Unfortunately, many do not know exactly where the phase in the outlet should be. However, this knowledge is very useful, without it there is a huge risk of making a serious mistake.
It would not be difficult to install an outlet with your own hands, if not for one moment - wire connection. If the socket is single-phase, then there are two wires in it, if there is still grounding, then there are three of them. In this case, a yellow-green wire is connected to the grounding contact, but you can connect the phase and zero in different ways.
To make the installation correctly, you need to have at least the slightest idea about finding the phase wire.
As a rule, the following single-phase sockets are used in apartments and houses:
1. Non-polarized type
In such sockets, you can insert the plug either straight or "upside down". They are suitable for connecting simple devices and devices that do not depend on polarity.
2. Polarized type
In sockets of this type, the plug enters strictly in a certain position, so zero and phase cannot be confused. In such electrical appliances, there are protective switches located on the wire for the phase.
There are several types of polarized outlets:
- In European countries, as well as in Asia, France and Africa, CEE 7/5 connectors are considered standard. In them, the arrangement of the contacts is similar to a triangle.
- In England, the standard sockets are BS 1363. Two prongs located horizontally on such plugs are for power, and the third vertical is responsible for grounding.
- In American cities, the standard connector is NEMA 5-15. Plugs for them also have three prongs, one of which is needed for grounding.
What does the location of the neutral and phase wires affect?
The standard sockets, which we are used to using, make it possible to install the plug of electrical appliances in two ways. In this case, the device plugs are symmetrical. It turns out that the phase wire in the outlet can be connected to either of the two pins.
The overwhelming majority of electrical appliances work with any polarity of the outlet, and the phase position is not so important for them.
I want to note that not a single regulatory document, as well as the PUE, says where exactly the phase should be connected. This is decided by the electrician directly when installing the outlet. If you hear somewhere that the phase must be connected only to the right outlet of the outlet, you should know that this is just someone's guesswork and fantasies.
True, among seasoned electricians there is an unwritten rule according to which the phase in the socket must be connected exclusively to the right.
But who came up with this rule and what it is based on is a mystery.
Be that as it may, when installing or repairing the outlet, be sure to check the phase on two contacts. It is possible that you have it on the left side. Therefore, it is better to play it safe!
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