Electrical outlet
An electrical outlet or receptacle is a socket that connects an electrical device to an electricity supply. In buildings, electrical outlets are usually installed in walls, although they can also be installed in the floor and other places. Occasionally, they are found in the ceiling for powering devices such as garage door openers or neon signs in storefront windows. Different countries often have different outlet types and voltages. Electrical adapters are used to convert between different types and voltages.
Electrical Outlet Media
Ratings of NEMA 5-15 (type B) plug marked on the label (left: 7 A 125 V), engagement face, and IEC 60320 C13 connector at the appliance end of the cord (centre, right: both 10 A 125 V)
A plug strip with two USB ports and built-in surge protection
A travel adaptor for "Type M" (16 A SANS 164-1) sockets from South Africa
Type I grounded plug and socket, both rated for 10 A. Insulating sleeves around the power pins are optional in Argentina and in this case missing. The socket is installed with the earth receptacle down, as usual in Argentina.
Chinese three-pin socket and compound socket which also accepts NEMA and Europlug (right), and a less common, larger 16 A version (left)
BS 546 plugs. Left to right: 15 A, 5 A and 2 A.
UK shaver plug (BS 4573)
CEE 7/1 wall socket, accepts CEE 7/2 (unearthed) plug and also CEE 7/4, CEE 7/6 and CEE 7/7 (earthed) plugs.
Schuko plug (CEE 7/4) and socket (CEE 7/3)
Other websites
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lua error in Module:Commons_link at line 62: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).. |
- International power cords technology Archived 2012-01-06 at the Wayback Machine
- Glossary of standards terms
- Electricity Around The World (about plugs, sockets and electrical systems used around the world)
- Change to UK electrical wire colors 2004
- Household electrical safety handbook, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government
- IEEE history of Australian power connectors (in pdf format) Archived 2014-08-24 at the Wayback Machine
- South Africa Eskom: Wiring a Plug Archived 2010-11-26 at the Wayback Machine
- Guidance Notes for the Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation (Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Hong Kong)
- Museum of Plugs and Sockets: pictures including disassembled units
