Kinds of outlets

We will learn about different electrical outlet types, how a typical electrical
outlet works and also difference between a two-pronged and three-pronged
outlet. Electricity is a part of lives and it is impossible to imagine modern life
without it. Whether it is from your utility or from a grid-free solar system, you
need electricity to light up your living room in the evening, watch television
with your family, wash and dry your clothes, make delicious coffee, juice-up
your mobile phones and laptops and many other important functions. All
you need is to insert the appliance or device’s plug into the electrical outlet or
receptacle and flip the switch.

Why Do We Need Electrical Outlets?

The electric power from your local utility is brought into your home through
cables and is terminated at the distribution box with circuit breakers. In
order to use this electricity, it is then distributed all over the house either
through in-wall or external conduits and reaches light bulb connectors and
electrical outlets.

Different Electrical Outlet Types

Let us now take a look at some of the commonly used electrical outlet types
in our homes and offices. The following is a list of different types of electrical
outlets.
1. 15-AMP DUPLEX RECEPTACLE

In the U.S., most homes have a combination of 15-amp and 20-amp, 120-volt

circuits. By code, 15 amp circuits are for lighting and 20 amp are for
dedicated circuits and general purpose receptacles. These are usually daisy
chained together, like in your living room area. Older homes have the light
and receptacles tied together which is not ideal. In the U.S., receptacles come
with a U-shaped grounding hole and 2 slots.
The standard electrical outlet in America has a neutral (long) slot, a hot
(shorter) slot and the U-shape grounding hole. They’re perfect for most small
appliances and lamps.

2. 20A OUTLETS
20A outlets, combined with 20A circuits, are a good choice for devices in
need of more power. If used properly for its general purpose, the breaker
won’t trip, as these outlets can handle 25% more load compared to others.
These breakers will only trip when the circuit is overloaded or there is a dead
short. 20A circuits and breakers are usually found in kitchens or laundry
rooms, sometimes even garages, where power-hungry appliances are found.
If you install a dedicated circuit, then it should be used for its designed
purpose, as there are others, general purpose use, which have multiple
openings.
If you are wondering how you can determine if a circuit or outlet is rated at
20A, you should look for a small notch added into the prong opening, located
on the left side. Outlets and circuits with this small notch are rated at 20A. 

 Two-pronged outlets feature two long connection slots and provide an

ungrounded connection.
 The three-pronged version adds a ground pin and an extra vertical slot to help
prevent electric shock from loose wiring.

3. SWITCHED OUTLETS

Switched outlets were used in the past to save money on overhead lighting.
lamps etc. Today,  they are usually only used for special instances, such as
Christmas lights installations. This is a receptacle which includes an outlet
and an on/off switch. This option comes very much in handy when you have
a device plugged in, but you don’t want to keep it on all the time. 
Also, this outlet is great when you want to create a switched extension cord.
The cord itself will always receive power, but a second outlet, controlled by a
switch is added. 

4. GFCI & AFCI OUTLETS

When it comes to electricity, there are two major hazards, electrical fires and
electrical shocks. The severity of both these hazards depends on a multitude
of factors. For instance, the strength of electrical shocks is influenced by the
pathway through the body, the length of time of the exposure to current and
the amount of current. Whether or not the skin was wet influences the
severity of the electrical shock, as water is a great electricity conductor. 
It is very important to take preventive steps and invest in safety devices to
reduce the risk of such hazards, such as:
 inspect the wiring of each equipment before using it;
 as much as possible, try not to use extension cords;
 minimize water or other liquid spills near or on any electrical
equipment;
 have fuses or circuit breakers for multi-plug adapters;
 install GFCI & AFCI outlets in your home. 
The GFCI Outlet
This type of outlet protects your home against dangerous ground faults and,
according to the  2008 National Electrical Code, these should be installed
outdoors, in bathrooms, basements and wet kitchen areas. GFCI outlets also
monitor the current level flowing through both the neutral and hot
conductors, thus determining if the current is leaking from the circuit. If a
leakage takes place and may reach a potentially dangerous level, the outlet
will quickly turn the power off. You can read more about how to prevent
electrical shocks here. 
The AFCI Outlet 
This electrical outlet helps prevent electrical fires caused by arc faults. Upon
detecting a potentially dangerous fault, it shuts off power. The AFCI is
capable of detecting several types of hazardous arc faults, which may occur
from damage in branch circuit extensions and wiring to appliances or cord
sets. 

5. TAMPER-RESISTANT RECEPTACLE
The tamper-resistant receptacle can successfully replace the standard 5-amp
and 20-amp outlet. In fact, according to the 2008 National Electrical Code,
these receptacles must be used in both new constructions and renovations.
One of the major benefits it brings is that it protects children from electrical
injury. 
These receptacles have a built-in mechanism to prevent small objects from
being inserted. The shutters will only open when a  properly rated electrical
plug is inserted. They offer permanent protection, unlike plastic outlet caps
which may fall off or be removed. 

6. SPECIALTY OUTLETS
To function safely and efficiently, some devices, tools or electronics require
specific electrical types of outlets. 
 The Rotating Outlet
This type of outlet can be installed to reduce the need for power strips and to
accommodate more than one plug, necessary for cell phone chargers, night
lights, hair dryers and other appliances. 
 The Weather-Resistant Receptacle
This type of receptacle is required by the 2008 National Electrical Code and
should be installed in damp or wet locations like decks, patios, pools or other
residential outdoor areas. These come in two sizes, the 15 and 20-amp and
they are built using corrosion-resistant, UV-stabilized thermoplastic. You’ll
be able to find weather-resistant receptacles that are also tamper-resistant. 

7. USB & SMART OUTLETS

We’re seeing more and more technology-friendly home improvement ideas

like USB electrical outlet types. These are wall receptacles with one or more
USB ports, allowing you to recharge your devices directly from the USB
cable. 
Ideal for both small and large electronics, there are several USB outlet
options out there. One of the most popular types is the two standard outlet
receptacles and two USB ports for charging cell phones.  You can also get
one with 4 USB ports. Both versions will charge your devices up to 4amps,
so you’ll have a fully charged battery in no time. 
Another technology-friendly option is the smart outlet. Unlike other types of
wall outlets, these can be controlled using your smartphone. You can switch
them on and off from your device, no matter where you might be. Because it
uses z-wave communication, it will require a smart home hub in order to
function.