Floor sockets are common in conference rooms, where audiovisual equipment can be plugged in without the need for an extension cord.
Floor outlets are electrical outlets that are installed in a floor area rather than on a wall. Often, a floor outlet will be equipped with a metal plate to protect the outlet and wiring, along with a cover that prevents dust and other materials from collecting on the outlet when the device is not in use. Sockets of this type are often found in living rooms and family rooms of homes, as well as conference rooms or other larger meeting areas in offices and public buildings.
As with any type of outlet, the floor outlet must allow easy access to electrical power. Since the plug can be placed anywhere on the floor, multiple outlets can be strategically placed within a space, making it easy to access electricity even when a power source is needed somewhere other than the wall. When not in use, the covers snap or slide into place to protect outlets and also allow the floor to maintain a smooth surface.
Below the floor surface, the floor outlet configuration is similar to a standard wall outlet. Plugs are housed in an outlet box and typically connect to a central junction box that helps regulate the flow of electrical power. Wiring runs from the outlet box to the central junction in the same way that electrical wiring runs through walls to a central power source.
Although it is possible to use plastic or porcelain floor plates, the general recommendation is to use metal plates. The durable metal is much less likely to be damaged if the outlet is walked on when not in use. Metal covers hold a lot of weight well, which will help keep the overall look of the outlet simple and clean. When required, the metal plates can be fitted with spring loaded covers to close when the sockets are not in use.
In terms of function and appearance, a floor socket can be useful in many situations. In a conference room, a floor jack under the conference table makes it much easier to connect AV equipment without plugging extension cords into a wall outlet. At home, the presence of a socket on the floor of the living room helps to organize the furniture, since large living areas do not need to be close to a wall to include the presence of accent lamps in the set.
Installing a wall outlet is very similar to installing a wall outlet. As with any type of electrical wiring project, it is recommended that installation be done only by a licensed electrician.
