Sockets for Professional Electrical Installation
Sockets are the interface between the power grid and electrical devices. For electricians and skilled tradespeople, quality, standards compliance, and durability are paramount. At WATT24, you'll find high-quality sockets from leading manufacturers such as Busch-Jäger, Jung, Gira, Merten, and Berker – the right solution for every application.
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Sockets by Mounting Type
The choice between flush-mounted and surface-mounted sockets depends on the installation situation. Both variants have specific advantages for different applications.
Flush-Mounted Sockets
Flush-mounted sockets are recessed into the wall and offer a flush, visually discreet solution. They are the standard in new builds and renovations with accessible wall installation. Installation is carried out in flush-mounted boxes (switch boxes) according to DIN 49073.
Advantages: Space-saving, protected location, aesthetically pleasing, large selection of designs for frames and covers.
Surface-Mounted Sockets
Surface-mounted sockets are mounted directly on the wall and are particularly suitable for existing buildings, workshops, garages, or outdoor areas. Installation is faster and easier as no wall chasing is required.
Advantages: Easy retrofitting, weatherproof versions available, robust housings, ideal for damp rooms and outdoor areas.
| Feature | Flush-Mounted Sockets | Surface-Mounted Sockets |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | In the wall (flush-mounted box required) | On the wall (surface-mounted) |
| Installation effort | Higher (chasing, wiring, plastering) | Lower (direct wall mounting) |
| Application area | Living rooms, offices, interior areas | Workshops, garages, basements, outdoor areas |
| Protection rating | Mostly IP20 (interior) | IP44 to IP67 (also weatherproof) |
| Appearance | Flush, discreet | Visible, robust housing |
| Design selection | Very large (various series, colors) | Functional (mostly white, grey, black) |
IP Protection Ratings: The Right Socket for Every Application
The IP protection rating (International Protection) defines the degree of protection against foreign objects and water. For sockets, the correct protection rating is crucial for safety and longevity.
| IP Rating | Protection Against Foreign Objects | Protection Against Water | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP20 | Protected against solid foreign objects ≥12.5 mm | No protection | Dry interior rooms (living rooms, offices, bedrooms) |
| IP44 | Protected against solid foreign objects ≥1 mm | Protected against splashing water | Bathrooms (outside protection zones), kitchens, covered outdoor areas |
| IP54 | Dust protected | Protected against splashing water | Damp rooms, workshops, uncovered outdoor areas |
| IP65 | Dust tight | Protected against water jets | Outdoor areas with direct water exposure, washing facilities |
| IP67 | Dust tight | Protected against temporary immersion | Special outdoor applications, industrial areas |
Socket Manufacturers Compared
The choice of manufacturer influences not only quality but also the availability of matching frames, inserts, and design series. All leading manufacturers offer coordinated switch programs with uniform appearance.
| Manufacturer | Popular Series | Special Features | Color Selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Busch-Jäger | future® linear, Reflex SI, Balance SI | Wide design variety, smart home integration, robust quality | Alpine white, anthracite, stainless steel, bronze, more |
| Jung | LS 990, A 500, LS ZERO | Premium materials, clear design, Made in Germany | Alpine white, black, stainless steel, aluminum, brass |
| Gira | E2, Event, Esprit, System 55 | Innovative technology, elegant design, modular system | Pure white, anthracite, stainless steel, glass, more |
| Merten | System M, Aquadesign, System Design | Good price-performance ratio, comprehensive range | Polar white, anthracite, stainless steel, aluminum |
| Berker | S.1, Q.x, R.classic | Diverse materials (glass, wood), individual | Polar white, anthracite, glass, wood, stainless steel |
Socket Types by Function
SCHUKO Sockets (Type F)
The standard protective contact socket according to DIN 49440 is common in Germany, Austria, and many other European countries. It has two round pins (phase and neutral conductor, 4.8 mm diameter) as well as side protective contacts for grounding.
Technical specifications: 230V AC voltage, max. 16A load capacity, protection class I (with protective conductor).
USB Sockets
USB sockets combine classic SCHUKO contacts with integrated USB charging ports (USB-A and/or USB-C). They enable direct charging of mobile devices without a separate power adapter and are particularly popular in residential and office areas.
Advantages: Space-saving, no additional chargers required, tidy appearance, various charging capacities available (5W to 45W depending on model).
Sockets with Flip Cover
Sockets with flip covers protect contacts from dirt and moisture. They are particularly suitable for damp rooms, outdoor areas, and workshops. The protection rating is typically IP44 to IP54.
Sockets with Enhanced Touch Protection (Child Safety)
Modern sockets feature integrated child safety locks that only open when pressure is applied to both contacts simultaneously. For households with children, these models are recommended and sometimes mandatory in new builds.
