GE UltraPro Duplex Heavy-Duty Receptacle, White, Wall Outlet, Reinforced Yoke, Self-grounding Clip, 3 Prong, Supports 15A, UL Listed, 42157

Why I swapped in this outlet

I’m picky about receptacles. I want firm blade tension so plugs don’t wiggle loose mid-vacuum, a rigid yoke so the face stays flush behind the cover plate, and terminals that don’t fight me during wiring. After a few too many mushy, backstab-only devices, I swapped a handful of outlets in a high-use room for this GE outlet to see if it could be my new go-to for straightforward, durable replacements.

Build and design

The UltraPro receptacle presents as a conventional white duplex, but the build feels a notch sturdier than bargain-bin residential devices. The metal yoke is reinforced, which translates to less flexing when you tighten the mounting screws. That rigidity is what keeps the outlet from sinking or tilting behind the wall plate over time. The face plastic has a smooth finish and consistent color that matched my existing plates without looking chalky or cheap.

It’s rated 125VAC/15A and accepts 12 or 14 AWG copper (not aluminum). That covers most standard 15A residential branch circuits and also 20A circuits where the receptacle itself is permitted to be 15A on a multi-receptacle run. The device is UL listed. There’s also a self-grounding clip on the yoke, which is useful if you’re installing in a properly grounded metal box.

This is a screw-terminal design—no push-in (“backstab”) holes. I consider that a plus for longevity. The binding-head screws have generous slots and a reassuringly solid feel; they bite down on looped conductors without chewing the copper. The terminal layout is typical: brass screws on the hot side, silver on neutral, and a green ground screw.

Installation experience

I replaced two older outlets in a metal 2-gang box: one receptacle-only location and one combined with a switch. Power off at the breaker, verify with a tester, and the rest is routine. The self-grounding clip saved me a pigtail on the metal box location—handy and code-compliant when the box is already bonded. In a plastic box, you’ll use the green ground screw with the equipment grounding conductor as usual.

Wiring went smoothly. The screws have enough travel to easily slip in a nicely formed hook on 12 AWG, and they tightened down without stripping or binding. Depth-wise, the device is compact enough that I didn’t have to wrestle with the box fill even with wirenuts and a switch sharing the space. The receptacle sat square in the opening, and the cover plate tightened down flush with no gaps.

If you’re upgrading from a backstab-only device, plan on taking the extra minute to properly strip and loop the conductors. It’s worth it. The heavy-duty yoke reduces that “rocking” you sometimes get when you plug in or unplug something with a bit of force.

Grounding and wiring notes

• Self-grounding works only in a properly grounded metal box. If you have a plastic box, you must bond to the green ground screw.
• Copper conductors only; this is not rated for aluminum or Cu/Al connections.
• Sized for 14 AWG and 12 AWG, which covers typical 15A and 20A residential circuits. If you’re landing 12 AWG, give yourself an extra half inch of length so you can form a clean hook around the screw.
• This is a standard duplex form factor; it uses the common oval-duplex cover plate, not a Decora/GFCI-style rectangular opening.

In-use performance

What matters most after install is contact tension. The GE outlet holds plugs with a firm, positive grip that doesn’t feel overly tight. Heavy wall warts stayed put; a vacuum cord didn’t droop or chatter loose while running. That firmness tends to correlate with better longevity, since blade retention springs that start strong are less likely to feel “soft” after a year of use.

I ran a countertop appliance and a small space heater (on different circuits) to get a sense of heat rise at the device. The face stayed cool, and there was no telltale warmth at the screws. That’s what I expect from properly torqued screw terminals. The face has a smooth, slightly glossy finish that wipes clean, and the white color matched existing plates well enough that I didn’t feel compelled to replace them for color consistency.

Noise-wise, there’s no buzzing under load, and no sparking when plugging or unplugging—just unremarkable in the best way. Mechanically, the yoke keeps the outlet planted; it didn’t flex under the plate when I gave it a firm push.

Where this outlet makes sense

• General room circuits: bedrooms, home offices, living rooms, hallways.
• Workshop or garage (dry interior locations) where you want a sturdier feel than economy-grade.
• Replacement work where you want screw-terminal reliability and solid plug retention without stepping up to commercial spec-grade pricing.

It’s not a weather-resistant or tamper-resistant device. If you’re doing a new residential install in many jurisdictions, tamper-resistant (TR) outlets are required by code in habitable areas. This one doesn’t have TR shutters. Also, it’s not GFCI or AFCI; use it only where those protections aren’t required, or put it downstream of a protected breaker/receptacle where appropriate.

What could be better

• No tamper resistance. For new builds or code-compliant whole-house upgrades in many areas, you’ll want a TR version.
• No backwire clamp option. I prefer screw terminals for reliability, but a true clamp-style backwire (distinct from push-in) speeds up neat, repeatable terminations on 12 AWG. If you’re wiring a lot of devices in a day, that can matter.
• Limited color range. White is the safe default; if you need almond, gray, or black across a project, you’ll likely have to mix brands or step up to a different line.

None of these are dealbreakers for replacement work, but they define the niche: a well-made, residential-grade 15A outlet with traditional screw terminals.

Safety and code considerations

• Always de-energize the circuit at the breaker and verify with a tester before working.
• Use only with copper wiring, 14 or 12 AWG, within a properly sized box.
• Self-grounding applies only to grounded metal boxes; bond the ground conductor in plastic boxes.
• For kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, garages, and outdoor locations, follow GFCI/AFCI and TR requirements as dictated by your local code.

UL listing and a heavy-duty yoke are reassuring, and the device carries a 90-day replacement policy, but that’s not a substitute for proper installation and circuit protection.

Value

Price-wise, this GE outlet sits comfortably above the cheapest contractor packs and below commercial spec-grade devices from premium brands. Considering the reinforced yoke, solid terminals, and notably firm plug retention, it offers strong value for upgrades where you don’t need TR or specialty features. If you’re outfitting a handful of rooms or replacing worn receptacles, the cost/quality balance is easy to justify.

Pros and cons

Pros:
- Firm plug retention and quiet operation under load
- Reinforced yoke keeps the face flush and stable
- Screw terminals with good bite on 12 or 14 AWG copper
- Self-grounding clip for properly grounded metal boxes
- UL listed; straightforward, compact installation

Cons:
- Not tamper-resistant; may not meet code for new installs
- No backwire clamp option for faster terminations
- Only in white at this model level

Recommendation

I recommend the GE outlet for anyone doing targeted replacements or upgrades in living areas where a straightforward, durable 15A receptacle is appropriate. The combination of a reinforced yoke, reliable screw terminals, and firm plug grip addresses the two most common annoyances with cheaper outlets: flexy mounting and sloppy blade tension. It installs cleanly, sits flush, and feels solid in daily use.

If you’re wiring a new home or updating rooms that require tamper resistance or GFCI/AFCI, choose a TR or protected variant instead. Likewise, if you prefer clamp-style backwiring or need industrial-grade durability, step up to a commercial/spec-grade model. But for typical interior replacements where you want something better than economy-grade without going overboard, this UltraPro receptacle hits the right notes.