Electrical outlets (also known as outlets, electrical sockets, plugs, and wall plugs) allow electrical equipment to connect to the electrical grid. The electrical grid provides alternating current to the outlet.

How do I know what type of plug I have?

Plug Types

  1. The plug type A (or NEMA-1) has two flat live contact pins, which are arranged in parallel at a distance of 12.7 mm. …
  2. The plug type B (or NEMA 5-15, 3 pin) has two flat live contact pins, which are arranged in parallel.

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.

What are the different types of plugs and sockets?

Plug Socket Types

  • Type A. Mainly used in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Japan. …
  • Type B. Mainly used in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Japan. …
  • Type C. Commonly used in Europe, South America, and Asia. …
  • Type D. Mainly used in India and Nepal. …
  • Type E. …
  • Type F. …
  • Type G. …
  • Type H.

What are 3 prong outlets called?

GFCI Outlet – Also known as Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, GFCIs are three-prong outlets with an added safety mechanism to prevent shock. When a current is too strong or on an unintended path, a GFCI quickly shuts off power to lessen the severity of the shock.

What is the difference between an outlet and a receptacle?

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 2 prong and 3-prong outlets?

The main difference between a two-prong outlet and a three-prong outlet is that a three-prong outlet has a ground wire, while a two-prong outlet doesn’t.

What does a Type C plug look like?

Type C (electrical socket/electrical plug)

The Type C plug (also called the Europlug) has two round pins. The pins are 4 to 4.8 mm wide with centers that are spaced 19 mm apart; the plug fits any socket that conforms to these dimensions.