Understanding the technical characteristics of an electrical socket

In a previous article, our detailed guide helped you choose the electrical socket best suited to your functional and aesthetic needs. Whether they are conventional sockets, USB sockets or RJ45 sockets, they are all designed according to strict standards that are essential for them to work properly. To make the right choice, it’s also crucial to understand the technical specifications to ensure safe installation.

How an electrical socket works

An electrical socket is a connecting device used to connect an electrical appliance to a power supply. Comprising a fixed female socket, often mounted on a wall, and a movable male plug attached to the appliance cable, the socket ensures the safe transmission of electricity.

In France, domestic electrical sockets are single-phase (with one phase) and supply a voltage of 230 volts (V) at a frequency of 50 hertz (Hz). In the industrial sector, on the other hand, sockets can also be three-phase (with three phases) and supply voltages of 400 V or 600 V.

The main differences between socket-outlet models are the presence of earthing (essential in new or renovated buildings), the power rating (16A, 20A, 32A, etc.) and the insulation of the pins.

What makes up an electrical socket

To ensure that it works properly and that users are safe, a wall socket is made up of different components, which you need to choose carefully to put together the socket you want. On our site, you’ll find lots of complete (or already assembled) sockets, but you can also put them together yourself.

The faceplate or plate

The faceplate (also known as the plate) is a visible part of the socket. It is generally single, double or triple, and can be placed vertically or horizontally. Easy to install, it clips onto the hidden mechanism of the socket. Classic or original, there are many options for choosing the ideal front panel for your interior decoration.

The mecanism

The mechanism is the technical and invisible part of the electrical socket. Concealed behind a front panel, the mechanism is housed in a flush-mounted box. Its main functions are to protect the internal components and isolate the live parts. With a surface-mounted socket, the box is visible, whereas with a flush-mounted socket, the box is concealed in a wall or partition. All flush-mounted boxes are standard, except for the Fontini brand. We offer their flush-mounted boxes on our site.

Safety standards

Like switches, electrical sockets must comply with specific standards, which are essential to ensure the safety of users and prevent the risks of fire, electrocution and damage to appliances. Safety standards vary from country to country, but they always include details of the design, materials and installation of sockets, such as the maximum number of sockets per circuit and per room.

Standard NF C15-100 is the generic standard governing the installation of low-voltage (230V) electrical sockets. In 2015, an update to the standard included in its charter the installation of an earth conductor and a protection device on each electrical socket. In recent or renovated homes, socket outlets have three terminals: two female terminals for the power supply and a male terminal in the middle of the two terminals for the earth connection, also known as 2P+T.

For all other electrical sockets (telephone, internet, sound) there is no earth conductor because the electrical voltage is very low voltage.

To comply with standard NF C 15-100, the choice of current rating, expressed in amperes (A), indicates what the socket outlet can withstand. In kitchens, 20A and 32A sockets are suitable for connecting cookers, hotplates, fridges and electric ovens. In bathrooms, we recommend 16A sockets, ideal for small electrical appliances.

How can we better understand the use of the wires that are connected to the plug mechanism?

When a socket outlet is installed, there are always three coloured wires that appear on the back of the mechanism and are connected to the metal contacts. The metal contacts are the conductive parts that make the electrical connection between the socket and the plug. Two-pole plugs have two current contacts; three-pole plugs have an additional earth contact.

Metal contacts generally have 3 terminals:

The phase (terminal L, red wire) supplies power to the connected appliance.
The neutral (N terminal, blue wire) allows the current to return to the circuit once the appliance has been powered.
The earth (green or yellow wire) is an additional earthing contact that provides additional protection by channelling leakage currents to earth and preventing electric shocks. It is compulsory in new buildings and renovation projects.

A functional accessory, but not the only one, electrical sockets are becoming a decorative element, just like lightings and switches. Don’t forget to match your sockets to your switches! Together, they can change the look of a kitchen, bedroom or bathroom.

Would you like to find out about the different types of electrical socket you can use to dress up your home? Check out our article on the different types of sockets.

Want to match your sockets to your switches? Read our article on switches.

And for more information, don’t hesitate to contact us.