Outlets and Switches Guide

Outlets make power easily accessible. They can also prevent electrical fires, keep users from being shocked and be turned on and off remotely. Different outlet types have different uses, so learn more before making your purchase.

Amperage: The ampere, or amp, is the base unit of electric current. Different kinds of electrical outlets are rated by how many amps can flow through them at once without overheating and are attached to fuses that will shut off automatically if your outlet is using too many amps. Most outlets in your home are rated for 15 amps and attached to a 15-amp 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 shut off to keep the outlets and wiring from overheating. Some appliances, like freezers and gas dryers, require 20-amp outlets.

GFCI vs. AFCI Outlets: Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets have sensors that measure the amount of current going in and out of the socket. The current going in and out is usually in balance but if the outlet detects an imbalance, it immediately shuts off. GFCI outlets are important to have in areas where electricity could meet, like bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens. Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) outlets contain electronic components to monitor a circuit for the presence of dangerous conditions that could cause a fire. This outlet can be triggered to turn a circuit off quickly if dangerous arcing is detected.

Smart Outlets: Smart outlets can be controlled from your mobile device using the home's wireless internet. These devices allow users to program outlets to power on and off at certain times, as well as control from inside and away from the outlet.

Tamper-/Weather-Resistant: Tamper-resistant outlets have spring-loaded shutters that close off the contact openings where you insert plugs. For the shutters to open, both springs must be compressed at the same time, so they don't open if a child attempts to insert an object into one of the contact openings. Thousands of children suffer shock and burns yearly by sticking items into contact openings in outlets. Weather-resistant outlets offer protection from precipitation, humidity and UV-protected components.

Different types of electrical switches and dimmers open and close electrical circuits to control lights, fans and other electrical devices. Just like outlets, switches have unique functions and uses, so learn more about the various types of switches before you purchase.

Commercial, Industrial, Residential Switches: Just like with outlets, some switches need to carry more amps than others. Most residential switches are rated at 15 amps, whereas industrial and residential switches usually are rated at 20 amps. Additionally, industrial and residential switches are made with sturdier components.

Dimmers: A dimmer is a kind of switch that can raise and lower the brightness of a light. Dimmers work with incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and some light-emitting diodes (LEDs). If you plan to install a dimmer switch, make sure that your bulbs will work with that dimmer.

Single Pole Switches vs. Double Pole Switches: A single pole switch controls just one circuit, and a double pole switch controls two circuits — like two single pole switches being controlled by one lever, knob or button. Single pole switches are used mainly for lights and smaller appliances like fans. Double pole switches are used for larger appliances.

Single Pole Switches vs. Three-/Four-Way Switches: A single pole switch controls one fixture from one location. A three-way switch controls one fixture from two locations, usually in a hallways, stairways and large rooms. Four-way switches control one fixture from three locations, usually in large rooms.

Smart Switches: Like smart outlets, smart switches can automate switches and control them remotely. Turn off that light you left on in the kitchen from bed or set your porch light to turn on at night while you're out of town with smart switches.

Wall plates are integral to light switches, electrical outlets, all types of wall jacks and are needed to protect one’s 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 two-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 (pictured) that's labeled “two-gang,” for instance, is intended for use with two parallel outlets, but it contains a total of four holes.

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

Combination light switch and outlet plates are available for electrical outlets with switches and outlets that also contain other types of components, such as jacks.

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.