a separate cable from the distribution panel to each consumer is impractical, switching is performed from the main wire connected to the junction box. It is in it that they connect electrical wires, going to different consumers. This method is aesthetically neat and safe.

Junction boxes should be installed in easily accessible places - for convenience service. Access to wires must be quick and unhindered. The number of junction boxes in one room is not regulated, but aesthetic characteristics and expediency must be taken into account. The location is usually under the ceiling. In wet rooms - showers, bathrooms - junction boxes are placed on external wall, not inside.

Junction boxes can be either external or internal. And, just like the socket boxes, - under brick/plasterboard.

• Before installing junction boxes, we create a network of grooves through which electrical wires and cables from electrical installation products are laid. An important point when laying wiring: lines to sockets/switches are drawn strictly vertically, and horizontal ones can be located in niches formed by the wall and floor slab.
• After completing a series of strips and socket boxes, we install the wiring, an important part of which is the installation of a junction box. We attach the overhead junction box to the wall using self-tapping screws/dowels. We install the hidden box directly into the wall. The installation procedure is similar to installing socket boxes in a hidden way. We mount the box into the prepared hole/niche and fix it with alabaster/plaster.

• We complete the installation of the junction box by connecting wires and cables. Our task is to connect many wires to the input, i.e. main cable containing three wires: “phase”, “zero” and “ground”. We connect the wires going to the sockets by color: “phase” to “phase”, “zero” to “zero”, “grounding” to “grounding”, respectively. As for the wires leading to the switch, the principle is different. We connect the “phase” towards the switch with the “phase” of the lighting circuit, and connect the “zero” of the lighting to the “zero” of the input.
• An important installation point in terms of safety is the connection of wires. It is performed in two ways: soldering several wires or connecting with terminals. Insulated wires We carefully place it in a box and close it, without walling it up, but leaving room for access.

An important element of electrical wiring in a house or apartment is the installation of a junction box. Being a link in the entire electrical chain, it is responsible for the distribution of electricity between consumers. A box is installed in each room or room, all the wires that come from the sockets are collected in it, lighting fixtures.

What is a junction box and what does it consist of?

It is perhaps difficult to overestimate the importance of the junction box. Thanks to the box, convenience is provided in the process of operation and in repairing electrical wiring. In addition, as already mentioned, it distributes the load from all consumers in the room. The electrical distribution box helps keep things organized and allows you to add more branches. electrical network, without radical intervention in existing wiring.

In appearance, the electrical distribution box is a plastic or metal casing to which all electrical wires are connected without exception. It is divided into two types: surface-mounted or recessed into the wall. Each of them is equipped with special terminals, with the help of which reliable and fast connection wires

This version of the junction box allows you to connect wires made of different materials. The box allows you to connect even incompatible materials, such as aluminum and copper, which oxidize when in contact with each other. Over time, such contact disappears and any of the consumers stops working. Based on the shape of the box, they are also divided into two types: square and round. They all have different sizes.

DIY distribution box installation

The installation of the overhead box is quite simple; it is attached to the wall using dowels. But installing a built-in distribution box will require some effort and skill. You will need to create a special seat under it. As high as possible, preferably right under the ceiling, a niche is selected in the wall into which the box is installed, using alabaster or cement.

However, this refers to the last stage of work; first, a network of grooves should be installed through which wires will be supplied to the box. Descents to electrical outlets and switches should be made strictly vertical, to install horizontal wiring, you can use the existing gap between the floor slabs and the wall.

After completing the installation of the grooves and installing the socket boxes, it is necessary to proceed directly to the installation electrical wiring, while the installation of the distribution box is an integral part of the work being carried out.

One thing not to forget important detail. To avoid difficulties when connecting wires in the box, the end of each wire coming out of it should be labeled. They just connected the wire feeding the electrical panel and immediately signed its “input”. They connected the wires from the sockets and signed again. In this case, each individual circuit that connects to the distribution box should be signed separately, in this case, you will definitely not get confused with the connection of the wires.

Putting aside for a moment the question of the design of the junction box, let's figure out what wire cross-sections are used when installing electrical wiring. From the panel located in the apartment, each room is supplied electrical voltage on two and three-core wires, its cross-section should not be less than 4 squares. It is this cable that can withstand any sufficiently powerful consumer. In this case, the sockets are connected using a wire having a cross-section of 2.5 squares, and lighting devices - 1.5 squares.

