Power equipment (also known as three-phase) is standardly used in industrial plants. It enables effective and safe operation of powerful devices and machines in difficult conditions. More and more often, home appliances that require more power, such as an electric stove, are also connected to three-phase electricity. The power equipment includes power sockets, power plugs, quick connectors, cam switches and other accessories. Find out what a power socket is, what it is for, what types of power sockets there are and which variant to choose.
Check the power sockets at the Onninen wholesaler
What is a power socket?
An industrial facility or a residential building may have a single-phase installation and/or a three-phase installation, commonly called "power". Single-phase receivers are powered from the first phase with 230V. However, energy-consuming three-phase receivers, requiring 400V, are powered from the third phase. Connecting to three phases allows you to transmit much more energy to the receivers - over 6kW. Additionally, a modern three-phase installation provides up to 5 alternating current circuits. To power the machine, the power of which is much higher than standard devices, to be effective, safe and even possible, special three-phase equipment is necessary. It includes various accessories, including power sockets (also known as three-phase sockets).
What is the purpose of a power socket?
The power socket gives access to three-phase electricity with a power of up to 400V, which is something that single-phase equipment would not be able to provide. It may have a design designed for 4- or 5-wire power supply. Appropriate power plugs are used for sockets, allowing full use of force. Power equipment is characterized by a higher tightness class. The protection level is at least IP44, sometimes IP54 or even IP67, which allows the socket to be used in very dusty, dusty and humid places.
Power sockets are used every day by professionals: large enterprises, production plants, farms and car services. Home users also increasingly have access to three-phase electrical installations. For example, an induction hob and many other devices with higher power consumption can be connected to the power supply - in an apartment, house, garage, garden, under a carport, etc. It is worth knowing that electric cars are charged using a three-phase socket.
The use of power sockets is determined by several factors. One of the most important is the IEC rated current. This parameter informs about the supported current loads, so before purchasing a given socket, be sure to check this value and compare it with the requirements of the device you want to connect to the installation. On the market you will find power sockets such as:
Which power socket should you choose: a permanent or portable socket?
There are different types of power sockets. Due to the purpose and method of installation, the following are distinguished:
- panel power sockets (for power switchboards ), which allow you to connect many energy-consuming devices and machines to electricity without excessively burdening the installation, hence they are most often found on construction sites and large production plants;
- portable power sockets that are used for easy, quick and stable connection of various types of three-phase devices and creation of extension cords in industrial plants, workshops, farms and households;
- fixed power sockets, designed for permanent installation on/in the wall, commonly used in industrial plants, service companies, car workshops, production and sports halls.
Fixed sockets include a flush-mounted power socket and a surface-mounted power socket. Especially the former ensures discreet installation and aesthetic finish of the electrical installation.
The choice of the type of power socket should be adapted to the intended use, working conditions and preferred method of installation. It is necessary to have professional knowledge, so this issue is best discussed with a qualified electrician.
Power sockets at the Onninen wholesaler
In the Onninen electrical wholesaler you will find solidly made, dust- and waterproof industrial and power equipment: power sockets, power plugs, cam switches, as well as power supply sets. We offer all types of three-phase sockets: portable, fixed and panel. You can order a power socket with a switch from us, as well as find solutions without a switch. Our products meet the strict requirements of safety and reliability standards.