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Electrical Outlet and Wall Plate Types

Jimmy Graham

By Jimmy Graham
Updated July 9, 2025

Electrical outlets and wall plates let you power your appliances, charge your mobile devices and light your home. Learn about the different electrical outlet types, electrical plug types and wall plate styles, as well as what they can offer, before you buy.

A person plugging a cord into a wall outlet.

About Electrical Outlets

Electrical outlets make power easily accessible. They can also prevent electrical fires and keep users from being shocked. Different types of electrical outlets have different uses, so make sure you’ve chosen the right outlet for the application.

Amperage: The ampere, or amp, is the base unit of electric current. Outlets are rated by how many amps can flow through them at once without overheating. They’re attached to fuses that shut off automatically if your outlet is using too many amps. Most outlets in your home are rated for 15 amps and are attached to a 15-amp circuit breaker or fuse with a few other 15-amp outlets and switches from the same room. If the total amount of amps used in that room surpasses 15 amps, the fuse will blow or the breaker will trip to keep the outlets and wiring from overheating. Some appliances, like freezers and gas dryers, require 20-amp outlets.

Good to Know

15-Amp Duplex Outlets

A white 15-amp duplex outlet.

People generally use 15-amp duplex outlets in homes. They usually power lamps, electronics and small appliances.

Combo Outlets

A white combo outlet.

An outlet is the overall box where the wiring is located. A receptacle is the part of the outlet where the device plugs into the wall.

Combo outlets, or switch outlets, are a combination of a switch and an outlet receptacle. For example, you can power the switch to control an overhead light, while the receptacle can power a table lamp.

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlets

A gray G F C I outlet.

GFCI outlets have sensors that measure the amount of current going in and out of the socket. If the outlet detects an imbalance, it immediately shuts off. Use GFCI outlets in areas where electricity could come into contact with water, like bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens or outdoor spaces.

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Outlets

An ivory A F C I outlet.

AFCI outlets contain electronic components to monitor a circuit for the presence of dangerous conditions that could cause a fire. AFCI outlets will turn a circuit off quickly if they detect dangerous arcing.

Smart Plugs

You can control smart plugs from your mobile device using your home’s wireless network. You can program these plugs to power on and off at certain times, as well as control the plugs while you’re away from home.

USB Outlets

An oil-rubbed bronze U S B outlet.

USB outlets have become a popular addition to many homes. These outlets charge cell phones, tablets and other electronic devices without requiring plug adapters.

Tamper-Resistant Outlets

A gray tamper-resistant G F C I outlet.

Tamper-resistant outlets have spring-loaded shutters that close the contact openings where you insert plugs. In order for the shutters to open, you must compress both springs at the same time. This type of outlet is a safe option because it won’t open if a child attempts to insert an object into one of the contact openings.

15-Amp Duplex Outlets

Combo Outlets

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlets

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Outlets

Smart Outlets

USB Outlets

Tamper-Resistant Outlets

Weather-Resistant Outlets

A gray weather-resistant duplex outlet.

Weather-resistant outlets, or outdoor electrical outlets, offer protection from precipitation, humidity and damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Internally they have nickel-plated contacts and mounting straps to prevent corrosion. Adding an in-use cover will provide an extra layer of protection for your outlet.

Specialty Outlets

A matte black specialty outlet with a night light.

Specialty outlets can offer features like built-in night lights. Some specialty outlets contain an embedded light sensor that’ll automatically turn the night light on in low light and off in bright light. These outlets use long-lasting LED bulbs and are handy for hallways and other areas of the home where a night light can be useful.

Surge Protection Outlets

A surge protection outlet with cable, ethernet, U S B and standard receptacles.

Surge protection outlets fit over regular duplex outlets and guard against large power surges. They’ll protect electronics such as computers, printers, smartphones and tablets, as well as home theater systems.

Split-Circuit Outlets

Split-circuit outlets have two outlets with each wired on a different circuit. One of the receptacles is always on to provide power, while you can operate the other with a wall switch. If you’ve seen a bedroom without an overhead light, one of the outlets in the room is probably a split circuit.

30-Amp/50-Amp Industrial Outlets

A gray 30-amp industrial outlet mounted to a wall.

30-amp and 50-amp industrial outlets are heavy-duty outlets designed for large appliances that demand a lot of power, like washers, dryers and kitchen ranges. These outlets can be recess mounted into the wall or mounted to the wall surface. These outlets will also require a specialized plug.

Non-grounded Outlets

A white two-prong nongrounded outlet.

While non-grounded outlets look very similar to regular grounded duplex outlets, there’s a big difference between the two types. Non-grounded outlets are missing the ground wire that protects against electrical faults. You may see these outlets in old homes. They’re still safe to use with lamps, adapters, radios and other plugs that don’t include the additional round prong.

Weather-Resistant Outlets

Specialty Outlets

30-Amp and 50-Amp Industrial Outlets

Wall Plates

An Eaton 2-gang wall plate.

Wall plates are integral to all types of electrical outlets, wall jacks and light switches. You'll need wall plates to protect your fingers from internal wiring. Covers for outlet switches and covers for light switches come in a variety of colors, finishes and configurations. When choosing a wall plate or outlet cover, pick one that fits the electrical element’s number and configuration of gangs (parallel components). For example, two side-by-side toggle light switches would require a 2-gang switch plate. Keep in mind that a wall plate’s number of gangs isn’t always equal to its number of holes. A duplex outlet wall plate that’s labeled “2-gang,” for instance, is intended for use with two parallel outlets, but it contains a total of four holes. For more help with switch plates, see Light Switch Types, Dimmer Types and Their Uses.

Toggle wall plates are used with switches that turn lights or other connected devices on or off.

Combination plates are available for electrical components that contain more than one type of outlet, switch or jack.

Coordinating your wall plates with other design elements ties together the look of a room.

  • In your kitchen, try matching the finish of the wall plates to the cabinetry or cabinet hardware.
  • In your bathroom, consider selecting wall plates with the same finish as the sink faucet.
  • In your living room, coordinate wall plates with furniture or lighting fixtures.
  • When painting a room, look for paintable wall plates if you want the color to match exactly.

Good to Know

Not all wall outlets, switches or jacks require you to purchase a separate wall plate. Some models may have an integrated design or come packaged with the appropriate plate. Check the packaging for details.

Good to Know

Learn more about selecting the best wall and switch plates for your home.

Wall Plates

Decorator Wall Plates

Light Switch Covers

Outlet Covers

Combination Wall Plates

Blank Wall Plates

Rocker/Decorator Wall Plates

Conclusion

Electrical outlets allow you to power your home's lighting, appliances, smart devices and much more.

Outlet Types

  • 15-Amp Duplex Outlets
  • Combo Outlets
  • Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlets
  • Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Outlets
  • Smart Outlets
  • USB Outlets
  • Tamper-Resistant Outlets
  • Weather-Resistant Outlets
  • Outlets with Night Lights
  • Surge Protection Outlets
  • Split-Circuit Outlets
  • 30-Amp/50-Amp Industrial Outlets
  • Nongrounded Outlets

Wall Plates & Switch Plates
Wall plates and switch plates are used to surround outlets and protect your fingers from wiring. They're available in numerous sizes, materials and colors to match your decor.

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