Electrical outlet
An electrical outlet or receptacle, frequently called a wall outlet, is a socket that connects an electrical device to an electricity supply. In buildings, electrical outlets are usually installed in the wall, although they can also be installed in the floor. 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. Adapters are available to convert between the different types.
Electrical Outlet Media
NEMA 5-15 (type B) plugs with current and voltage ratings shown (left) on label (7 A 125 V) and (centre) on engagement face (10 A 125 V). Also shown (right) is the rating on the C13 connector at the other end of the 10 A 125 V appliance cord.
Four-prong plug used in the US for clothes dryers on 240 V
A plug strip with two USB ports and built-in surge protection
Shaver supply unit for BS 4573, US Type A, Australian two-pin, and Europlug Type C
Types of power plugs and sockets used by country*Template:Legend-inline • *Template:Legend-inline • *Template:Legend-inline • *Template:Legend-inline • *Template:Legend-inline • *Template:Legend-inline • *Template:Legend-inline • *Template:Legend-inline • *Template:Legend-inline • *Template:Legend-inline • *Template:Legend-inline • *Template:Legend-inline • *Template:Legend-inline
- Further information: Mains electricity by country#Plugs
Argentine 1996 power plug arrangement
Australasian switched 3-pin (10 A) dual socket outlet
Standard Australian 10 A power plug with insulated pins
BS 546 plugs. Left to right: 15 A, 5 A and 2 A.
This image is a digital photograph taken by myself on 17/06/06. It is not available anywhere else.
Other websites
- International power cords technology
- 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