Modern Electrical Outlets

Standard outlets are the boxes and wall plates containing the wiring that connects to the electrical systems in your house. The receptacle is the part of the outlet where you plug in your electrical device. They are often used interchangeably in speech but aren't interchangeable in practice.

To avoid electrical shock from a standard outlet, you should cover the receptacles to prevent curious little fingers from exploring them. You may also choose to go with tamper-resistant outlets.

The most common types of outlets include these four:

• 15-Amp: This is the most common type of outlet. It has three holes. The top two are neutral, and the bottom one is for grounding. This outlet is perfect for everyday items that don't require a lot of electricity, such as a hair dryer or toaster.
• 20-Amp: These outlets are also common. You can distinguish them from the 15-Amp outlets because one of the upper holes will be T-shaped. These are meant for items that need more power, such as computers.
• AFCI Outlets: AFCI outlets (arc-fault circuit interrupter outlets) are usually labeled. They help prevent users from experiencing electric shock and electrical accidents, specifically electrical fires. They have a test and re-test button.
• GFCI Outlets: GFCI outlets (ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets) protect users against ground faults. They also have a test and re-test button and are labeled at the bottom. They are typically found in bathrooms because they protect against 'current leaks' in wet areas, such as when steam builds up or water splashes on them and interrupts the current flow.

Other less common types of outlets include USB outlets, smart outlets, and combination outlets.

It depends on the room in which you're installing the outlets. Electrical outlets typically range from 15-60 amps. In living rooms and bedrooms where they will be used for small items and charging electronic devices, a 15-amp electrical outlet will usually do the trick. Smart outlets may also be great options for these rooms.

In bathrooms and kitchens where more electrical equipment and other appliances will be used, you'll want 20-amp or higher voltage outlets. You should consider a higher amp outlet for industrial applications or large appliances, such as in laundry rooms.

If you have kids or pets, opt for safety and prevent electrical shocks with tamper-resistant outlets. These outlets have shutters in the slots that keep them closed to foreign objects. They will only open when equal pressure is applied to both slots at the same time, such as with plugs. This plays a crucial role in protecting against electric shocks.