wandkontakte

Wandkontakte are electrical outlets installed in walls to provide access to electric power for portable devices and appliances. They are connected to a building's electrical distribution system and are designed to receive a matching plug into which current flows when the plug is inserted. Depending on regional standards, wandkontakte are engineered to deliver standard voltages and frequencies (for example around 230 V at 50 Hz in much of Europe, or 120 V at 60 Hz in parts of North America).

Regional designs vary by plug and socket compatibility. In Europe, many outlets use grounded Schutzkontakt systems (Schuko), which rely on side grounding contacts or a grounding pin, and are widely used in Germany and neighboring countries. The Type E/F combination outlet (compatible with both Type E and Type F plugs) is common in several European jurisdictions. North America uses different receptacle formats, typically with hot, neutral, and a grounding conductor, and different voltage standards.

Safety features have evolved: many modern wandkontakte include shutters to prevent foreign object insertion, tamper-resistant designs in residential buildings, and protections such as residual current devices in some installations. Outdoor locations use weatherproof outlets with protective covers and higher IP ratings.

Installation and regulation: In most countries, wandkontakte must be installed by licensed electricians and conform to national or regional electrical codes (for example DIN VDE in Germany, the NEC in the United States). They are typically mounted in wall boxes and positioned at heights defined by code and user accessibility, with spacing and load requirements mandated by regulation.