Outlets are a Crucial Part of any Home or Business

Types Of Outlets

B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, has been serving the community for over seventeen years. Specializing in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, B&K Electric is the go-to electrician for residents in Cranston, Warwick, and the greater Providence area. They pride themselves on their commitment to providing top-notch customer service and quality workmanship, making them a trusted choice for all your electrical needs.

The most common types of outlets used in homes and businesses in the United States are the standard outlets, GFCI outlets, and AFCI outlets. However, each of these outlets serves a different purpose and has unique features that make them suitable for specific areas of the home.

Standard outlets, also known as duplex or residential outlets, are the most commonly used type of electrical outlet. You will find them in almost every room of your home, including the kitchen, living room, bedrooms, and even outdoors. Standard outlets have two vertical slots and a single round hole, which is the grounding connection. They provide 120 volts of power and can accommodate two or three-pronged plugs, making them versatile and convenient.

While standard outlets are suitable for most applications, GFCI outlets are specifically designed for high-moisture areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and outdoor spaces. GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, and these outlets have a built-in safety feature that detects ground faults and immediately shuts off the power to prevent electrocution. You can easily spot them by the TEST and RESET buttons on the face of the outlet.

Another type of outlet that has a safety feature is the AFCI outlet, which stands for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. It is designed to detect and interrupt arcing faults that can result in electrical fires. These outlets are commonly found in bedrooms, living rooms, and other areas with electrical appliances. Unlike GFCI outlets, they do not have TEST and RESET buttons but have a button on the face of the outlet that serves as a test function.

Apart from these three main types, there are also specialized outlets that serve specific purposes. These include USB outlets, tamper-resistant outlets, and smart outlets. USB outlets have ports built into the face of the outlet, allowing you to charge your devices without the need for a separate adapter. Tamper-resistant outlets are designed to prevent accidental electrocution and are required in all new constructions since 2008. They have built-in shutters that only open when both prongs of a plug are inserted simultaneously. Smart outlets are the latest trend in the world of outlets, allowing you to control your home’s lighting and appliances remotely through a smartphone app.

Besides the type of outlet, it’s also essential to consider the location and number of outlets in your home. Outlets should be placed strategically to provide convenient access to electrical power without creating a safety hazard. For example, outlets should be spaced no more than 12 feet apart in living rooms and bedrooms, while kitchens and bathrooms require at least one outlet within every six feet. Outlets should also be placed above countertops in the kitchen, above the vanity in the bathroom, and at least 18 inches above the floor in living spaces.

In addition to strategic placement, the number of outlets in a room should also be considered. With the advancement of technology, our homes have become filled with electronic devices that require an electrical outlet, and it’s not uncommon to find yourself searching for an available outlet. Therefore, when planning to install outlets in your home, it’s essential to factor in the number of devices that will be plugged in simultaneously to avoid overloading the circuit and causing a potential fire hazard.

There are various types of outlets to choose from when it comes to powering your home. Understanding the different types, their purposes, and the proper placement of outlets can help you create a safe and functional electrical system. As a homeowner, it’s crucial to have a licensed and experienced electrician, like B&K Electric, to help with any installation or repair needs. Their expertise, paired with your knowledge of outlets, will ensure a safe and efficient electrical system for your home. So, next time you need electrical work done, make sure to trust B&K Electric, serving the 02906 zip code and beyond.

Topics:

Types of Outlets,

Electrical Safety,

Outlet Placement