Full Answer
What is the difference between standard outlets and combination outlets?
Standard electrical outlet in American homes. Each of the two outlets has a long (neutral) slot, a shorter (hot) slot and a half-round grounding hole. Combination outlets provide two features in one device (ex: outlet with a light or a switch).
How to choose the right electrical outlets for your home?
Most of the time, your choice will be between homeowner and commercial grade when it comes to the outlets you’ll use throughout your property. Ideally, you want outlets that are going to be able to handle your power demands for many years.
What is the difference between a homeowner grade and commercial outlet?
An electrician may recommend a homeowner grade outlet in areas where outlets won’t be in constant use. Commercial grade outlets are very similar to the homeowner ones. The main difference is the quality of the design.
What is the difference between a GFCI and a standard outlet?
Standard outlets are smaller in size versus GFCI outlets. Standard outlets do not have testing buttons on the outlet face as GFCI outlets do. The buttons on GFCI outlets are meant to allow you to test the outlet’s function.
How do I know which outlet to buy?
How to Choose the Right Electrical Outlet for Your HomeStep 1: Know if you need GFCI and AFCI outlets. Most electrical outlets in your home should have some sort of built-in safety device. ... Step 2: Get the right outlet for your appliances and electronics. ... Step 3: Know your existing wiring/circuits.
What are the different grades of electrical outlets?
Electricians Explain the 3 Types of Residential and Commercial...Homeowner Grade Outlets. A homeowner grade outlet is the least expensive of the three outlets available. ... Commercial Grade Outlets. Commercial grade outlets are very similar to the homeowner ones. ... Hospital Grade Outlets.
What is the difference between a regular outlet and a heavy duty outlet?
The standard and heavy duty are both 15 amp. The standard outlet has back wire contact holes for 14 ga. It is a leaf spring friction edge contact that will fatigue and can work loose over time. The heavy duty 15 amp outlet is specifically marked back-wire.
What is a standard outlet amp?
15-ampThe most common electrical outlets are 15-amp duplex receptacles — 15-amp outlets are designed to accept standard plugs for most small appliances and lamps. If you want to replace an outlet, simply turn off the power to the outlet and remove it.
Are expensive outlets worth it?
The higher amperage and commercial grade outlets do cost more money, but you can expect more durability, saving you money in the long run. Cheap outlets cost more in terms of safety for your family, length of service before replacement, and the quality of connections.
How do you tell if outlet is 15 or 20 amps?
0:273:44How to check if you have 15amp or 20amp circuit in home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd again it has a t-shaped neutral slash so it can receive a special 20 amp plug in addition to theMoreAnd again it has a t-shaped neutral slash so it can receive a special 20 amp plug in addition to the standard 15 amp plug. However. Your 15 amp plug receptacles.
What happens when you put a 20 amp receptacle on a 15 amp circuit?
There are no physical complications preventing you from installing a 20 amp outlet on a 15 amp circuit. You might argue that a 20 amp outlet will cause an overload. But receptacles don't draw power. Unless you plug an appliance into its slots, a 20 Amp receptacle on a 15 amp circuit is completely harmless.
Can I replace a 15 amp outlet with a 20 amp outlet?
For instance, it is crucial that the amperage of an outlet doesn't exceed the amperage of the circuit it uses. As a result, both 15 amp and 20 amp electrical sockets can be installed to a 20 amp circuit, yet only 15 amp receptacles should be used for 15 amp circuits.
How many amps can a standard outlet handle?
Most breakers in the U.S. have a rating of 15 to 20 amps. If you are interested in knowing the difference between one outlet in your home versus another, mapping your circuit breaker will help you determine where specific outlets are, and what they can handle.
How many watts is a standard outlet?
1800 wattsMost electrical wall plugs are 1800 watts depending on the breaker size. Most breakers are at 15 amps supplying 120 volts, or approximately 1800 watts. The next breaker size is 20 amps supplying 120 volts or approximately 2400 watts. These are the most common electrical plug wattage supplies.
Should I get a 15 or 20 amp GFCI outlet?
