What Is a Wall Socket?

A wall socket is a place to plug electrical equipment into an electricity supply.wall socket They come in a wide range of sizes and designs and serve different purposes, including providing power to household appliances and lighting. They also offer a variety of safety features that can help prevent electrical shocks and fires.

Electrical outlets (also called receptacles) provide a vessel for wires to run through and are usually mounted in walls or on the ceiling.wall socket They have a metal or plastic shell that holds a receptacle that connects the wires, and a cover plate is fastened over the top to complete the fixture. Some outlets are designed for specific uses, such as recessed types that can reduce the risk of tripping over cords or other objects. Others have special features that make them safer, such as GFCI outlets that monitor current to shut off power when necessary to protect against electric shocks.

There are several ways to categorize electrical sockets, including shape, number of pins, and voltage rating.wall socket For example, type A sockets have two vertical slots that fit plugs with two prongs, while type B outlets have a third "ground pin" to support three-prong plugs. Plugs and sockets are shaped to help reduce the possibility of bodily contact with live parts, and some have automatic shutters to keep foreign objects from being inserted into energized pins.

Most standard outlets in homes are rated for 15 amps and have a three-prong layout that accommodates most devices.wall socket They are usually located in bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens, where they can be used to power appliances and lights. Some wall outlets have USB ports to power mobile devices that charge via USB.

Some outlet types are designed to help prevent fires, especially in wet environments. For example, GFCI outlets are required by the National Electrical Code to be installed in bathrooms, wet areas of kitchens, and basements. Other electrical outlets have arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) features, which monitor for problems that can cause sparks and fires.

When one of these outlets trips, it cuts off power to all the sockets and lights wired to that circuit. While this can be frustrating, it is often not an indication of a problem with the outlet itself. Instead, it may indicate that a device has a short in its cord or internal wiring. Regardless of the cause, it is important to check the electrical system before attempting to restart the appliance or socket. If a device continues to act erratically, even after it has been removed from the outlet, the outlet or cord may be damaged or need replacement. In this case, it is best to consult a professional electrician.