A mounting console is an electrical installation box designed for built-in or surface mounting on a wall or floor, with the help of which electrical sockets, electric switches and or sockets are installed. Consoles are a mandatory element of any electrical installation and compromising on their quality is not recommended.
The console consists of a round plastic box, usually with a size of ф60, which holds the electrical components, socket or switch, firmly attached to the base. Depending on whether they will be installed in plasterboard walls, brick walls or concrete foundations, they are made of different types of plastic and shapes, and some also have mounting feet. Choosing the right console, mounting box is extremely important for the strength of the installation, as well as preventing the wall from collapsing, for example, when a plug is abruptly pulled out of an electrical outlet.
Metal consoles are also relatively widespread. They are used when the electrical installation box will be subjected to physical stress, high temperature, or other similar circumstances and needs to be stronger and more reliable.
The console boxes are available for one, two, three or four elements depending on whether there will be one or several elements next to each other during installation. For example, if we need two electrical switches or a light switch and a socket and a socket for the Internet or TV, we can use a ready-made double or triple console box. When working with a double console box, we must pay attention to the dimensions and distance, because with them we will also have to work with double frames adapted for them. When circumstances require two single elements mounted side by side, we must use two single console boxes.
Mounting consoles are mainly divided into two types: German standard and Italian standard standard. The German standard of electrical elements is a two-module semi-square and is the most widely expanded in the product range of electrical switches, sockets and sockets. The Italian standard is a less common, modern single-module standard, in which the elements are half the width of the German standard, which is both aesthetically and functionally more and different modules can be installed in less space.
The two standards German and Italian are not compatible with each other! When choosing Italian standard consoles, modules designed for them must be selected, and vice versa. This also applies to German standard switches and sockets, for which brackets designed for them must be selected, as well as whether they will be installed in the floor, in plasterboard or plaster.
Some models of single console boxes can also serve as a junction box. Unlike strictly fixed mounting boxes for switches and sockets, which are mostly solid, universal junction boxes have side cable openings. These openings allow for safe cable connections and branches.