Outlets and Receptacles

If you have an older home, you may still have polarized receptacles in it. Find out what they are and why you may want to change them for safety reasons.

Receptacles are a convenient way to plug all types of appliances and lighting into to supply power. However, these convenient devices have their share of problems over the years. Here is a look at the many things that can go wrong.

Find out some of the rules and warnings associated with split outlets. Learn what the benefits are by converting a regular outet into a split outlet.

Old receptacles, often called outlets, can pose a problem. Loose connections and the lack of grounding are among the problems that appear. Let's discuss the disadvantages of two-slot receptacles in the home.

When it comes to ground fault circuit interrupter outlets, commonly known as GFCI outlets, there is always a question as to how to connect the wires to them. In this article, I'll give you the information you need to connect them properly.

Electromagnetic noise can be a problem with audio and home theater equipment alike. One sure-fire way of making sure this noise isn't present is to use an isolated-ground receptacle to power this type of equipment. Although the basic shape of the receptacle is jsut like any other receptacle, there are some differences that make this recptacle different. The ground plug holes are isolated from …

Wiring through receptacles is a method that many people have used for years, but it is not the preferred method according to electricians and the National Electrical Code.

It is important in this day and age to have a ground on the receptacles in your home. You likely have on of two types of receptacle, a polarized or a three-slot receptacle. In order to perform this test, you’ll need some type of electrical tester. This could be a neon tester, a receptacle tester, a voltage tester, a receptacle tester, or a multi-meter. Let's take a look at the testing procedure…

If your home has polarized receptacles, you may not have grounded receptacles.

Here's a little explanation of the difference between designated and dedicated circuits as per a laundry room.

Learn what the laundry wiring requirements are for receptacle installation and why.

When you are in the need of an outlet on the outside of your home, what are you to do? You could run a new circuit from the circuit breaker or fuse panel. Then again, wouldn't it be much simpler to just tap into an interior outlet within the home? Here's how to do just that.

When shopping for outlets, often called receptacles, is there really a difference between the cheaper models and the more expensive ones? Here's a few things you need to consider before making the purchase.

If you've ever wondered why one connection method to a receptacle, often called an outlet, is better than another, this is the article for you.

Installing electrical boxes and electrical cables are made easy by following these recommended electrical installation codes.

Here are a few outdoor lighting and receptacle codes that you will need to know before wiring your home or making room additions.