Floor sockets – purpose, types, installation rules, overview of legrand sockets

The article will focus on floor sockets and hatches. What they are for, where they are installed, features of the device, their varieties, what the market offers, tips for choosing, do-it-yourself installation features.

What it is?

Floor sockets are special products designed to connect equipment in the workplace. The installation of such devices allows you to optimize and secure the points of connection of electrical appliances in the interiors of houses, apartments or office premises.

Special hatches in the floor allow you to place connectors for a TV, telephone, computer and other equipment in them.

Sockets and hatches built into the floor are practical and easy to use. They have a modern look and easily fit into any interior.

In addition, they are ergonomic and fully meet safety requirements. But first things first.

Where are they used?

Floor sockets (holes in the floor) are actively used in rooms with a large area:

• Automotive centers (services, car washes, salons);
• Various venues for concerts or sporting events;
• Public catering organizations;
• Shopping malls and other public spaces.

Features of the device floor sockets

Floor sockets have the same electrical characteristics as conventional products (those that are mounted on walls). It also requires a voltage supply of 220 volts, after which electrical equipment is connected to the outlet.

The main feature is the design and auxiliary fittings required for installation.

The floor socket set includes:

• Case with lid;
• Special calipers for snapping;
• Cable clamp;
• Partitions, clips and other accessories.

Such a complete set is enough to properly mount the product and ensure the safety of its use. At the same time, the hatch in the floor for sockets reliably protects against mechanical influences, ingress of water or dirt.

The advantage of the designs is that other connectors can be provided inside – for connecting a telephone, an Internet cable and other wires.

Everything you need is in one housing, which saves space in the room and simplifies the installation process.

Differences in functionality

Sockets in the floor can have a different functional purpose. Today, there are two types of such devices:

• Recessed sockets in the floor – equipped with a metal cover, made of plastic or metal.
• Floor hatches built into the floor.

By version

The products under consideration also differ in execution. They are:

• Made of plastic;
• Metal (using brass, steel or other alloys);
• For installation in the floor (subject to ceramic tiling);
• For installation in the floor with the subsequent use of laminate, parquet or carpet;
• With increased resistance to moisture (IP66, IP44);
• With different installation depth;
• To accommodate one outlet;
• For accommodation from two to twelve sockets.

Also sockets (hatches) in the floor may vary in color. The following options are possible here – gray, beige, white, graphite, brass, steel or aluminum colors.

Other types of device

The main features by which products can be classified include the possibility of regulation, the number of sockets in one housing, as well as the material of manufacture. The last two features are discussed above.

As for the adjustment, there are two options:

• Stationary models – floor sockets that are installed in the floor without the possibility of movement.
• With the possibility of fixation – devices that, if necessary, can be adjusted in height and position.

The number of sockets in a special hatch varies from 1 to 12 pieces. The material used is plastic or metal.

The first option is affordable and has many ways of execution. On the other hand, plastic sockets are less reliable. They can be damaged by contact with various compounds or in the event of mechanical stress.

Metal products are durable and reliable, so they are usually used in industrial and public buildings.

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Floor outlets for sockets – selection criteria

Floor hatches are the best solution for organizing a workplace if information and power cables are laid under the floor covering.

For the installation of sockets, special hatches are used, in which various types of products are mounted – sockets for 220 Volts, connectors for connecting a TV, computer or telephone.

Depending on preferences, you can choose a hatch with different depths. If necessary, it is possible to install an open socket in the floor (without a cover).

When choosing the appropriate option, it is important to take into account the operating conditions and the purpose of the room. For example, when installing a floor outlet on a terrace, it is necessary to install special hatches that reliably protect against moisture and dust (IP66).

In order not to make a mistake in choosing, it is worth considering the following characteristics:

• Type of flooring – raised floor or concrete. In the first case, the height of the floor is taken into account, and in the second, the thickness of the solidified mortar.
• The number of modules is 45×45, the number of different sockets (information and power), as well as other products.
• Color. There are many options to choose from, which were mentioned above (gray, beige and others).
• Terms of Use. When choosing, you should focus on the requirements for protection against moisture and dust (IP level).
• Material type. Floor sockets can be made of various materials – plastic or metal. In the latter case, it is aluminum, brass or steel.
• Delivery terms.

