Common outlet types include 2-prong, 3-prong, GFCI, AFCI, and combination outlets
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Electrical outlets power everything in your home, from microwaving your leftovers to charging your smartphone. Although you probably use them every day, you may not know just what makes each electrical outlet type different from others. Making sure your home has the right kind of outlets can help to improve energy efficiency, reduce electrical dangers, and ensure that you can always plug in the tools and appliances you need. Below are the most common types of electrical outlets.
There are two types of 15A, 120 volt outlets:
2-prong 15A, 120 volt outlets are common in older homes. These 2-prong outlets aren’t as safe as more modern 3-prong outlets because they don’t have a grounding hole. In many cases, 2-prong outlets aren’t up to building codes for current homes, so you may have to replace them if you renovate your house. In addition, some chargers, like those for many laptop computers, won’t fit in a 2-prong outlet.
A 3-prong 15A, 120 volt outlet is what most people picture in their minds when they think of an electrical outlet. It features two slots and a grounding hole. This standard outlet is suitable for most types of appliances and items, and it’s the most common type of outlet.
If you need more power, a 20A, 125 volt outlet can provide it. These look similar to a 3-prong 15A, 120 volt outlet, but feature a sideways “T” shape in place of one of the vertical slots. These types of outlets are good for rooms that have a lot of electricity-hungry appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines. However, they’re also more expensive to install.
Some appliances, like power tools or air compressors, need even more power than what a 20A, 125 volt outlet can provide. In these instances, you can use a 20A, 250 volt outlet. Though, this type of outlet tends to be more common in commercial spaces.
If you ever accidentally shocked yourself by sticking something in an outlet as a kid, you’ll be glad to know that tamper-resistant outlets are now required in most new homes. These outlets feature a shutter mechanism that prevents children from electrical injuries and only opens for a plug.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets, or GFCI outlets, are often required in areas that may be exposed to water—think your bathroom, kitchen, or basement. They help prevent dangerous ground faults by cutting power if it senses electrical leakage.
AFCI stands for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. Like GFCI outlets, this type of outlet is also designed with safety in mind. They help prevent electrical fires by interrupting power when hazardous arcs are detected. While this type of outlet was once primarily recommended for bedrooms, they’re now required in most areas of the house.
Switched outlets can come in handy if you have appliances you want plugged in at all times. In these instances, you can turn the appliance on or off with a switch without having to plug in or unplug the appliance every time you use it.
Combination outlets are just what they sound like: they usually combine two or more features in one outlet for added versatility. For example, some combination outlets feature a standard 3-prong outlet as well as a switch.
USB outlets are a relatively new type that allow you to plug in USB devices, including smartphones, tablets, and ebook readers. The main benefit of a USB outlet is that you don’t need a USB converter plug. Instead, you can connect a USB cable directly with the outlet.
Smart outlets allow you to control the outlet using your phone or other device. In some cases, you can plug smart outlets directly into pre-existing outlets. You can use this type of outlet to provide power to appliances only at certain times. Because you’re able to turn them off or on on a schedule, they’re also able to increase the energy efficiency of your home.
Weather-resistant outlets are often required in outdoor areas that may be exposed to the elements. These outlets are designed for inclement weather like rain or snow and are made from corrosion-resistant materials that can stand up to the elements.
If you’ve ever struggled to plug in two large plugs into the same small outlet, it’s easy to see how rotating outlets could come in handy. These outlets allow you to rotate the orientation of the outlet slots, making it easier to fit multiple plugs in the same outlet.
The cost to install an electrical outlet ranges from $100 to $450, with an average price of $300. Most of this figure accounts for labor, as the parts themselves are quite cheap. However, more elaborate outlets, like smart and USB outlets, are more expensive than standard 2-prong and 3-prong options.
The overall price may greatly increase if your home’s wiring is deemed faulty and requires replacement to complete the installation process safely, which can increase the cost to $540 to $2,100.
Electricity powers many different things in our homes, from appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators to devices like smartphones and computers. While it’s possible to take a DIY approach to different areas of your home, we don’t recommend taking on electrical problems yourself.
Not only can DIY electrical repairs damage your home if done incorrectly, but they can also cause serious injury if you’re not careful. In most cases, we recommend contacting an electrician near you to discuss your options.
However, if you have experience with electrical work, you can save money by installing an outlet yourself. Depending on the type of outlet you install, it may cost as little as $25. Parts are cheap, and you likely already own tools like pliers and a screwdriver.
The easiest way to determine the amperage of your electrical outlets is to check the corresponding breaker in your home’s breaker panel. The number is likely noted on the circuit breaker. If that fails, it’s possible to tell 15-amp and 20-amp outlets apart by looking at them. Fifteen-amp outlets have two vertical holes, while 20-amp outlets have one vertical hole and one T-shaped hole.
You can distinguish the amplitude and voltage of most outlets by looking at the shape and positioning of the holes. Other features like buttons, switches, and USB ports help identify electric outlets, too. Use labeled images, like the ones we’ve included above, to cross-reference with your outlets.
A 3-prong, 15-amp, 120-volt outlet is standard in the U.S. These have two vertical slots and a U-shaped grounding hole, which suits most home electronics, from televisions to microwaves. Three-pronged outlets are safer than 2-pronged ones, as the third wire, known as the grounding wire, helps prevent shocks and electrical fires.
