Water and electricity do not go well together. That is why you need switches and sockets, installed outdoors or in rooms with high humidity, special protection against water of all kinds.
Conventional Schuko sockets and power switches are for all rooms, in which water is handled, and not suitable for outdoor installations. Because damp and wet, how they arise as water vapor and splashing water, can lead to short circuits in the device. Water-protected devices, on the other hand, have specially sealed housings, that guarantee safe operation. These special switches and sockets are marked with drop symbols. The most important features: A single drop means, that the devices are protected against vertically dripping water. Splash-proof housings are safe against moisture from all directions. Devices with two drops are protected against water without pressure. They can even cope with short-term flooding. Finally, there are devices that indicate the water pressure, up to which they are waterproof.
Systems for surface mounting
Surface-mounted devices consist of rear-closed housings, which are attached to the wall. The base element is inserted into this housing and closed with an upper part. The power cable is usually fed in from above. The surface-mounted boxes have connection adapters for cable ducts or cable ducts in the dimensions 15 x 15 and 15 x 30 mm. All switches and sockets have an additional cable outlet option, so that looping through is possible. Sockets are provided with self-closing covers. Labeling options allow the assignment of the devices to be recognized immediately. Special devices such as heating emergency switches are equipped with their own identification plates. In addition to the classic switches, there are also dimmers and key switches as well as housings for commands- and reporting devices, for TAE connection boxes and for communication technology. Connectors allow multiple devices to be paired together. Housings are available in vertical and horizontal combinations, also in white with a gray button.
Systems for tough cases
All over, where water and cold, where knocks and bumps put switches and sockets to a hard endurance test, the high-impact program is suitable. The devices are made of high-quality thermoplastic, a material, that remains unbreakable even at the lowest temperatures. The switches of this series are even protected against dust deposits in the housing and against strong water jets from all directions. The sockets offer protection against accidental contact with live parts with thin wires, screwdrivers and other tools. They are also protected against splashing water from all directions. This series is particularly suitable for installation in workshops and garages. How stable and resilient the series is, proves the use of the material in the German Antarctic research station. These devices are also used in civilian shelters. In addition to the blue series, there is another green one, which is particularly resistant to an aggressive atmosphere thanks to corrosion-resistant metals. These devices are used in horse stables and riding stables, among other places.
Systems for flush mounting
Flush-mounted switches and sockets are mounted in the wall and protected from water all around on the inside with a seal. The frames also have a seal, which prevents, that water can reach the live parts from the front. The devices are thus against spray- and protected from dripping water. The frames offer every conceivable possibility of combining all basic electrical elements with each other. In addition to protecting against water, the series is also robust and suitable for outdoor use in residential buildings. The lockable socket is also part of the range, as are the illuminated control switches.
Follow the regulations! The installation of switches and sockets may only be carried out by a specialist. If you do it yourself, only an electrician may connect to the mains. He takes on the responsibility.