An electrical outlet is a necessity in every home. It provides the power source for all your electrical appliances. But with so many different types and styles of electrical outlets on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one for your home.
To help you make the best decision, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 electrical outlets of 2020. We’ve considered factors such as cost, durability, style, and ease of installation.
Table of Contents
- Best electrical outlets
- Duplex Heavy-Duty Receptacle – Most Durable
- ENERLITES Duplex Receptacle Outlet — Most Affordable
- Leviton 15 Amp 125 Volt Decora Duplex Receptacle — Most Affordable
- GE Grounding Duplex 5 Pack - Best Overall
- GE 3-Outlet Extender Wall Tap with Guide Light - Best Power Strip
- ANKO GFCI Outlet - Best for Safety
- 2 Pack - ELECTECK 15A/125V Tamper Resistant GFCI Outlet - Best Budget GFCI Outlet
- ENERLITES Duplex Receptacle Outlets and Wall Plates Bundle – Best Overall
- Leviton Side Wired Commercial Spec Grade Tamper Resistant Duplex Receptacle — Best Commercial Receptacle
- AbboTech 15A Tamper Resistant Duplex Receptacle Standard Wall Outlet – Best Overall
- Buyer Guide:electrical outlet
- Frequently Asked Question
Best electrical outlets
Duplex Heavy-Duty Receptacle – Most Durable
color : White
size : 15 Amp | Self Grounding Clip
The UltraPro GE Duplex Heavy-Duty Receptacle is the perfect solution to repair or replace any duplex outlet in your home. The white finish with a self-grounding clip makes it a quick and easy install that will complement any décor. The heavy-duty construction and reinforced yoke offer superior performance and reliability. The unit is UL certified and features a 90-day hassle-free replacement policy.
PROS
Heavy-duty construction
Self-grounding clip for quick installation
UL certified
90-day hassle-free replacement policy
CONS
None
ENERLITES Duplex Receptacle Outlet — Most Affordable
color : White
size : Tamper Resistant
The ENERLITES Duplex Receptacle Outlet is a great choice for your home or office. This outlet is tamper-resistant, which means it will prevent unwanted objects from being inserted. The high impact-resistant polycarbonate thermoplastic cover and body make this outlet durable and long-lasting. The shallow body design makes it easy to install, and the outlet is compatible with ENERLITES wall plates for the best fit and color match. This outlet is UL listed and has a 1-year .
PROS
Prevents unwanted objects from being inserted
High impact-resistant polycarbonate thermoplastic cover and body
Shallow body design for maximum wiring
Installation instructions included
CONS
None found
Leviton 15 Amp 125 Volt Decora Duplex Receptacle — Most Affordable
color : White
size : 1 Pack
The Leviton T5325-W is a 15 Amp, 125 Volt, straight blade, grounding, duplex receptacle, with a shutter mechanism that blocks access to contacts unless a two prong plug is inserted. This helps ensure that hairpins, keys, etc. will be locked out. The TR symbol on residential receptacles assures they meet the 2008 NEC requirement. This Leviton receptacle also has ultrasonic heavy-duty construction that offers long, trouble-free service life.
PROS
Shutter mechanism blocks access to contacts unless two-prong plug is inserted
TR symbol assures receptacles meet 2008 NEC requirement
Ultrasonic heavy-duty construction
Protects children from electrical shock injuries
Double-wipe power contacts for reliable conductivity and plug retention
CONS
N/A
GE Grounding Duplex 5 Pack - Best Overall
color : White
size : Pack of 5
The GE Grounding Duplex Outlet is a 5-pack of duplex outlets that are tamper resistant. These outlets feature internal shutters that prevent insertion of objects other than plugs to protect from electrical shock. The terminal screws accept up to No. 12 AWG copper wire and Pressure Lock push-in terminals accept No. 14 AWG solid copper wire only. The GE Grounding Duplex Outlet is available in white and light almond to best complement your existing wall plate. Complete instructions are included in packaging for quick and easy, step-by-step installation.
PROS
UL Listed
5 Pack
15 Amp
Tamper Resistant
Pressure Lock Push-In Terminals
CONS
Some customers have reported that the internal shutters do not close properly
GE 3-Outlet Extender Wall Tap with Guide Light - Best Power Strip
color : White
The GE 3-Outlet Extender Wall Tap with Guide Light is an easy way to make room for your additional power needs by converting 1 grounded outlet into 3. The horizontal design of the GE 3-Outlet Adapter Wall Tap with Guide Light keeps all plugs close to the wall to avoid clutter and the built in guide light provides a glow all day and night making it ideal for use behind TVs or other dark areas of your home. The outlet adapter has a rating of a maximum of 15A, 125VAC, and 1875W. GE is a top brand in power strips, surge protectors and outlet adapters.
