How to Choose the Right Outlet for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best Outlet

Overview

This buying guide is designed to help you make an informed decision when purchasing an electrical outlet. It will provide an overview of the different types of outlets that are available, as well as the features and benefits that each offers. We'll discuss the different types of outlets, including their electrical wiring and installation requirements, as well as the safety features they offer. We'll also look at the cost of outlets and compare them with other electrical components to help you make the best choice for you. Finally, we'll provide some tips on how to properly install and maintain your outlet. So, if you're in the market for an outlet, let this buying guide help you make the right decision.

Key features

  1. Style: Outlets come in different styles such as grounded, ungrounded, and tamper-resistant outlets. Identify what type of outlet you need and find one that matches your style preference.
  2. Amperage: Outlets are rated by the amount of amperage they can handle. Check the appliance you plan to plug into the outlet and make sure that the outlet can handle the amount of amperage it requires.
  3. Voltage: Outlets are also rated in terms of voltage. Check the voltage rating on the appliance and choose an outlet that can handle that voltage.
  4. Installation: Consider the complexity of the installation process. Some outlets require professional installation, while others can be installed by the homeowner.
  5. Features: Look for features such as built-in surge protection, tamper-resistant outlets, and child safety locks.

See the most popular Outlet on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Price: Outlet offers some of the most affordable items, making it a great option for those on a budget.
  • Variety: Outlet stores often have a wide selection of products from many different brands and styles.
  • Returns: Many Outlet stores offer generous return policies, allowing customers to return or exchange items they are not satisfied with.
  • Selection: Outlet stores often have an up-to-date selection of the latest products from various brands.
  • Convenience: Shopping at an Outlet store is typically more convenient than shopping at a retail store, as there are often fewer crowds and shorter checkout lines.

Cons

  • Price: Outlet is often more expensive than buying directly from manufacturers, as retailers mark up the price to increase their profits.
  • Selection: Outlet stores may not have the same selection of products that are available in the regular stores, as some product lines may be exclusive to regular stores.
  • Return Policy: Outlet stores may have different return policies than regular stores, and they often do not accept returns of products purchased at the Outlet store.
  • Quality: Outlet stores may not carry the same quality of products as regular stores, as the products may be older, used, or lower quality.
  • Availability: Outlet stores may not always have the products that customers are looking for, or they may be out of stock.

Best alternatives

  1. Smart Plug – A compact device that you can plug into an outlet to control your electronic devices with a smartphone or voice assistant.
  2. Power Strip – A power strip is a device that allows for multiple appliances to be plugged into one outlet.
  3. Surge Protector – A device that provides protection against power surges and can be used to power multiple devices from one outlet.
  4. Wall Outlet – A wall-mounted electrical outlet that can be used to plug in multiple devices.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Outlet Adapters - allow you to plug your device into an outlet.
  • Power Strips - provide additional outlets and surge protection.
  • Electrical Tape - for insulating and protecting wires in an outlet.
  • GFCI Outlet - a type of outlet that provides ground fault protection.
  • Outlet Covers - decorative covers to protect outlets from dust and debris.
  • Outlet Tester - a diagnostic tool to test the wiring of an outlet.

Common questions

  1. What are the types of outlets available?
    • The most common types of outlets are 15-amp, 20-amp, and 30-amp. Depending on the use, different types of outlets may be needed. For example, a 20-amp outlet is often used for appliances, while a 15-amp outlet is typically used in smaller areas.
  2. What is the difference between an outlet and a receptacle?
    • An outlet is the physical opening in a wall or electrical panel that a plug is inserted into. A receptacle is the device that is inserted into an outlet and holds the electrical plug.
  3. How should outlets be spaced?
    • Outlets should generally be spaced 12' apart for optimal convenience. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Electrical Code (NEC) also set minimum and maximum spacings for outlets in homes and other buildings.
  4. What are GFCI outlets?
    • GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. It is a type of outlet that is designed to detect dangerous electrical currents and automatically shut off power when it detects them. They are often required in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and near water sources.
  5. What is the standard outlet voltage?
    • In the United States, the standard outlet voltage is 120 volts.

Trivia

Outlet once sold 27,000 bottles of nail polish in less than 24 hours. This was part of a promotional campaign with a popular nail polish brand which saw customers queueing up in their stores to get their hands on the limited edition shades. The campaign was an overwhelming success, with the nail polish selling out in a matter of hours. It was a great example of how Outlet can deliver unique experiences for its customers. Source: Outlet

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.