While standard receptacles typically use three wires -- hot, neutral and ground -- you'll occasionally find 2-prong outlets in older homes. Since this type of outlet lacks a ground connection, the ...

Properly size your electrical outlet before making any important changes. Wall outlets might not steal the spotlight when it comes to smart home upgrades, but they're more important (and more advanced ...

A horizontal outlet on a wooden wall with a black cord plugged in - Mint Images/Getty Images If you walk around your home, you will probably see a variety of outlets. In fact, there are a whopping 10 ...

When upgrading or troubleshooting your home's electrical system, understanding the difference between 15-amp and 20-amp outlets is crucial. While they may look similar, these outlets serve distinct ...

As essential as wall outlets are for powering nearly every electrical device in your home, they're easy to ignore. But doing so can lead to safety hazards or just leave options for customization on ...

Not all outlet holes are the same, and there's a reason for that. The shapes (vertical slots, round holes, T-slots, etc.) correspond to specific electrical functions and safety features. Take the ...

Clever solutions like pop-up and under-cabinet outlets may seem sensible in the kitchen, but they could quickly contribute to ...

Lauren is a writer and architectural designer living and working in Brooklyn, NY. In addition to being a writer at Forbes, she works as a freelance architectural designer specializing in residential ...

Theodore Kury is the Director of Energy Studies at the University of Florida’s Public Utility Research Center, which is sponsored in part by the Florida electric and gas utilities and the Florida ...