To avoid dismantling the hatch in the future, it is recommended to immediately determine the principles of using the device. If over time you plan to expand the functionality of the structure, it is advisable to mount a frame module in the raised floors.

If you need to power one or two electrical appliances, a small device, recessed to a minimum depth, will suffice.

An equally important point is the protection of the wire suitable for the socket in the floor. Corrugated tubes are supplied with some products. Their use is desirable if there is free space between the main and the raised floor.

Mounting cases

Before performing installation work, it is worth preparing free space. With the help of frame kits, it is required to fix the product using self-tapping screws or screw-type clamps.

The set of fasteners directly depends on the material from which the base for fastening the structure is made.

In the case of using a flood coating, it is allowed to install an inexpensive plastic housing to a depth of about 8 cm or a galvanized kit with a 20-30 cm immersion. The latter solution is suitable for industrial premises.

As an example, a galvanized kit is often used for the output from cable routes for special purposes.

The greatest difficulties are associated with the installation of sockets in the concrete floor. The reasons are as follows:

1. A niche for installation will have to be knocked out, which requires considerable effort and time.
2. In the process, you can not do without an impact drill or puncher, with which you can create the necessary mounting holes.

At the final stage of installation, the cover is attached using brackets and clamps.

What the market offers – the main manufacturers

When choosing floor hatches, you should give preference to well-known manufacturers – Legrand (France), Ecoplast (RF), Simon (Spain), IEK (RF), Bticino (Italy), and GIRA (Germany). Also known are companies such as Vergokan, Efapel, DKC, JSL and ABL-Sursum.

If a floor socket is required, you can use products from the following brands – JUNG, GIRA, Siemens, REHA and Berker (all Germany), Bticino (Italy), Schneider Electric (France) or Simon (Spain).

Legrand

Today, the manufacturer Legrand is a leader in the production of electrical devices. So it is not surprising that the products of this brand are in the greatest demand. The main difference is the large package.

It was previously noted that cases in the floor can contain up to 12 outlets, but in the case of Legrand, up to 24 different connectors are available to users.

To ensure greater security, dividing panels are used that separate the functional points from each other.

A number of stylistic features should also be attributed to the differences in brand products. So, the socket in the Legrand floor can have a decorative design and be made for various textures – mosaics, carpet, stone or wood.

Legrand metal hatches:

Plastic hatches Legrand:

• Floor hatch for 3 modules. The product is made in gray plastic. There is one mechanism for connecting electrical receivers. Dimensions – 45×22,5 mm.
• The hatch is floor, 6 mechanisms. The features of the model include the presence of a plastic case and a cover made of stainless steel. Number of mechanisms – 6. Dimensions of the module 45×45 mm. The installation depth is 7,5 to 10,5 cm. The lid has an anti-corrosion coating.
• The hatch is floor, 6 mechanisms. The dimensions of the device are 45×45 mm. Installation is carried out to a depth of 7,5 to 10,5 cm. The product is made of plastic and has a gray color.
• The hatch is floor, 9 mechanisms. The dimensions of the device are 45×45 mm. The box is installed to a depth of 7,5 to 10,5 m. Plastic is used as a material, the color is beige.
• The hatch is floor, 12 mechanisms. Like most of these models, the dimensions of the device are 4,5 by 4,5 cm. Installation is possible at different depths in the range from 7,5 to 10,5 cm. Plastic is used as a material. The surface is beige.
• Floor hatch for 4 mechanisms with dimensions 45×45 mm and two mechanisms for 45×22 mm. Installation depth is 6,4 m. The product is made of plastic and has a gray color.

Floor hatches Simon Connect

Products of this manufacturer are of two types.

Metal hatches Simon Connect:

• Floor hatch with one mechanism 45×45 mm. The device has only one module for connection. Degree of protection IP The model is made of metal and has the color of stainless steel.
• Floor hatch for 1 mechanism. This device is made of metal. Dimensions are 4,5×4,5 cm. There is a special lock with which the hatch is closed. Color – brass. Degree of protection – IP
• Floor hatch for connecting 1 mechanism. The device is made of metal. Dimensions are 4,5×4,5 cm. There is a special lock with which the hatch is closed. Color – steel. Degree of protection – IP
• Floor hatch with one module 45×45 mm. Closing and opening of a cover is made by means of a special latch. The peculiarity of this model is the presence of a metal base. Color – brass.
• Floor hatch with socket. It is completed with a 2K socket, three Schulko modules, as well as an RJ connector. The cover is made on a special latch. The product has the color “steel”. Degree of protection against dust and moisture IP66.

