Contents
– Ground socket: its characteristics
– Safety standards for a floor socket
– Installation of a floor socket
– Floor outlet: prices and points of sale
The installation of a floor outlet is an ideal solution for an electrical installation. It allows you to use an electrical power supply in the middle of a room without the need for an extension cord. However, this type of outlet must above all comply with electrical safety standards. Let’s see in detail the characteristics of the floor outlet and the principles of its installation.
Floor outlet: its characteristics
The floor outlet consists of an electrical power supply unit to be embedded in any floor.
It has the following characteristics:
– It is equipped with an extra-thin plate (2 mm). Its thinness makes it discreet and avoids any risk of tripping.
– It can be square or round.
– It has a contemporary or classic finish to suit all styles of furnishings.
– It is available in single or double socket versions to meet everyone’s power supply needs.
Good to know: some floor outlets with waterproof housing are designed for outdoor installation.
Safety standards for a floor outlet
The floor outlet must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC), or NFPA 70. Sockets must have the minimum protection levels required to be installed on the ground.
The floor outlet must also have the following characteristics:
– You must embed it in a box designed for concrete or technical floor, to be installed at heights between 50 and 80 mm from the ground.
– It must have a minimum protection index (IP) of 24. This index indicates protection against solid bodies (level 2) and liquid bodies (level 4).
– It must have a mechanical protection index (IK) 08 for this type of socket.
Caution: the installation of a floor outlet in a bathroom or a shower room is not recommended.
Installation of a floor outlet
The installation of a floor outlet requires an electrical diagram.
The different phases of installation are as follows:
– Prepare the floor: the power supply circuit must be installed before the concrete floor is poured. Note: Flexible sheaths must be used to protect this circuit.
– Fit a waterproof flush-mounted box before the concrete is dry.
– Fix the socket in the box, considering the thickness of the floor covering to be laid, so that the socket block is level.
Good to know: the installation of a floor socket can be done by a professional. The professional is an excellent advisor for the consumer at all levels.
Floor sockets: prices and points of sale
Floor sockets are sold in electrical accessory stores and large DIY stores, and dedicated websites.
The price of a floor outlet depends on the quality of the product, its brand, its material, its finish (design).
The average prices are as follows:
– square socket, brushed stainless steel material, with opening/closing valve: from $35 to $50;
– round floor socket, brushed stainless steel, including valve: from $35 to $50;
– double floor socket, stainless steel, 2 flaps included: from $55 to $70.
Good to know: don’t hesitate to ask for advice from a professional available in the electrical department of dedicated stores. And if you want to buy a floor outlet at a low price, it’s best to take advantage of the best deals.