PROS
Converts one grounded outlet into three
Built-in guide light
Space-saving horizontal design
15A, 125VAC, and 1875W
CONS
N/A
ANKO GFCI Outlet - Best for Safety
color : White
The Anko GFCI Outlet 15 Amp is a UL listed, tamper-resistant, weather resistant receptacle that comes with a LED indicator. It also includes decor wall plates and screws. It can be used indoors or outdoors.
PROS
-Tampers resistant -Weather resistant -Has an LED indicator -Comes with decor wall plates and screws -Indoor or outdoor use
CONS
-None found
2 Pack - ELECTECK 15A/125V Tamper Resistant GFCI Outlet - Best Budget GFCI Outlet
color : White Button
The Electeck GFCI is a 15A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlet receptacle that is suitable for indoor use in homes, offices, hospitals, and schools. The ETL certification stamp is a sign of a better quality product. This product has gone through many test procedures before getting its approval which makes it the safest GFCI. Test and reset buttons with LED indicator to test the functionality of GFCI.
The TAMPER RESISTANT shutters protect children from electrocution by preventing objects from being inserted into the slots of the outlets. The back and side wired for easy installation. Decorative wall plates and screws included. Caution: Do not unscrew the terminal screws too far or with excessive force. Do not use power tools to loosen the terminal screws.
The Electeck GFCI comes with a 3 year warranty and is ETL certified.
PROS
LED indicator
ETL certified
Back and side wired
3 year warranty
CONS
Do not unscrew the terminal screws too far or with excessive force.
Do not use power tools to loosen the terminal screws.
ENERLITES Duplex Receptacle Outlets and Wall Plates Bundle – Best Overall
color : White
The ENERLITES 61580-TR-WWP TR Receptacle and Wall Plate Bundle comes with a tamper-resistant (TR) receptacle and a standard size duplex wall plate. The TR receptacle prevents unwanted objects from being inserted and is suitable for residential areas such as homes, apartments, and condominiums. The break-off tab provides a controlled outlet for use with a switch or other controller such as a motion sensor. The installation is friendly with a shallow body design that fits easily into junction boxes and comes with push-in or side wiring, break-off plaster ears, and a self-grounding contact plate. The 15A 125VAC, UL94, V2 Rating, UL Listed, and Complies with 2017 NEC Article 406.12; 1-year warranty make this an excellent choice for your home.
PROS
Easy to install
Comes with a 1-year warranty
Includes a duplex wall plate
Shallow body design
CONS
15A maximum
Leviton Side Wired Commercial Spec Grade Tamper Resistant Duplex Receptacle — Best Commercial Receptacle
color : Image
The Leviton TCR15-W is a side wired commercial spec grade tamper resistant duplex receptacle. It is white in color and has a 15-amp, 125-volt capacity. This receptacle has a mechanical shutter mechanism that prevents access to contacts unless a two-pronged plug is inserted, helping ensure that foreign objects will be locked out. It is also ultrasonically welded for additional assembly security. The body and face of the Leviton TCR15-W are made of high impact thermoplastic for durability. It also has convenient break-off plaster ears for best flush alignment and a self-grounding clip that is staked on, will never fall off.
PROS
Prevents access to contacts unless a two-pronged plug is inserted
Welded for additional assembly security
Made of high impact thermoplastic
Convenient break-off plaster ears
CONS
None noted
AbboTech 15A Tamper Resistant Duplex Receptacle Standard Wall Outlet – Best Overall
color : White
The AbboTech 15A TR Receptacle is a safe and convenient way to add outlets to your home or office. This receptacle is made of fire-resistant material and high quality components to prevent fire. It is UL Listed and comes with a 2 Year Warranty. It is ideal for home, office and commercial use. The compact design and easy installation make it a great choice for the office or home renovator and builder.
PROS
15A TR Receptacle
Comes with 10 outlets
Safety Guarantee
Wide range of places
Compact Design
Easy Installation
2 Years Warranty
CONS
None
Buyer Guide:electrical outlet
Shop Smart with This Electrical Outlet Buying Guide!
