Learning About Various Types Of Electrical Receptacles

Should you look around your home, chances are you may find different kinds of electrical receptacles. Each different type of electrical receptacle offers a different purpose, so it's crucial that you determine what that intended usage is so that you don't make some mistakes. It is a good idea to understand the various types of receptacles, because even the voltage may vary from one to another. Here is a listing of the sorts of electrical receptacles you'll find in your home, in conjunction with the way they need to be used.

Most Common: Standard Receptacles

The standard receptacle is certainly the most prevalent in every home. They are commonly seen in bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms, and will be employed to plug in most commonly encountered equipment and small appliances. These outlets provide electricity for lamps, tv's, computers, and almost anything else. In newer homes you will usually find grounded three prong outlets, but two prong outlets are extremely common, particularly in older homes. 120 volts of electricity is delivered by these receptacles.

"GFCI" (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Receptacles

Ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles, also known as a ground fault receptacle and / or a "GFCI," are generally utilized for safety purposes in places that water is likely to be. These receptacles are utilized in bathrooms, kitchens and for outdoor outlet installations. They may be identifiable in the home through the buttons on the receptacle, which are for testing or resetting the outlet. The special feature of the GFCI receptacle is a built-in circuit breaker, that is ready to help save your life should you be standing in water when you are in contact with the receptacle or equipment that is connected to it. When you have these receptacles at home, it is important to test them regularly to ensure they're still in good working order.

Electric Range Receptacle

The electrical needs of a range, stove or oven are much above those of a standard appliance. For that reason, they need their own special electric receptacle. These receptacles need to have their own circuit breaker for safety. These receptacles have to be used only for an electric range, oven, or stove. An electrical range includes a larger than average plug, and therefore the receptacle that it connects to looks different than a typical receptacle.

Electric Dryer Receptacle

If you are using an electrical dryer for the laundry, you will need to have a specialized electrical receptacle to deliver the electricity. Just as is the situation with the range receptacle, these outlets are far larger than a standard receptacle, and therefore are built with a totally different plug prong configuration. When you have an older home, you will probably find that you have a three pin dryer receptacle. New building codes, however, require that these receptacles have four pins. These pins give the necessary electricity to the dryer by means of a 120V line and a 240V line.

Electric Receptacle Tips

It is crucial to remember that not only do different receptacles look different, but they have different wiring needs. If you want to install a new outlet, especially if it's among the most specialized kinds, it is best to discuss with a licensed electrician to avoid installation and wiring mistakes.

So now that you're more knowledgeable about the different types of electric receptacles, you'll be able to better identify situations where you need one so you can be sure to get the right one. So, whether you're doing it yourself or working with your local electrician, you'll be sure to have it done right.


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