Different Types of Outlets and When to Use Them

Two-prong outlets are often found in older homes. They only have two slots for plugs instead of three. You would use these ones for low-power appliances and electronics. They'll do the job, but they don't offer any protection against electrical shocks. They also aren't grounded, so they can pose a fire risk. On top of that, two-prong outlets violate the modern electrical safety code. If your home still uses these ones, it's a good idea to consider replacing them.

Three-prong outlets have three slots for plugs for use with grounded plugs. These outlets have a grounding wire to give somewhere for the electricity to go if there's a problem. That could be a short circuit or a ground fault. Electrical code requires grounded outlets in most situations. They're generally a safer choice and have a much lower fire risk. They're also the most common outlet in newer homes.

GFCI outlets protect against electrical shocks, like a grounding wire. Electrical code requires them in areas around water, such as kitchens and bathrooms. GFCI outlets have two buttons, one for testing and one to reset when it goes off. They detect any imbalances in the flow of electricity. If they sense one, the outlet will shut off, protecting against electrical shocks. GFCI outlets do wear out over time, so it's important to test them.

240-volt outlets provide power for high-voltage appliances and equipment. You'd use these outlets for appliances such as stoves, dryers, and air conditioners. That's because they need more power than a standard 120-volt outlet can handle. 240-volt outlets are also larger than other outlets, so you can't confuse them. It is important to only work on 240-volt outlets if you have the knowledge and training to be safe on the job.