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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.

20 Amp Receptacle Arrow right down 15 Amp Receptacle Arrow right up Arrow right down Arrow left down Arrow right up Arrow right up Arrow right down Arrow left down

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

Single Receptacle20 Amp Receptacle20 Amp Plug

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

15 Amp Two Prong Plug

Neutral (oversize pin)

15 Amp Three Prong Plug

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.

240 Volt Receptacle

15 Amp Three Prong Plug

Decora Receptacle Arrow right down

Neutral (rotated pin)

Find Single Outlets

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.

Find Decora Outlets