Having selected the correct cross-section of the wire and assembled the electrical wiring, we proceed to complete the installation of the junction box and connect all the necessary wires in it.

The work, which is quite complicated at first glance, is done quite easily if you delve into the installation process and understand the very principle of how the wiring works. We have a variety of wires and inputs for connecting them. The input consists of two or three wires that differ in color. One of them supplies the phase, the other “zero”, the third is intended for grounding. Wires are connected to switches and sockets in exactly the same way.

In general, the mechanism for connecting wires is now clear: “zero” to “zero”, phase to phase, grounding to grounding. When connecting wires to sockets, there are no difficulties at all; you just need to connect the wires by color. The situation with connecting lighting is a little different. In this case, the outgoing phase going to the switch is connected to the phase of the lighting circuit, and the “zero” of the input is connected to the “zero” of the lighting.

One of the most important points When installing an electrical distribution box, it is important to ensure a reliable and high-quality connection between them. If at installation work using a communication box equipped with terminals, the situation is simpler. You just have to insert the wires and tighten the screws harder. But in the case when the box design does not require the use of special terminals, the wires must be soldered. This is done in this way: first, the wires are twisted together with pliers, after which they are soldered using rosin or other special solder, as well as tin. If large-scale installation of electrical wiring is carried out, electric welding is often used to ensure high-quality connection of wires.

At this point, we can assume that all work on the installation of the electrical distribution box is completed. All welded or soldered electrical wires are placed in the junction box, then it is closed. In anticipation of subsequent repairs, it should not be closed tightly into the wall; it would be better to make it more accessible, so that if necessary, repair work you were able to have free access to it.

Today we will talk about how to install a junction box in concrete. An electrical junction box is a small container made of plastic or metal in which all groups of conductors in a certain room are connected.

The purposes of this product are as follows:

1. Providing the opportunity to repair and maintain the home electrical network. For example, if the connection of the input wires to a room with an outlet group fails, you can easily repair the problem area.
2. Possibility of joining room wiring new lines. If you decide, you will not need to pull another cable from the main panel, but just create a new route from the distribution box.
3. Ensuring uniform distribution of electrical energy throughout the room by creating several main power lines connecting into a single whole.

As you can see, this product plays an important role in any other room.

Design

The design is quite simple and consists of a container with a lid, as well as inlet openings - seals (if the container is of an external installation type). The photo shows in detail the components of the electrical distribution box, hidden and external:

As you can see, the products are different from each other, but still perform the same function.

Please note that the junction box for hidden wiring Legs with springs can be installed on the sides. Their purpose is additional fixation if installation is carried out in a plasterboard wall.

Varieties

As you already understood, today there are several types of electrical distribution boxes. As a rule, the division occurs according to the following characteristics:

• material of manufacture (metal or plastic);
• installation method (open or hidden);
• product shape (rectangular, round, square);
• size.

Metal and plastic

Metal junction boxes have been used since the last century, when the plastic version had not yet been invented.

Not rare metal version products are still in use today. Most often, the installation of metal distribution boxes is carried out with either wooden house. This is because the metal, when the cable ignites spontaneously, will prevent the flame from spreading.

The plastic version is more modern. There are products of both external and hidden types. Their advantage is their low price, convenient design and attractive appearance. By the way, there are fireproof junction boxes made of self-extinguishing plastic.

External and hidden

If the wiring in the room is carried out in an open way, an external junction box is used. When installing under plaster, a hidden type product is used.

For hidden installation For outdoor installation

Both options do their job quite well, but it is still easier to repair and operate a wall-mounted object.

In addition, there are distribution boxes with terminals that allow you to efficiently connect the wires to each other. Such products are usually made for outdoor use.

Rectangular, square, round

Junction boxes are also available in various geometric shapes. The reason for this is various purposes. If only a few wires will be supplied, a round shape will be enough. If there are a large number of cores, it is necessary to use rectangular or even square containers, because they have a large capacity.

Please note that installing a round junction box in concrete takes less time, because... There is no need to level the product! At the same time, for open electrical wiring, a square-shaped product will look more beautiful.

As for the sizes, they can be different, depending on what cable section you have chosen. We immediately recommend that you read the article: for electrical installation work.

Connection instructions

As we said earlier, the installation of the distribution box can be carried out in an open or hidden way. Let's consider the main stages of each method.

Outdoor installation

This type of installation is simpler and does not take much time.

