Tomacorriente/enchufe

'Un tomacorriente típico en las Américas.'
(1) Vista frontal del tomacorriente sin tapa. (2) Vista lateral del tomacorriente sin tapa. (3) Cableado que viene de la fuente de energía. (4)Cableado que va a un otro tomacorriente conectado en paralelo.

Los enchufes permiten conectar y desconectar de forma segura los aparatos de corriente alterna. El diseño de las salidas varía entre países, pero el concepto general sigue siendo el mismo para la mayoría de los circuitos residenciales: hay dos pines (un circuito) o tres pines (un circuito más tierra). Dado que los diseños de tomacorrientes varían entre países, el método adecuado de cableado e instalación de tomacorrientes variará.

Para ver ejemplos de cómo cablear circuitos de carga básicos, consulte - Cableando circuitos básicos de cargas.

Consideraciones

• Outlets typically have multiple connection points for both wires of a circuit - this allows outlets to be easily connected in parallel.
• Outlets should always be installed in a junction box or other type of enclosure to ensure that all live metal parts are protected. If they are going to be installed outdoors, they must be installed in a suitable outdoor rated enclosure.
• If a system has an AC system ground then an equipment ground must be run to all outlets and the outlets should have three pins in order to provide a ground for user safety.
• Outlets should not be installed in locations where they will be exposed to water or else a residual current device must be installed to reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Connecting stranded wire to some types of outlets must be done very carefully to create a proper connection with no stray strands of wire.
• Ensure that all wires are properly attached to the outlet by tugging on them after tightening the screws on the outlet.