This question comes up frequently and has a few different answers worth exploring. If you've wondered why one electrical outlet slot differs in size from the other, here's the explanation.
"Most outlets are polarized for safety. Polarized plugs can only be inserted into them one way (which seems annoying, but is actually an important safety feature). In North America, this is accomplished by having two differently sized slots in addition to the rounded grounding slot, the larger of which is called the neutral line, and the smaller called the hot line (see figure 2). The neutral is connected by a wire to ground, so its voltage is 0 V. Instead, the hot slot supplies the voltage required to draw current, and when a plug is inserted into the socket, the energy flows in from the hot slot, through the circuit, and ends at the neutral, which disperses the energy into the ground.[3] Of course, to complete the circuit all the way back to the generator, the neutral is also connected back to the original distribution system in addition to being grounded at multiple locations.[4]
The benefit of polarization is that polarized plugs can only be inserted in one orientation, so the switch to turn any device connected to the socket on or off can be built into the hot lead. In a non-polarized plug, the switch may only open the circuit at the neutral lead, which means that most of the internal circuitry of the device is still considered "hot" and can lead to shock hazards.[5]"
Source: https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Electrical_outlet
A Few Essentials About Electrical Outlets
An electrical outlet, or power outlet, is a receptacle found on walls and ceilings of buildings. These fittings connect to wiring that supplies electrical current for lights, appliances, and everything that powers our lives.
Wall outlets come in single-pole, two-pole, or three-pole configurations. The differences are pretty straightforward.
A single-pole outlet has two contacts, while a two-pole outlet has four connections. A three-pole outlet has six contacts.
Outlets come in various shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they provide a safe connection to plug-in electrical devices. Therefore, you should know your voltage requirements and what you plan to plug into your outlets when planning an installation.
Let's discuss some of the finer points.
What Information Do I Need To Know Before Ordering A New Electrical Outlet? When ordering an electrical outlet, remember a few things. The first is the amperage of the outlet. You can find that on the back of the outlet. Jot down the number because you'll want to replace your outlet with an equivalent one in case of failure.
The second critical element of info you need is the type of outlet. Again, there are two types- standard and GFCI.
The third is the voltage. You can usually find this in the outlet as well. It's crucial to get an outlet that matches the amperage and voltage of your home. Otherwise, you could wreck your appliances or even start a fire.
Fire risk is always possible with electrical installations and repairs. That's why it's an excellent idea to use professional electrical services from Premier Electric. Our team has the needed licenses, requisite insurance, and proper training to handle your repairs while maintaining a safe environment. So why take any chances with damaging your home?
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Are You Planning On Replacing An Outlet? If yes, take these precautions - When considering replacing an electrical outlet, you must consider a few safety measures.
First and foremost, always unplug the appliance or device you're replacing from the outlet. That's to avoid any possible shocks.
Secondly, remember to shut off the power at the breaker box outlet before starting any work.
Please do this by locating the breaker switch for the specific outlet and flipping it to the off position.
Finally, it is essential to use caution when working with electrical cords and plugs. Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn't fit. Instead, try using an adapter or changing the outlet itself.
How Can I Tell If My Outlet Has Problems? There are a few things a homeowner needs to know to determine if an electrical outlet is no longer functioning. First, ensure the outlet has power and the light is on. If the light is not on, it could be a problem with the outlet or the fuse.
If the outlet is tight and the light is on, the next thing to check is whether or not power is coming through it. To do this, plug in a lamp or another appliance and see if it turns on. If it doesn't, then the outlet might need repair.
Another way to test an outlet is to use a multimeter or outlet checker. First, remove the cover of the outlet and clip one lead of the multimeter screws on each side of the outlet. Then turn on the multimeter and see if there's any voltage. If there is, then the outlet is working correctly. If there isn't, then it might be wrong.
Err On The Side Of Safety
When it comes to big electrical projects, it's always best to call in a professional. Working with electricity can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing, and even tiny mistakes can potentially result in severe injury or death.
If you live in the Tri-State area and have a project that is more than you can handle, Premiere Electric Company is available to help.
With several decades of experience helping residential and commercial clients in the area, our friendly and responsive electrical technicians have the tools and training to diagnose electrical issues. They offer sound advice on the next steps, whether a quick repair or a complete system replacement.
In addition, we understand the importance of keeping your business or home running smoothly, so we offer 24/7 emergency services to help you when you need us most. And because we know that electrical work can be disruptive, we go above and beyond to diminish the impact on your daily life or business operations.
As a locally owned and operated company, we take pride in being part of the community and delivering the exceptional customer service that our neighbors have come to expect. Whether you need help with a minor electrical repair or a large-scale project, we're here to help. Contact us today for electrical emergencies or a quote for new projects.