Do you? Kitchens and bathrooms should always have 20 amp gfci outlets. However, you must be using number 12 wire for 20 amp gfci or regular outlets If your wiring is number 14 guage then use a 15 amp. So, the wire size and breaker size together should be rated for 20 amps!
Types of Electrical Outlets and Receptacles
There are a various types of electrical outlets designed to match the requirements of your appliances, power tools and electronics.
Combination Outlet
Combination outlets provide two features in one device (ex: outlet with a light or a switch).
GFCI Outlets (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
A GFCI outlet protects against dangerous ground faults, which occur when electrical current travels through any abnormal path to the ground.
AFCI Outlets (Arc Fault Receptacle)
An AFCI outlet protects against electrical fires resulting from arc faults by interrupting power, reducing the likelihood of a home’s electrical system being an ignition source of a fire.
Weather-Resistant Receptacle
Required by the 2008 National Electrical Code in damp or wet locations, such as patios, decks and pool areas, or any other residential outdoor location.
Rotating Outlet
Can be positioned to accommodate more than one large plug from cell phone chargers, hairdryers, cordless appliances, night lights and more.
Specialty Outlets
Many appliances, tools and electronics require specific types of electrical outlets to operate safely and at peak efficiency.
Why do you need a hospital grade outlet?
The only reason to consider a hospital grade outlet in a home would be if you or someone living in your home needs to be supported by a breathing machine or needs a never-fail outlet for similar devices. Most of the time, your choice will be between homeowner and commercial grade when it comes to the outlets you’ll use throughout your property.
How long do commercial grade outlets last?
Commercial grade outlets can last as long as 100 years under normal conditions and use.
How long does it take for a home electrical outlet to wear out?
A homeowner grade outlet is the least expensive of the three outlets available. While these outlets can handle most electrical demands, they tend to wear out after about five to ten years, depending on use. An electrician may recommend a homeowner grade outlet in areas where outlets won’t be in constant use.
What Are GFCI Outlets?
GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter, and their purpose is to stop electrical shocks. They detect stray current on an alternate path outside the circuit. When current is unintentionally diverted off its intended electrical path, this is known as a ground fault.
What Are Standard Outlets?
Most homes today have three-pronged outlets installed throughout living spaces. They have two vertical slots and a ground pin that sits under and in the middle of these slots. Typically, 15-amp outlets are the outlets most would consider as a “regular” outlet.
The Differences Between Regular and GFCI Outlets
The main differences between regular outlets and GFCI outlets that most people easily recognize is their look and location.
Contact Estes for Electrical Upgrades in Atlanta, GA
Is your Atlanta home equipped with the proper GFCI outlets, or is your older residence still lacking these important safety devices? Protect your loved ones and upgrade your outlets where necessary. Call Estes Services today to request an estimate for electrical upgrades and repairs.
What is a combination switch and outlet cover plate?
Combination switch and outlet cover plates (for example a toggle switch and outlet or a toggle and rocker switch) Ganged wall switch and outlet cover plates (to cover two, three, or four switches or outlets in a row)
Why use a larger switch cover plate?
Use of a larger switch or outlet cover plate can save time and effort in non-standard applications where you would otherwise have to patch, sand, and/or repaint the wall around an outlet or switch to use a standard plate.
What are the different types of switch plates?
Wall switches and outlet cover plates cover switches and outlets on walls and also those built into furniture, such as kitchen islands or other types of cabinetry. There are a few types of switch and plate covers, including: 1 Toggle wall switch plates for switches that flip up and down 2 Rocker wall switch plates, with a large rectangular opening, work with rocker, dimmer, slide, and tap switches 3 Outlet cover plates 4 Combination switch and outlet cover plates (for example a toggle switch and outlet or a toggle and rocker switch) 5 Ganged wall switch and outlet cover plates (to cover two, three, or four switches or outlets in a row)
What is a single and ganged switch?
Tip. There are single and ganged switches and outlet cover plates that also protect USB ports and other data jacks located directly on the wall or other surfaces.
