What are the different types of receptacle?
This guide explains the properties of nine different electrical outlets you can have at home.
- 15A, 120 Volt Outlets. These are the most common in older homes and come in two versions: …
- 20A, 125 Volt Outlets. …
- 20A, 250 Volt Outlets. …
- Tamper-Resistant Receptacles. …
- GFCI Outlets. …
- AFCI Outlets. …
- Switched Outlets. …
- USB Outlets.
What is the difference between outlets and receptacles?
An outlet is defined as “A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment”. A receptacle however has always been something that an attachment plug is connected to. With the introduction of new products comes the need to revise certain code definitions.
What is the difference between a duplex receptacle and a GFCI?
There is actually no difference at all.
They are generally the exact same thing. Although this may be a confusing concept for those unfamiliar with electrical products you cannot go wrong with either terms.
Why are electrical outlets different?
The reason why the world is now stuck with no less than 15 different styles of plugs and wall outlets, is because many countries preferred to develop a plug of their own, instead of adopting the US standard.
What is the difference between a 15a and 20a outlet?
Standard 15-amp receptacles are suitable for typical household appliances, lamps and other accessories. A 20-amp receptacle is for heavy-duty appliances and power tools, such as air compressors. Residential garages occasionally have 20-amp receptacles to accommodate larger power tools.
How do I choose a receptacle?
How to Choose the Right Electrical Outlet for Your Home
- Step 1: Know if you need GFCI and AFCI outlets. Most electrical outlets in your home should have some sort of built-in safety device. …
- Step 2: Get the right outlet for your appliances and electronics. …
- Step 3: Know your existing wiring/circuits.
What is a single receptacle?
A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke. A multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke.
What is a electrical receptacle?
Electric receptacles are a type of AC power outlet. An electric receptacle is an opening or series of openings connected to a wired power source meant to power electrical equipment and components in a building by connecting them to the primary alternating current (AC) power supply.
What is a receptacle used for?
Electrical outlets, also known as receptacles, are sockets that are used to establish an electrical connection between an electronic device and power supply.
What are the two common outlets used at home?
3-Prong Outlets. This is without a doubt the most common outlet in modern homes. It replaced the two-prong alternative as the go-to outlet for general electrical usage. It also is a 15-amp, 125-volt outlet but it has a third prong for grounding.
What happens when you put a 20 amp receptacle on a 15 amp circuit?
First off, connecting a 20 Amp load to a 15 Amp circuit will overload the circuit but shouldn’t cause a fire because the 15 Amp breaker will trip. A 20 amp GFCI doesn’t pose any threat just by being there.
Can I use a 20 amp outlet instead of 15?
Appliances, such as microwaves, often have 20-amp plugs and must be plugged into a 20-amp outlet. Electrical plugs designated as 20-amp will not fit into 15-amp outlets.
What are the 4 types of electrical outlets?
7 Electrical Outlet Types & How To Use Them
- 15-Amp Duplex Receptacle. In the U.S., most homes have a combination of 15-amp and 20-amp, 120-volt circuits. …
- 20A Outlets. 20A outlets, combined with 20A circuits, are a good choice for devices in need of more power. …
- Switched Outlets. …
- GFCI & AFCI Outlets. …
- USB & Smart Outlets.
When should you use a 20 amp receptacle?
Large consumers, especially kitchen appliances, such as microwaves, blenders and toasters, need a dedicated 20 amp circuit, to ensure a constant energy flow, which means they cannot share the circuit with other devices.
Can you plug a 15 amp appliance into a 30 amp outlet?
Receptacles, switches, etc. – Everything needs to be rated to match. You can’t use a 15A or 20A receptacle on a 30A breaker because if you had an overloaded device (not planned – malfunctioning) that pulled 30A, it would melt the receptacle but the breaker wouldn’t trip to stop it. Devices – lights, appliances, etc.
Can I use a 15 amp outlet with 12 gauge wire?
With 12 gauge, you need to use the screw terminals. You can use 15 amp outlets on either 15 or 20 amp circuits. 12 gauge wire is the minimum for 20 amp circuits. 14 gauge wire is the minimum for 15 amp circuits.
Why are some outlets upside down?
Electricians may position the outlet in an upside-down position so that you can quickly identify the switch-controlled receptacle. Since it stands out visually to most people right away – it provides convenience to the occupants to easily remember which outlet is switch controlled.
What are orange receptacles for?
According to an information article by Scott Spyrka @spyrkaelectric.com, the orange outlets are isolated ground receptacles that can provide electricity directly from a grounding point, meaning they maintain power even if the circuit breaker is tripped or power is interrupted elsewhere.
Why do hospitals put outlets upside down?
Because if a cord or wire were to fall down on a partially plugged in right-side up outlet you would short out between the hot and the neutral. When the outlet is “upside down” in the above situation the wire would touch ground first.
