How to choose domestic electrical supplies: current rating and IP rating

For home use or light site work, equipment with a Schuko or Italian plug and socket, a current of 10 or 16 A and IP20 protection is enough; on site, outdoors or in a damp workshop you need at least IP44, and IP55 for water jets. The figure that matters most is the maximum current: in the collection the values range from 0.5 to 70 A, but the most common for sockets and extension leads are 10 and 16 A. Never connect more load than is written on the label.

The types

• Sockets and adaptors: Schuko and bipasso sockets, triple adaptors, plug adaptors. They are used to connect appliances with different plugs or to get more outlets from a single socket.
• Multi-sockets: power strips with several outlets, for example the Triax multi-sockets. They suit fixed workstations and offices, not machines that draw a lot of power.
• Extension leads and cable reels: cable with plug and socket, or on a drum with 4 sockets. A model such as the 10 m closed-drum cable reel is used in the workshop; the open drums of 15, 25 and 50 m (for example the 25 m cable reel) are for where the power point is far away.
• Switches, two-way switches and push buttons: two-way switch, intermediate switch, push button, often compatible with the Bticino Matix, Bticino Living and Vimar Plana domestic ranges.
• Cables and conductors: power cables, telephone cable, bare copper cord, charging cables.
• Terminal blocks and terminals: connection terminal blocks and terminal assortments, like the Fervi terminal assortment.
• Enclosures: boxes, junction boxes and covers to house and protect connections.
• Insulating tape and small accessories: tapes, earth rods and small parts for electrical installations.

How to choose by job

Remember the basic rule: on fixed installations you work only after switching off the power and verifying that it is dead with a tester, and installation is the job of qualified personnel.

The features to look at

• Current (A): this is how much current can pass. In the collection you will find 2, 10, 16 A and higher values, up to 40 and above. A low value is fine for small loads such as a lamp; for power tools, compressors or welders you need the high value.
• IP degree of protection: the two digits tell you how well the product resists dust and water (the reference standard is EN 60529). IP20, IP40, IP44, IP55 and IP65 appear. IP20 is only for dry environments; IP44 resists splashes; IP55 and IP65 are designed for harsher environments.
• Cable cross-section: the cable reels in the collection have 3x1.5 mm² cable. The longer the cable and the more load it carries, the more the cross-section matters.
• Standards and markings: CE, VDE, IMQ, RoHS. Extension leads that comply with CE - VDE - IMQ, like those with Italian plug and Schuko socket, give extra assurance on construction.
• Material: polycarbonate, PVC and rubber for the enclosures and sheaths, copper for the conductors.
• Compatibility: for wiring devices and controls check the range (Matix, Living, Plana), otherwise they will not fit in the plate.

Common mistakes

• Plugging extension leads and multi-sockets one into another. The permitted power is exceeded and the weakest point heats up.
• Using an IP20 product outdoors. A puddle or light rain is enough to cause a fault or a risk for the person working.
• Leaving the cable wound on the drum under load. Wound cable dissipates heat poorly: unwind it completely before connecting machines that draw a lot of power.
• Replacing a fuse with one of a different rating. One of the same rating must always be fitted.
• Continuing to use damaged cables or plugs. A cut sheath or a cracked plug is scrapped, not repaired with tape.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between IP44 and IP55?

The first digit indicates protection from dust, the second from water. IP44 withstands splashes; IP55 is better protected against dust and water jets. For an outdoor site choose at least IP44.

Can I use an ordinary extension lead with a compressor?

Only if the current rating and cable cross-section are adequate for the power draw of the machine. Check the label on the extension lead and on the tool.

How do I choose the wiring device or control for an existing plate?

Look at the domestic range installed, for example Bticino Matix or Living or Vimar Plana, and choose a product stated as compatible.

Who can install electrical equipment?

Fixed installations require qualified personnel. Extension leads, multi-sockets and cable reels can be used directly, respecting the maximum power indicated.

You will find the whole range in the domestic electrical supplies collection: to choose the right current and protection for your installation, ask the AMES technicians for a quote or for advice.