Electricity is an integral aspect of modern living, and it isn’t easy to enjoy life without it.
You need electricity from your solar system or utility to light up your home.
If you need to upgrade your home’s electrical system, it’s a good idea to learn about the different types of outlets available.
Most are safety gadgets that keep your home safe from various threats.
However, this article discusses the different types of electrical outlets.
Read on!
1. Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
The tamper-resistant receptacle has a built-in physical shield to prevent small objects from entering the receptacle.
They have labeled these outlets “TR,” and they have protection. This shield stops the introduction of things other than plugs into the outlet.
It is safe for children around the home among the different types of electrical outlets.
Even if they try tampering with these outlets by inserting something other than a plug, they will not experience electric shock because there is no shock hazard.
2. 15A 120 Volt Outlet
15A, 120 Volt Outlet is the most popular and cheapest among the different types of electrical outlets.
This outlet has two kinds: two-pronged and three-pronged versions.
Two-pronged outlets have two lengthy connecting slots, while the three-pronged outlets add a vertical slot and a ground pin to prevent electric shock.
This outlet can be used to plug devices like laptop chargers and phones. It also has a 120V AC supply with a maximum current of 15A.
3. AFCI Outlet
Another type of electrical outlet is the AFCI, which contains a computer that constantly checks the current and voltage.
Arcing is a type of electrical defect that produces heat. Arcing occurs when electricity leaps between connections in your electrical system’s loose contact points.
The Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets detect arcing when it occurs and deactivate the outlet using the integrated breaker.
Also, we can use the circuit breaker in your main panel to put these in bedrooms.
4. Switched Outlet
Switched outlets are one of the different types of electrical outlets people use to save money on illumination.
Now, people only use them for special events. It’s best to consider switched outlets if you have appliances that you want to remain plugged in all the time, even when they aren’t in use. Also, it has an on/off switch and an outlet.
5. GFCI Outlet
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is an electrical outlet that safeguards against ground faults by checking current flow across the hot and neutral wires.
It is easy to recognize this outlet by checking for “TEST” and “RESET” buttons in various colors on the façade.
This electrical appliance continuously monitors current flow and trips when it detects a spike in current.
However, a power spike near water may imply direct contact with water and potential electric shock.
6. USB Outlet
USB outlets are among the different types of electrical outlets. They help charge tablets, phones, and power banks.
You can turn them on and off using your device, no matter where you are. USB outlets come in two varieties: one with the main 15A output and another with additional USB connectors.
The alternative version includes USB ports but does not include standard household outlets. It will also require a smart home hub to function because it uses Z-wave communication.
7. 20A 250 Volt Outlet
The 20A 250V outlet requires a 250VAC supply and can handle up to 20A of current. It’s frequently used for huge ovens, electric stoves, and other high-powered equipment.
You’ll need the proper circuit before installing these 20A, 250-volt outlets.
Some appliances may require more power than these outlets can provide, and you might want to look into 30A or 50A outlets for these situations.
8. Weather Resistant Receptacle
This outlet is another electrical outlet among the different types of electrical outlets.
Corrosion-resistant metal elements and a weather-resistant lid are typical features of a weather-resistant container.
Outlets that withstand the elements are frequently available with 15A and 20A power ratings.
These outlets can also withstand dirt, snow, rain, and humidity and can be used in several weather conditions.
9. Smart Outlet
These outlets are primarily regulated by wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, or Z-Wave.
Smart outlets track how much power is being used by the plugged gadget.
Depending on your preference, you can use a smart outlet to convert a non-smart device into a smart device.
10. Ungrounded Outlet
An ungrounded outlet is the last on our list among the different types of electrical outlets.
An ungrounded outlet has only two slots: one for the hot and one for the neutral.
Ungrounding electrical outlets is not encouraged since grounding electrical appliances and equipment is a critical safety component.
If the typical path has an issue, the ground pin is an alternate way for the electricity to travel through the connector.