It’s hard to know what to look for when buying an electrical outlet. Do you need one that’s grounded? What about a surge protector? How many outlets do you need?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this guide, we will walk you through the different types of electrical outlets and what features to look for when shopping. We will also give you some tips on how to save money when buying outlets.
Types of Electrical Outlets
There are three main types of electrical outlets: standard, grounded, and GFCI.
Standard outlets are the most common type. They have two flat slots and are not grounded or protected from surges.
Grounded outlets have two round slots and a grounding pin. They are grounded and offer protection from surges. Grounded outlets are required in certain areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
GFCI outlets have two round slots and a test/reset button. They protect against electric shock and are often used in areas where water is present, such as bathrooms and kitchens. GFCI outlets will automatically shut off if they detect an electric shock.
Features to Look For When Shopping
When shopping for an electrical outlet, there are a few things you should keep in mind: type of outlet, number of outlets, and whether the outlet is grounded or has a surge protector.
Type of Outlet: Make sure to buy the right type of outlet for your needs! Standard outlets are the most common but may not be suitable for all applications. If you need a grounded outlet or one with a surge protector, make sure to buy those instead.
Number of Outlets: Do you need one outlet or multiple? If you only need one, a standard outlet will work just fine. If you need multiple outlets, look for an outlet strip or charger with multiple ports. These typically have six or more ports catering to all your charging needs at once! Just be aware that not all standard outlets have multiple ports – make sure to check before purchasing.
Get the Perfect Electrical Outlet for Your Needs!
With so many different types of electrical outlets on the market, it can be confusing trying to figure out which one is the best for your needs. This article will help you understand the different types of electrical outlets and what each type is best for.
The most commonly used electrical outlet is the standard 115 volt outlet. This outlet is found in most homes and offices and is used to power devices such as lamps, televisions, and computers. The standard 115 volt outlet has two flat blades that plug into a wall outlet, and a round grounding hole in the middle.
If you are using heavy-duty appliances such as irons or refrigerators, you will need a special type of electrical outlet called a 240 volt outlet. This outlet has three flat blades that plug into a wall outlet, and two round grounding holes. Most 240 volt outlets are found in garages, workshops, and other industrial areas.
If you are using large appliances such as stoves or air conditioners, you will need an appliance connector cord that plugs into a standard 115 volt outlet. This cord has three prongs (two flat blades and one round grounding prong) that attach to the appliance's plug.
If you are using portable appliances such as microwaves or hairdryers, you will need a special type of electrical outlet called a 12 volt DC adapter. This adapter has two flat blades that plug into a 12 volt DC power supply, and has a circular barrel connector that plugs into the appliance's plug.
It is important to choose the right type of electrical outlet for your needs. Standard 115 volt outlets are perfect for powering small appliances, while 240 volt outlets are perfect for powering large appliances. Appliance connector cords are perfect for connecting large appliances to standard wall outlets, and 12 volt DC adapters are perfect for powering portable appliances.
Find the Best Electrical Outlet for Your Home!
There are a lot of different things to consider when you’re looking for the best electrical outlet for your home. You want something that is going to be safe and reliable, and you also want to find something that is going to fit your specific needs. Here are a few tips on how to find the best electrical outlet for your home.
First, you need to think about what kind of outlet you need. There are a few different types of outlets, including standard outlets, GFCI outlets, and specialty outlets. Standard outlets are the most common type of outlet, and they typically have two or three slots. GFCI outlets are designed to protect people from electric shock, and they can be used in places where there is a risk of water getting into the socket. Specialty outlets include things like USB outlets and timer outlets, and they can be useful for specific applications.
Once you’ve figured out what type of outlet you need, you need to start thinking about the specific features that you want. Some things to consider include the number of sockets, the type of sockets, and whether or not the outlet has a built-in surge protector. You may also want to consider whether or not the outlet is tamper resistant.
The next step is to start shopping around and comparing prices. There are a lot of different options available, so it’s important to compare prices and features before you make a decision. Be sure to read reviews online before purchasing an outlet, so that you can be sure that you’re getting a quality product.
Finally, once you’ve found the perfect outlet for your home, be sure to install it properly! Improperly installed outlets can be dangerous, so it’s important to take your time and follow the instructions carefully.
Frequently Asked Question
How do I know if I have a GFCI outlet?