Plastic hatches Simon Connect:

• Hatch for concrete floors on two mechanisms. The product has a black color and a plastic case.
• Raised floor hatch for 4 mechanisms. This model is made of plastic, has a gray color and a tight-fitting lid.
• Raised floor hatch for four mechanisms. Features – the use of plastic as a material. Black color.
• Raised floor hatch for eight mechanisms. The device is designed to connect 8 devices. The main material is plastic. The color of the product is grey.
• Raised floor hatch for twelve mechanisms. The features of the model include a plastic case and black color. The recess depth is 6 mm. Installation dimensions – 21×30 cm. Material – plastic.
• The hatch for 4 modules with dimensions 45×45 mm, as well as for two modules 2,25×4,5 cm. The installation depth is 64 cm. Color – gray.

Hatches Lux Ekoplast

Lux Ekoplast hatches deserve special attention. They are of two types:

1. Hatches Lux Ekoplast metal:

• LUK / 2AL – hatch to the floor for two modules measuring 45×45 mm. This model is made of metal and has the colors “aluminum”.
• LUK/2+2ST66 is an IP floor hatch. It has four modules – two of them are 45×45 mm, and two more modules are 45×22,5 mm. Material – metal. Color – aluminium.
• LUK/1,5AL — a metal hatch to the floor for 1.5 modules measuring 4,5×4,5 cm. Color — aluminum.

2. Lux hatches Ekoplast plastic:

• LUK/2. Hatch to the floor for two mechanisms 45×45 mm. The model is made of plastic, black color. Has a special cover.
• LUK/4. Hatch to the floor for four mechanisms 45×45 mm. The device is made of plastic and has a black color.
• LUK / 6 – hatch to the floor with 6 mechanisms 45×45 mm. A feature of this model is the presence of a black case. Material – plastic.

New hatches in the GES R2 floor – video.

Installation of floor sockets

The advantage of floor sockets lies in the possibility of flush mounting in horizontal surfaces of various types of premises. Installing conventional products in this way is dangerous.

Installation of sockets in the floor is carried out before finishing work inside the room. The cable for such devices is usually laid before the creation of a concrete floor screed or before the plank flooring.

For additional protection of the cable from moisture, steel or plastic pipes are used. If the product is made of steel, grounding is required.

Several cables can fit inside the corrugation, allowing you to connect the Internet, connect a music center, telephone or other equipment.

If the installation was not completed in advance, it is worth using a socket in the plinth, which is installed in different parts of the room (up to three points can be mounted per room).

Installation of the product is carried out directly on the surface of the plinth or on the wall near it.

Floor sockets usually come with the necessary hardware for installation.

The kit usually includes:

• Housing for mounting;
• Floor hatch cover;
• A set of fasteners and clamps;
• Calipers (mounting elements);
• Inter-partition partitions;
• Clips and clips for cables;
• Sockets (one or more);
• Protective devices for sockets.

During the installation process, it is worth considering a number of points:

• The depth of placement of various elements and the installation procedure are discussed in detail in the instructions. It is important to strictly follow the manufacturer’s recommendations in order to avoid problems during future operation.
• Self-assembly begins with the cable supply to the connector installation site. After that, a concrete screed is poured. The detachable assembly must be covered in advance with the help of a filler box. Next, wires are inserted into the grooves, and the box is removed.
• If there is a wooden floor, it is required to make a recess in it according to the size of the case. After that, a casing is mounted in the hole, and the terminals are connected to the sockets. Above the mount is a hatch cover.
• Upon completion of the installation, it is required to carefully check the quality of the closing of the mounted leaf.

Floor sockets are an excellent solution for industrial and other large premises where it is not possible to ensure normal functionality by installing classic sockets on the walls.

The advantages of floor products include the ability to withstand mechanical stress, the presence of protection against dust and moisture (for many models), the absence of a protrusion above the surface, as well as ease of installation.

The main thing is to correctly determine the model and clearly follow the installation instructions, because its violation can lead to a short circuit and even a person getting energized.