Switchable Sockets
Sockets with integrated switches enable the disconnection of connected devices without unplugging. Practical for devices with high standby consumption or in workshop areas.
Selection Criteria for Sockets
| Criterion | What to Consider? |
|---|---|
| Location | Indoor (IP20), damp room (IP44), outdoor (IP54-IP67) |
| Mounting type | Flush-mounted (new build/renovation) or surface-mounted (retrofitting) |
| Load capacity | Standard 16A (3680W), heavy-duty sockets for higher loads |
| Additional functions | USB ports, flip cover, child safety, switch function, indicator light |
| Design | Color (white, anthracite, stainless steel, etc.), frame series, material |
| Connection technology | Screw terminals (classic), plug-in terminals (faster) |
| Manufacturer | Compatibility with existing series, spare parts supply |
Installation and Standards
Socket installation is subject to strict standards and may only be carried out by qualified electricians. Important regulations:
- DIN VDE 0620: Standard for plugs and sockets for household use
- DIN VDE 0100-410: Protective measures against electric shock
- DIN VDE 0100-701: Special requirements for bathrooms
- DIN 18015: Electrical installations in residential buildings (minimum equipment)
Recommended Number of Sockets According to DIN 18015
The DIN 18015 standard specifies minimum equipment for residential rooms:
- Living rooms: At least 6 sockets per room
- Kitchen: At least 9 sockets (4 of which above work surface)
- Bathroom: At least 1 socket (outside protection zones)
- Hallways: At least 1 socket for hallways from 10 m²
- Outdoor areas: At least 2 sockets (terrace, garden)
These values represent minimum requirements. In practice, significantly higher equipment is recommended for more flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sockets
For outdoor areas, surface-mounted sockets with at least IP44 protection rating are required. For direct weathering or in unprotected areas, models with IP54 or IP65 are recommended. Outdoor sockets feature flip covers for moisture protection and should be additionally protected with an RCD (residual current device).
Flush-mounted sockets are recessed into the wall and provide a flush installation. They are visually discreet and standard in residential buildings. Surface-mounted sockets are mounted on the wall, are installed faster, and are particularly suitable for retrofitting, workshops, or outdoor areas. Surface-mounted models are often more robust and available in higher IP protection ratings.
Leading quality manufacturers in Germany are Busch-Jäger, Jung, Gira, Merten, and Berker. All offer high-quality sockets according to German standards with long service life. The choice often depends on personal preferences, design requirements, and existing installations. Busch-Jäger and Jung are particularly known for their robustness, while Gira and Berker impress with exceptional designs.
USB sockets are particularly practical in living and working areas where smartphones, tablets, or other mobile devices are regularly charged. They save space as no separate chargers are needed. Modern USB sockets offer USB-C with up to 45W charging power for fast charging. When selecting, ensure sufficient charging power and future-proof USB-C connections.
DIN 18015 mandates at least 6 sockets per living room, 9 sockets for kitchens. In practice, more generous equipment is recommended: living room 8-10 sockets, bedroom 6-8, kitchen 12-15 sockets. Plan sockets on all walls, especially with flexible furniture arrangement. Double sockets save space and increase connection options.
IP44 stands for "International Protection" with protection level 4 against foreign objects (protected against solid foreign objects ≥1mm) and protection level 4 against water (protected against splashing water from all directions). IP44 sockets are suitable for bathrooms (outside protection zones), kitchens, and covered outdoor areas. They usually feature flip covers to protect contacts.
Basically, the installation dimensions for flush-mounted sockets are standardized according to DIN 49073, so inserts from different manufacturers are often technically compatible. However, frames and covers from different manufacturers do not fit together. For a uniform appearance, one manufacturer and one design series should be used within a room or building. Different manufacturers in different rooms are possible but not visually ideal.
Yes, in bathrooms all sockets must be protected with a residual current device (RCD) with a maximum tripping current of 30 mA. This is stipulated in DIN VDE 0100-701. Additionally, minimum distances to water sources apply: no sockets in zones 0 and 1 (in and directly above shower/bathtub), only in zone 2 (from 60 cm distance) with RCD protection permitted.
Accessories and Extensions
For professional installation and expansion of sockets, we offer comprehensive accessories:
- Flush-mounted boxes: Switch boxes for flush-mounted installation according to DIN 49073
- Cover frames: Single to multiple frames in various designs and colors
- Socket strips: Multiple sockets for flexible expansion
- Blank covers: For closing unused socket locations
- Sealing sets: For enhanced moisture protection with surface-mounted sockets
- Child safety devices: Retrofittable inserts for existing sockets
Buy Sockets at WATT24
At WATT24, you'll find a comprehensive range of high-quality sockets for every application. Benefit from:
- Wide selection of leading brand manufacturers
- Professional advice for large projects
- Quick availability and short delivery times
- Attractive terms for electricians and commercial customers
- Technical support with product selection