Learn about five types of electrical outlets and their applications

Most standard- type home electrical circuits are on a 120- volt electrical network , but there are a variety of outlets , and their types are distinguished by their different loads and utility .

Traditional types of outlets have two places to connect devices . Contemporary outlets include a semicircular hole that receives the grounded plug . Connection from this hole leads to a green grounding screw   It must be connected to the house ground ( metal conduit or  Green wire ) to provide protection against electric shock when connecting a device .

Term ports?

Outlets are electrical devices that act as a connection point to operate electrical equipment such as : appliances , portable and industrial equipment . The outlets themselves do not consume any power; These only act as a link between the electrical power source and the device .

Depending on the type of power the device needs , there is a specific design of the outlet . The properties that define a port are :

• Maximum voltage : It is the maximum voltage that the port in question can meet . Maximum voltage levels from 125V to 600V.
• Maximum current : It is the maximum current that the port can support without overheating and collapsing . Regular amps are 15A , 20A , 30A , 50A , 60A .
• Number of poles : This determines the number of ports the outlet must operate the load ( phase or potential and neutral ) . This number of columns does not include the land product , because it is additional . For example : An outlet can have 2 poles and a ground ( up to 3 wires total ) .

Types of electrical outlets

There are many ports with different features and designs , and this varies depending on the application to be served . The most common ports are :

2- Incision ports

They are common in older homes . This two -wire, 15 amp , 125 volt outlet is used for ungrounded circuits only . They are quickly becoming outdated due to security concerns and modern code requirements .

3 slots 15 amp 125 volt

This is one of the most widespread and common outlets found in homes today . The three- slot outlet features two vertical slots with an inverted U -shaped floor slot at the top . The ground wire helps prevent electrical shock in case of a loose wire .

GFCI outlets

This special type of outlet is called a GFCI or GFI ( short for ground fault circuit interrupter ) in kitchens , bathrooms, and other exposed wet areas of the home to protect people from  Serious electric shock  Which can result from the joining of current and water . They are identified by the reset and test buttons on their faces . A 120 -volt GFCI outlet replaces the standard outlet and monitors electrical current .

When the incoming and outgoing amounts of current are not uniform, such as during a ground fault or current leakage , the GFCI will detect the problem and shut down . So if one or more outlets in your kitchen , bathroom, or outdoor areas stop working , you can install a GFCI outlet , because it's like a super - sensitive circuit breaker .

To use it , simply press the reset button to reset the port; This will trigger any other people associated with it . Then press the test button periodically to ensure that the device is working .

20 amp 125 volt outlets

It is used with high -current devices , as is clearly stated in the electrical codes . These outlets are similar in appearance to standard 15 amp outlets .

To locate a 20 amp outlet , find a horizontal slot connected to the upper left vertical slot in the outlet .

20 amp 250 volt outlets

A 20 -amp , 250- volt outlet can be identified by the presence of a T - shaped slot on the left, a horizontal slot on the right, and a U -shaped ground slot at the bottom .

The unique configuration of these intakes is made for equipment such as air compressors .