Here are step-by-step instructions that will help you install a junction box in the wall yourself:

1. Turn off the power in the house and check for power using an indicator screwdriver. We talked about this in the corresponding article.
2. Mark the attachment points with a simple pencil.
3. Secure the box in concrete wall using dowels. The design of the product includes 2 holes for self-tapping screws.
4. Cut off the ends of the seals to enter all groups of wires. The cuts should have a diameter slightly smaller than the cable cross-section to protect the wiring from dust and moisture.
5. Connect the wires together. To do this, we recommend that you read. All you need is to correctly connect phase to phase, zero to zero and ground to ground (for the socket group). To connect the input group with a group of switches and lighting, read the article:.
6. Isolate areas PVC connections insulation if required.
7. Close the lid.

That's the whole technology for installing a distribution box in concrete with your own hands. I would also like to immediately note that the most reliable

The main difficulty that you may encounter when laying electrical wiring in a private house, apartment or specific room is the need to switch them inside the junction box.

There are several common mistakes associated with this process, and if you want to avoid them, there are a number of important points to consider. Laying out the wires into grooves or cable channels is not difficult. The distribution box is another matter: when working with it, you need to follow certain rules and recommendations.

Purpose of branching boxes

Electrical wiring must be separated into separate groups depending on the electricity consumer. For these purposes, special electrical products are used that perform important functions:

• increasing the level of fire safety;
• aesthetics.

Cables are hidden under the box body, which ensures reliable protection from mechanical damage and significantly extends the service life of the wiring as a whole. If we consider the installation principle, then devices are divided into built-in and external, suitable for open wiring. The first are placed inside pre-prepared niches, the second are attached to the surface of any wall. There is also a special outdoor box.

Main function of distribution box

Using this electrical product, you can significantly reduce the cost of organizing electrical wiring. Without this element, it would be necessary to connect each electrical appliance with a separate cable, which would lead to an increase in the number of channels required for installation and spoil appearance.

Proper distribution of the cable inside the box will increase the safety of residential and non-residential rooms. This is due to the insulation of connecting points with flammable materials contained in the wall. The design of the equipment is thought out to the smallest details, therefore guaranteeing ease of repair work.

But the main function of the box is related to the uniform distribution of electrical energy between all consumers installed in the room. In addition, the product structure takes into account potential expansion due to the addition of new branches of the electrical circuit.

Why are they called differently?

This electrical equipment is called differently, from distribution to branch or junction box. The principle of operation is always identical: the box is the head center into which the electrical energy from the source, after which it is distributed among different branches, supplying voltage to sockets, switches and lighting fixtures. That is why it got its name – “distribution”. The alternative name “branch” appeared due to the fact that one wire enters the box and several cables exit.

Soldering products are so called because of the method used for switching wires inside the case: after twisting, they must be soldered. Despite the huge variety modern methods switching cables in boxes (terminal blocks, sleeves, clamps, welding), they are still called soldering boxes.

Another synonym for the device was the word “exclusive”. You can hear it only among people involved in the electrical installation industry. In fact, the word is derived from two other terms - distribution and connection: first the wires are distributed into branches, and then they are connected. Following this principle, it is easy to guess where another name for the box came from - “connecting”.

Thus, when going to the store to buy a distribution box, you should not be surprised if the product you need is on the counter, but under a different name. Also pay attention to the dimensions of the device, according to which you will have to create a recess in the wall. For example, rectangular apartment boxes are usually produced standard size– 100x100x50 mm.

Is it possible to do without installation junction boxes?

Theoretically, this option is possible and acceptable, but to make sure that it is practically impossible to implement, it is enough to imagine a simple picture: an introductory electrical panel is installed at the entrance to the apartment, boxes are not used in the rooms, so you have to pull separate cables to each switch, socket and lighting device. This will lead to significant costs for the purchase of cables, expansion and deepening of the grooves (or installation of wider cable channels, which will disrupt aesthetics). Conclusion: installing a distribution box is an economically feasible and rational solution.

Many people mistakenly believe that an additional connection assembly appearing inside the distribution box (in line with the input panel from a particular outlet) will lead to poor safety, while a solid cable is much better. In fact, if everything is done correctly and correctly, then the selected switching method will not pose a threat. Finally, a product like this makes it easier to find faults on the line, so you don't have to dig through the entire wall to find a damaged section of the electrical circuit.

