Electrical Outlets

Electrical outlets, also known as wall receptacles or power sockets, anchor safe, reliable power delivery across homes, offices, and job sites. This category spans residential, commercial, and industrial choices, including standard duplex 15‑amp and 20‑amp (NEMA 5‑15R, 5‑20R), tamper‑resistant receptacles, GFCI and AFCI outlets, combo GFCI/AFCI units, USB‑A/USB‑C Power Delivery outlets, smart receptacles (Wi‑Fi, Zigbee, Matter), weather‑resistant outdoor models, surge‑protective receptacles, twist‑lock variants (L5/L6 series), hospital‑grade devices, and 250‑volt options like 6‑20R, 14‑30, and 14‑50 for appliances and EV charging.

The right outlet boosts safety, code compliance, and convenience. GFCI protection reduces shock risk in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, basements, and outdoor areas. AFCI protection mitigates arc‑fault fire hazards in living spaces. Tamper‑resistant shutters help protect children. USB‑C PD receptacles deliver fast charging without wall warts, freeing counter space. Smart outlets add energy monitoring, schedules, and voice control, integrating with popular platforms. Outdoor weather‑resistant models paired with in‑use covers stand up to moisture. Commercial and hospital grades offer rugged construction, tight contact retention, and long service life.

Choosing an outlet starts with amperage, voltage, and the NEMA configuration your plug requires. Match the location and local NEC adoption: many spaces require TR; GFCI is mandated in wet or damp locations; AFCI may be required in most habitable rooms. Look for UL listing, WR/TR markings, and feed‑through ratings. Prefer back‑wire clamp designs for secure terminations, self‑grounding yokes in metal boxes, and nickel‑plated contacts for corrosion resistance. For smart receptacles, confirm Matter or native support for Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home.

Installation tips: de‑energize the circuit, verify with a non‑contact voltage tester, observe LINE/LOAD on GFCIs, pigtail grounds, respect box‑fill limits, and torque terminal screws to spec. Use weatherproof covers outdoors and choose 20‑amp receptacles on 20‑amp circuits. Finish with matching screwless wall plates and clear labeling for future service and documentation.