Electrical Outlet and Wall Plate Types

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

While nongrounded outlets look very similar to regular grounded duplex outlets, there’s a big difference between the two types. Nongrounded 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.

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. Also called switch plates, these products come in a variety of colors, finishes and configurations. When choosing a wall plate, 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.