Types of distribution boxes

Above we indicated the first criterion for classifying boxes - the method of fastening (built-in and external). Regardless of this, the boxes are closed with a tight lid, providing quick access to the contents and integrity of the wiring. If necessary, an electrician can examine the contents of the housing by removing the cover.

The main materials for making distribution boxes are plastic and metal. In the second case, tinned steel sheets and alloys containing aluminum are used. Important condition: metal box must be reliably protected from corrosion.

If the products are placed at a strategically important site where any damage is unacceptable, then it is recommended to buy a box with a lid with screws and waterproofing gaskets. Metal is more reliable in terms of fire protection, since it is able to maintain the integrity of the contents for several minutes. This time is usually enough to promptly de-energize the network.

Certain positive qualities characterize plastic elements. They are resistant to any oxidation processes and are excellent dielectrics. In both cases, the degree of protection against dust and moisture is at least IP65.

The geometric shapes of the boxes are round, square and rectangular. The former are used in situations where a small number of cables are switched, the latter - a large number. The specific dimensions of the device depend on the cross-section and number of wires.

Advice! If you need to install a distribution box in a concrete wall, then it is much easier to use round-shaped products.

Where and how to install distribution boxes

Usually the boxes are located under the ceiling at a distance of 100-200 mm from it. The specific value depends on the height of the room. If the wiring is hidden, then the product is placed inside the wall to a certain depth so that the surface of the cover is flush with the wall. For electrical wiring open type Outer boxes will do.

In accordance with the rules of the device electrical installations(PUE), it is important to provide free access to the junction box cover, which is necessary in case of inspection or troubleshooting. If the product is external and attached directly to the wall, then this condition is performed automatically.

When placing the device in a wall recess, two requirements must be met. Firstly, you need to know where it is installed, and secondly, you should ensure timely access to the product without compromising its aesthetics. If the latter can be neglected without violating the PUE, then the first requirement is mandatory and important.

You can maintain an aesthetic appearance by gluing beautiful wallpaper, then carefully cut around the junction box cover without removing the part that is glued to it. Choosing alternative options finishing, make sure that the color of the surface of the cover and the wall are identical. Try to make sure that if you need to remove the cover, the wall in this place does not collapse. If installed suspended ceilings, then small hatches should be created to provide access to the boxes.

Wire connection methods

The PUE specifies five main methods for switching two wires:

• twist;
• welding;
• terminal blocks;
• soldering;
• crimping.

Twist

The fastest, simplest, but extremely unreliable switching method. To insulate the wires, use electrical tape, plastic caps or heat-shrinkable tubing.

Twist with mounting caps

The connection made using special mounting caps will be much better and more stable. The products consist of two parts - outer plastic, non-flammable, and inner metal, conical shape with thread. The latter allows you to literally screw a cap onto the end of the wire, providing a large contact area and excellent electrical parameters. This method allows you to connect two or more wires without using soldering.

To perform the operation, remove up to 20 mm of insulation and twist the wires together. Place a cap on the twist and twist several times. When choosing a cap, be guided by the number of wires to be twisted and their cross-section. This option saves space, allowing you to place the cable more compactly.

Soldering

A standard method of connecting wires using tin and solder. It is characterized by high reliability and durability, but takes much more time.

Welding wires

The first difficulty of the method is that it is necessary welding machine inverter type. This option is considered even more reliable and of high quality, allowing you to turn two cores into one. It should be used only in extreme cases: when grounding a private house with a powerful load, connecting pumps or sources uninterruptible power supply for operation of gas boilers.

Terminal blocks

In accordance with the recommendations in the PUE, when connecting two wires made of different materials, you need to use special screw or spring type clamps. A simple method that requires a screwdriver. Be careful not to overtighten the clamp bolts.

Crimping

This method involves the use of press jaws and sleeves. The latter are selected depending on the cores being connected - aluminum sleeves are used for aluminum, copper sleeves are used for copper, etc. Please note that using pliers you will not be able to ensure a reliable and high-quality connection.

Basic wiring diagrams

After studying and choosing a method for connecting wires in a junction box, read the information on connecting specific conductors.

How to connect sockets

In most cases, sockets are connected in groups, for which a separate current-carrying line is used. Three cables with two or three conductors go inside the box. Brown color usually indicate “phase”, blue - “zero”, yellow-green - “grounding”. There are alternatives to these colors with the following standard - red, blue and black respectively.