There are a few ways to know if you have a GFCI outlet in your home. To start, GFCI outlets are typically found in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. They are also usually labeled as such. If you’re not sure whether or not you have one of these outlets, there are a few tests you can do to check.
The first test is the plug-in test. With the power off, unplug the outlet from the wall and then plug it back in. If the outlet doesn’t power on, it’s likely GFCI protected. Another way to test is by using a circuit tester. Turn off all the power to the outlet you want to test and insert the tester into each slot. If the tester blinks or lights up, the outlet is wired improperly and should be replaced with a GFCI outlet.
If you think you may have a GFCI outlet but can’t find it, don’t worry! You can still test it by using a paper clip. Take a paper clip and open it so that it forms a small loop. With the power off, touch one end of the loop to one terminal on the outlet and touch the other end of the loop to the other terminal. If the paper clip lights up or sparks, you have a GFCI outlet and should replace it immediately.
Can I plug a three-pronged plug into a two-slot outlet?
The answer to this question is yes, you can plug a three-pronged plug into a two-slot outlet. However, it is not recommended that you do so, as it could result in an electrical fire.
The reason that it is not recommended to plug a three-pronged plug into a two-slot outlet is because the third prong on the plug is generally used to ground the electricity. If you plug a three-pronged plug into a two-slot outlet, there is no place for the electricity to go, which could lead to an electrical fire.
If you are unsure whether or not your outlet can accommodate a three-pronged plug, it is best to consult with a qualified electrician.
Why is it important to use grounded outlets in my home?
There are a few reasons why it’s important to use grounded outlets in your home. The first reason is that grounded outlets provide a path of least resistance for electricity in the event of an electrical surge. This can help protect your appliances and electronics from being damaged in the event of a power outage or surge.
Second, using grounded outlets can also help reduce the risk of electrical fires in your home. Unplugging appliances when they’re not in use is always a good safety practice, but using grounded outlets can provide an extra layer of protection against Electrical Fires.
Finally, using grounded outlets can also improve the safety of your home overall. Grounded outlets are required by law in some states, so if you’re not using them already, it’s time to start!
What should I do if I accidentally touch an electrical outlet?
There are a few things that you can do if you accidentally touch an electrical outlet. The most important thing is to stay calm and not to panic. If you are feeling pain, then please call 911 immediately.
If you do not feel any pain, then please follow these steps:
-
Unplug anything that is connected to the outlet. This includes appliances, lamps, and other electronics.
-
If it is safe to do so, turn off the breaker for the outlet. You can find the breaker box by following the power cords from the outlets in your home. Once you have found the breaker box, search for the switch that corresponds to the outlet that was touched. If it is too dangerous to turn off the breaker, have someone else do it for you.
-
Remove any metal items from your body (jewelry, keys, coins, etc.). Metal can create a conducting path between you and the electricity, making it more likely for you to get shocked.
-
Wash the area where you touched the outlet with soap and water. This will help remove any residual electricity from your skin.
-
If you are feeling pain, please call 911 immediately. Do not try to move or walk on your own if you have been shocked as this could make the injury worse.
Do all outlets in my home need to be GFCI?
It’s a question that often comes up when homeowners are upgrading their electrical systems – do all outlets in my home need to be GFCI? The answer is, it depends.
GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter and its primary job is to protect people from electric shock. Any outlet that is likely to come into contact with water should be a GFCI outlet. This could be an outdoor outlet, a kitchen outlet, or a bathroom outlet.
If your home doesn’t have any outlets that could potentially come into contact with water, then you probably don’t need to worry about GFCI outlets. However, if you’re not sure whether or not your home has these types of outlets, it’s best to consult with a licensed electrician. They will be able to inspect your home and determine which type of outlets you need.
How can I tell if an outlet is properly grounded?
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires all 120-volt receptacles and circuits be grounded. A ground fault occurs when electricity takes an unintended path to the ground. The metal case of an appliance is usually connected to a grounding plug which is then connected to a ground wire in the outlet box. If there’s a problem with the wiring or appliance, the ground fault will cause the current to flow through you instead of passing safely through the appliance.
You can use a circuit tester to verify that an outlet is properly grounded. With the tester plugged into the outlet, press the black lead against the outlet’s metal faceplate and press the red lead against one of the screws on the outlet cover. If the tester lights up, the outlet is not properly grounded. If it doesn’t light up, then the outlet is properly grounded.
If you have any doubts about whether an outlet is properly grounded, don’t use it!