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An electrical outlet is a device that supplies power to an electrical load through a cord and plug. Common household outlets are rated for 15 and 20 amps. 15 and 20 amp plugs will fit into a 20 amp outlet. 20 amp plugs will not fit into a 15 amp outlet. The most common outlet is a duplex which actually contains 2 outlets.
15 Amp Outlets
15 amp outlets are the most common in a residential dwelling. They can be installed on 15 and 20 amp circuits. There can be several 15 amp outlets on a circuit. Find 15 Amp Outlets
20 Amp Outlets
20 amp outlets are used for high wattage appliances and are sometimes on a dedicated 20 amp circuit. High wattage appliances include air conditioners, garbage compactors, and big microwave ovens. High wattage appliances may have a 15 amp plug, but should be plugged into a 20 amp circuit if they are causing the breaker to trip. Find 20 Amp Outlets
Outlet Orientation
Conventional outlet orientation is with the ground pin at the bottom. Many electricians feel the orientation should be with ground at the top. This orientation would reduce the chance of metal (bracelet or necklace) contacting the hot and neutral when plugging or unplugging a cord.
Outlets and Plugs
20 Amp Outlet Diagram
Horizontal slot for rotated neutral pin to accommodate a 20 amp plug.
Wires connect to terminal screws
Ground
terminal color: dark green
Neutral
terminal color silver
Removable tabs
Hot
Terminal color brass
15 Amp Outlet Diagram
Duplex Outlet
Single Outlet
15 Amp Two Prong Plug
Electrical Plugs
20 Amp Plug
20 amp plugs are sometimes used with shop equipment, window air conditioners, etc. A 20 amp plug can not be plugged into a 15 amp outlet.
Decora Style Outlets
Decora style is a decorative version of the standard outlet. Decora style is about 3 ½ times more expensive than standard outlets. Some homeowners have had switches and outlets replaced in their home with Decora style as a form of remodeling.
240 Volt Outlets
Line
Neutral (oversize pin)
Neutral
Ground
Line
Line
Ground
240 volt outlets are used for electric dryers and ranges. They are wired with A & B phase 120 volts to get 240 volts. This outlet utilizes a neutral and ground connection. Find 240v Outlets
Tamper Resistant Outlets
2011 NEC requires outlets installed in dwellings to be tamper resistant with a few exceptions. These outlets are designed to prevent children from inserting foreign objects into them. Both the hot and neutral prongs from a plug are needed to allow insertion.
15 Amp Three Prong Plug
Neutral (rotated pin)
Outlet vs Receptacle
Electrical outlet is a very common name for a receptacle. Many home improvement stores use the term “electrical outlet” when referring to a receptacle. Outlets are the points at which the electrical system is accessed (receptacle outlet or lighting outlet). A lighting outlet is an electrical box where a light fixture is mounted and gets power. A receptacle outlet is an electrical box where an outlet is mounted and gets power. On this site, the common term outlet will be used instead of receptacle.