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 ...

John Carlsen has more than a decade of experience testing and reviewing home tech products, with a major focus on smart home security. He earned his BS in journalism from Utah Valley University. In ...

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 ...

A generator can keep the lights on in your home during a power outage or can charge your phone when you’re camping. Generators turn mechanical energy into electrical energy and become a source of ...

This article about electrical outlets is republished here with permission from The Conversation. This content is shared here because the topic may interest Snopes readers; it does not, however, ...

One of the often-ignored pieces of modern technology is powered receptacles (outlets), which are used daily to run a variety of devices and appliances. Electrical plug types come in a wide range of ...