Sockets are an important part of your home's electrical appliances
Sockets are an essential part of your home's electrical appliances. They ensure that you can easily connect your appliances and electronic devices. Whether you use them to charge your phone, plug in your computer, or switch on your lamp. An electrical outlet is an essential component in any home - especially in the most occupied areas of the home, such as the living room, kitchen, and workplace, where many devices are often in use simultaneously.
Find a selection of sockets and wall outlets at Biltema
At Biltema, you'll find a wide range of sockets and wall outlets for both indoor and outdoor use. The range covers everything from classic indoor sockets to specially designed outdoor models that are robust and suitable for the weather. This means you can find discreet sockets for the home or secured outlets for the garden or terrace at Biltema.
You can order your products online and pick them up at your nearest Biltema store for extra convenience. With our Click & Collect service, you can easily order your desired sockets from home and pick up your goods within just 2 hours. It's a convenient solution when you need new sockets or other electrical items quickly.
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What type of socket should you choose for your project?
Do you need to replace your sockets at home, and are you trying to figure out how to find the right type? There are several important factors to consider to ensure you get the right type for your needs. Here we go through some of the most important considerations that can help you in the process.
Scope of application
First and foremost, you need to consider whether the socket will be used indoors or outdoors. Indoor sockets are simpler and often designed to blend in with your home's décor, while outdoor models require more robust construction. Outdoor sockets should also be water and weather-resistant and IP-rated to withstand moisture and temperature changes.
With or without earthing
For safety reasons, it is important to know if earthing is needed in the room where the socket will be installed. Bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas usually require earthed sockets as these areas are more prone to moisture. The earthing provides extra protection against electric shock.
Design and functionality
Sockets are available in many different designs. There are many options when it comes to socket colours and materials, making it easier to find something that matches your home's décor. They can also be either recessed into the wall or mounted outside the wall. Recessed sockets don't protrude from the wall as much, as the name suggests, and are placed inside the wall. External wall sockets are not placed inside the wall but are instead mounted directly on the wall.
Number of outlets
Assess how many outlets you need. In many modern homes, more outlets are needed - especially in living rooms, kitchens, and offices. Double or triple sockets are a practical solution to avoid the need for extension cords.
Safety and childproofing
If you have small children at home, childproof sockets is required. These fuses protect against accidental contact with electricity and can provide extra peace of mind in everyday life. Many modern power sockets come with built-in childproofing, making it easy to choose a safe solution without the need for additional equipment.
Be aware of whether your sockets are safe
To ensure electrical safety in your home, it's important to keep an eye on whether your sockets are in good condition. Loose or worn sockets can be dangerous as they increase the risk of short circuits and fire in the worst case. If you notice that an outlet is loose, discoloured or gets hot during use, you should replace it immediately.
Another important safety factor is childproofing. If you have small children, consider sockets with built-in childproofing. These protect against accidental contact with electricity and are a great way to prevent accidents in the home.
Overloading sockets is also something you should avoid. Connecting just a few appliances to the same socket can lead to overheating and ultimately affect safety. Instead, use multiple sockets distributed around the room or invest in switches with multiple outlets.
It's also a good idea to regularly test the sockets by plugging them into your devices and ensuring that the power is stable. If you need clarification about the safety of your electrical outlets, it's a good idea to contact an authorised electrician who can ensure that your installations are safe and meet current safety standards.
FAQ
Can I replace my sockets myself?
Remember that you should only do the work yourself if you are completely sure of how to do it. If you are in the slightest doubt, you should always let an electrical installation company do the job. Remember that incorrect connections can be life-threatening.
How do I know if my sockets are safe?
You can check if your sockets are safe by looking for loose or worn sockets, discolouration or heat from use. Overloading your sockets is also a sign that they are not secure. If in doubt, you should contact an authorised electrician.
