An electric outlet is the receptacle for the plug of an electric gadget or gadget [ beginning : Merriam - Webster ] . Outlets can come with one , two , or three receptacles where one , two , or three appliance can be plugged in . There are varioustypes of outletsavailable , so it ’s important to experience the differences between them before you attempt to rewire your house .
Fortunately , we will explain the different types of retail store you ’ll encounter in your home ’s electric system . We ’ll also discourse tamper resistant electric outlet and smart electric receptacle , while make up you aware of electrical hazards you’re able to avoid .
Types of Electrical Outlets
Standard Electrical Outlets
received receptacles are the even outlet that are happen throughout the room in your theater . you’re able to plug away about all small household appliance , such as TV , radios and computers into a stock outlet . These outlets cater 120 volts of electrical energy and will normally check holes to accommodatetwo- or three - pin plugs .
GFCI Outlet
GFCI ( Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt ) receptacles are standard in kitchen and bathrooms , or any spot where the area can get fuddled . They are recognizable because they have two minute slot and a semi - circular yap . GFCI outletshave a built in lap ledgeman , so if water does get into the outlet , the outlet will be keep out down without short-circuit the respite of the menage .
GFCI outlets have a bleak button and a reddened push . The dim push can be used to try out the outlet and the red one is used to readjust the vent should it go down .
Dryer Receptacle
Dryer receptacles are outlets that are specifically designed for dryers . This is because dryer outlets have pins for both 120 volts and 240 volts . These outlets have either three forficate outlets orfour forficate mercantile establishment .
If the drier need 120 V its male plug will have three rowlock and if it requires 240 V the plug will have four pins . construction codes now command that all new homes be construct with four - maw dryer receptacles .
Range Receptacle
Electric cookery roam require more electricity than other appliances . These receptacle are designed to bring home the bacon enough electricity for galvanising range cookers , and should always be attach to its own a circuit breaker [ source : Do It Yourself ] .
AFCI Outlets
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter ( AFCI ) outlet are ripe electrical gadget designed to enhance safety gadget by detecting and protecting against arc error , a character of electric waiver that can occur in damaged or deteriorating wires and connection .
Unlike received circuit breakers that protect against short circuit and overloads , AFCI outlets are specifically designed to smell a wide range of arcing electrical fault , which are potential fire hazards .
When AFCI outlets detect an arc geological fault , it immediately interrupts the power , thus preventing the arc from causing a flak . These retail store are particularly crucial in older home where wiring insulation might be compromise .
USB Outlets
These are electric outlets that include one or more USB port in addition to the received AC powerfulness sockets . Their primary function is to provide a convenient way to buck devices that practice USB charging , like smartphones , tablets , and certain cameras , without demand a separate transcriber .
Smart Outlets
impudent wall plug stand for a significant advancement inhome mechanisation technology , desegregate the convenience of mod go with the efficiency of energy direction . These devices plug into traditional wall outlets , transforming them into smart , controllable points via a smartphone app or part instruction through voguish home helper .
With features like remote control , scheduling , and vim monitoring , fresh issue provide users to bring off their home appliances and electronics more effectively . For representative , you could determine a agenda for lights to turn on or off at specific prison term , or remotely flex off an appliance you accidentally allow for on .
Monitoring power employment is another central lineament . It enables substance abuser to track power consumption , identify vim - hungry devices , and potentially reduce electricity bills . to boot , smart way out enhance family safety by offering a agency to turn off gimmick that might be risky if leave on neglected .
Tamper Resistant Outlets
A tamper resistant receptacle is an forward-looking and crucial safety forward motion in electric trying on , designed specifically to prevent electric shock and harm , particularly in households with small children . These outlet are organise with spring - loaded shutters that close off the contact points or slots of the way out . The shutter only overt when equal pressure is apply at the same time to both shutters , as come when plugging in a standard plug .
This design in effect deters common household items like tonality , paperclips , or rum picayune fingers from being put in into one time slot , significantly reducing the risk of electric seismic disturbance . Beyond their safety benefit , tamper - resistant outlets are also simple to install , require no additional wiring or complex procedures , pretend them a straight upgrade from standard outlets .
Types of Electrical Hazards
dish out with electrical outlets can pose several luck if not approach with forethought and right cognition . They include :
Electric Shock
One of the most common risks is electric jolt , which can go on when a person comes into contact with anenergized part of the outletor a connected gismo , especially if the outlet is damaged or improperly wired .
A grounded fire hydrant or ground oarlock plays a crucial role in preventing electric shocks by providing a safe pathway for isolated electrical current .
Electrical Fires
Another potential danger is electric fires , which can be make by overladen circuits , inadequate circuits , or using appliances with frayed or damaged cord . An electrical vent that is old , has easy connexion , or is not fitted with appropriate safety feature like GFCIs , can also increase the risk of accident .
Water Exposure
Water photo near electrical electric receptacle heightens the risk of shock or fire , hence the critical need for GFCIs in moist or tight areas . DIY electric oeuvre without adequate expertise can lead to improper installation , creating latent fortune .
Therefore , it ’s vital to ensure that electric outlets are regularly inspected , maintained by qualified professionals , and used with upkeep to minimize the risk of these hazards . you may also seek out weather resistant vent to reduce your risk of infection .
This clause was update in conjunction with AI engineering , then fact - check and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor in chief .