The wires need to be grouped by color, folded, pulled and cut to equal lengths. Be sure to do this with a small margin of up to 10 cm to leave room for repeated distribution and switching. Next, perform switching using the selected method. If two wires are connected (without grounding), then the circuit remains the same, only simplified.

Connecting a single-key switch

With switching the switch, things are more complicated. There will be three groups of wires with a different connection. One wire supplies voltage from an adjacent box or input electrical panel, the other comes from the chandelier, the third from the switch.

The phase wire must be fed to the switch connected to the chandelier. Make sure that voltage will only flow to the lighting fixture when the switch is in the closed position. The neutral and ground wires of the chandelier are connected directly to the panel.

Connecting a two-gang switch

A cable consisting of three wires (without a ground wire, which is connected directly to the box) is laid to a switch with two keys. One wire goes to the common contact of the switch, the second to the first, and the third to the second key. Remember the color of the conductor connected to the common contact.

The phase wire must be connected to a common contact; neutral wires from the input panel and two lighting fixtures are connected directly. The phase wires from the lamps should be connected to the conductors on separate switch keys.

Finally, I would like to remind you to comply elementary rules electrical and fire safety. Never directly connect two conductors made of different metals, such as aluminum and copper. If such switching cannot be avoided, then use terminal boxes.

Make sure that the phase, neutral and ground wires are connected correctly. If you confuse “phase” and “grounding”, you can cause short circuit. Following the proverb “measure twice, cut once,” before hiding a built-in distribution box under decorative elements, make sure that all consumers connected through it are in working order.

Correctly connecting the wires in the junction box is a significant factor in the reliability of your electrical network. And if you consider that more than 50% of all connections are concentrated in distribution boxes, then this element of your electrical network of a house or apartment becomes especially important. At the same time, we must not forget about the clarity of the connection, as well as its maintainability. Based on all this, let's look at distribution boxes in more detail.

First of all, let's look at the rules for installing junction boxes. After all, the reliability of your electrical network depends on this. Moreover, these rules are quite logical and do not require major investments.

So:

• First of all, remember that the junction box must be made of a material that matches the installation surface. So, on combustible surfaces, for example, wood, distribution boxes made of non-combustible materials should be installed. Usually it is metal.
• If the distribution box is mounted on a fireproof surface, for example, concrete, then boxes made of fire-resistant materials can be used. Typically used for these purposes standard boxes made of special plastic, widely available in hardware stores.
• It is also worth remembering that, according to clause 2.1.22 of the Electrical Installation Code, a supply of wire must be provided at all branches and connections of conductors to ensure re-connection. The cost of following this rule will be mere pennies, but if it is necessary to reconnect, this reserve will become “golden”.
• It is also worth specifying the location of the distribution boxes. In general, it is not standardized, but they are usually located at the entrance to the room from the side door handle. The height of the distribution box is usually 10-20 cm from the ceiling. This allows you to protect it as much as possible from accidental touch and visually hide it.

Connecting various electrical receivers in the junction box

Now you can directly examine the connection of the wires in the distribution box. After all, it largely depends on the type of device being connected, as well as on the number of these devices. Sometimes it is advisable to create two or even three distribution boxes for one room rather than trying to fit all the connections into one.

Connecting group wires

First of all, we need to determine whether we have an end or pass-through junction box. Ideally, each junction box should be an end box.

A terminal box is a junction box that does not have wires connecting it to other junction boxes. A pass-through is a box that has such a connection.

So:

• The end distribution box contains three cores of the power cable or wire from which the end consumers are powered.

Pay attention! There should be exactly three of these wires for a single-phase network. Of which one zero, according to clause 1.1.30 of the PUE, must have a blue color, one protective grounding wire, which is indicated in yellow-green color and phase wire, which can have any other color designation.

• The feed-through junction box has three supply wires, which are usually connected to the terminal block. The next distribution box is powered from the same terminal block. As a result, we get two wires connected to each other.
• Another possible option this is if for one group the box is an end box, and for another group it is a through box. Moreover, usually the wire for which the box is a feedthrough does not have any connections in it. It just runs along the box.

Connecting sockets

First of all, let's look at the connection of wires in the junction box at home when connecting an outlet. After all, this is one of the simplest connections.

• So, in the junction box we have three strands of the supply wire. As we have already said, this is phase, zero and ground, indicated by the corresponding colors.
• To connect the socket, we need to connect the wire going directly to the socket to the corresponding cores of the power cable. In this case, color coding should be observed.