An electrical outlet conducts electricity to devices via metal contacts connected to wiring. Outlets come in different styles and wattage ratings, with some having a ground connection for safety.
An electrical outlet is a component in an electrical system that conducts electricity to any device plugged into it. Also referred to as an electrical outlet, the electrical outlet is connected to a power source via wiring. A socket is a male component that connects to a corresponding female module. It is one of the most common elements found in an electrical wiring system.
Electrical outlets come in a variety of styles and wattage ratings. They usually have slots or holes, or a combination of the two, into which devices are plugged. The slots or holes have metal contacts which are connected to electrical wiring and which serve to conduct electricity. Electrically operated devices have wires connected with metal prongs that plug into slots in the electrical outlet. In some devices, the prongs are integrated directly into the device itself.
Lower capacity outlets have two or three metal contacts wired into them. Outlets carrying higher current levels might have more than three hardwired contacts. Metal contacts are most commonly made from brass or steel. Steel contacts are usually plated with zinc or nickel for better conductivity.
When a device is plugged into an electrical outlet, the metal prongs of the device touch the metal plates of the outlet. Through this connection, electricity flows from the socket into the appliance through one of the wires. Another wire in the system is used to carry the excess current through the outlet back to its original source.
An electrical outlet is classified by the amount of electrical current, expressed in volts, it can carry. The most common electrical outlet used in the United States is known as a duplex outlet which carries up to 120 volts of current. In many European countries, the most commonly used socket is one that carries up to 220 or 230 volts, known as a europlug.
For safety reasons, most outlets include a contact known as ground. The ground connection is to provide a minimum of protection in the event of a short circuit. An electrical short occurs when current is misdirected from its intended path. This is most often the result of one of the wires coming loose from the contact inside the socket. In this case, the ground wire should catch the misdirected current and bring it to ground safely.
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