Electrical outlet - Revision history

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2020-04-28T15:32:35Z

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energy>Jmdonev at 19:08, 10 April 2020

2020-04-10T19:08:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:08, 10 April 2020
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	[[Category:Done ~~2018~~-08-03]]		[[Category:Done 2020-02-29]]
	<onlyinclude>'''Electrical outlets''' (also known as '''outlets''', '''electrical sockets''', '''plugs''', and '''wall plugs''') allow electrical equipment to connect to the [[electrical grid]]. The electrical grid provides [[alternating current]] to the outlet. There are two primary types of outlets: domestic and industrial.</onlyinclude> While not obvious from looking at them, the two sides of an electrical outlet represent part of a 'loop of [[wire]]' and plugging an electrical device into that outlet completes that [[circuit\|loop]], which allows [[electricity]] to flow through the device so it can operate.		<onlyinclude>'''Electrical outlets''' (also known as '''outlets''', '''electrical sockets''', '''plugs''', and '''wall plugs''') allow electrical equipment to connect to the [[electrical grid]]. The electrical grid provides [[alternating current]] to the outlet. There are two primary types of outlets: domestic and industrial.</onlyinclude> While not obvious from looking at them, the two sides of an electrical outlet represent part of a 'loop of [[wire]]' and plugging an electrical device into that outlet completes that [[circuit\|loop]], which allows [[electricity]] to flow through the device so it can operate. In other words, each side of an electrical outlet acts as a [[terminal]].

	==Domestic sockets==		==Domestic sockets==

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2018-09-03T22:23:43Z

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energy>Jmdonev at 21:15, 26 August 2018

2018-08-26T21:15:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:15, 26 August 2018
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	[[Category:Done 2018-06-01]]		[[Category:Done 2018-08-03]]
	<onlyinclude>'''Electrical outlets''' (also known as '''outlets''', '''electrical sockets''', '''plugs''', and '''wall plugs''') allow electrical equipment to connect to the [[electrical grid]]. The electrical grid provides [[alternating current]] to the outlet. There are two primary types of outlets: domestic and industrial.</onlyinclude> While not obvious from looking at them, the two sides of an electrical outlet represent part of a 'loop of [[wire]]' and plugging an electrical device into that outlet completes that [[circuit\|loop]], which allows [[electricity]] to flow through the device so it can operate.		<onlyinclude>'''Electrical outlets''' (also known as '''outlets''', '''electrical sockets''', '''plugs''', and '''wall plugs''') allow electrical equipment to connect to the [[electrical grid]]. The electrical grid provides [[alternating current]] to the outlet. There are two primary types of outlets: domestic and industrial.</onlyinclude> While not obvious from looking at them, the two sides of an electrical outlet represent part of a 'loop of [[wire]]' and plugging an electrical device into that outlet completes that [[circuit\|loop]], which allows [[electricity]] to flow through the device so it can operate.

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	===Polarization===		===Polarization===
	[[File:Polarized outlet.png\|thumbnail\|right\|Figure 2. A labelled diagram of a polarized two-pronged outlet.<ref>Created internally by a member of the Energy Education team.</ref>]]		[[File:Polarized outlet.png\|thumbnail\|right\|Figure 2. A labelled diagram of a polarized two-pronged outlet.<ref>Created internally by a member of the Energy Education team.</ref>]]
	Most outlets are polarized for safety. Polarized plugs can only be inserted into them one way (which seems annoying, but is actually an important safety feature). In North America, this is accomplished by having two differently sized slots in addition to the rounded grounding slot, the larger of which is called the [[neutral line]], and the smaller called the [[hot line]] (see figure 2). The neutral is connected by a [[wire]] to ground, so its [[voltage]] is 0 [[volt\|V]]. Instead, the hot slot supplies the voltage required to draw current, and when a plug is inserted into the socket, the energy flows in from the hot slot, through the circuit, and ends at the neutral, which disperses the energy into the ground.<ref name=A>(2014, Jul. 24). ''What is the difference between two- and three-pronged plugs?'' [Online]. Available: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/everyday-tech/question110.htm</ref> Of course, to complete the circuit all the way back to the generator, the neutral is also connected back to the original [[distribution system]] in addition to being grounded at multiple locations.<ref name=B>(2014, Jul. 24). ''Household Wiring'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/hsehld.html</ref>		Most outlets are polarized for safety. Polarized plugs can only be inserted into them one way (which seems annoying, but is actually an important safety feature). In North America, this is accomplished by having two differently sized slots in addition to the rounded grounding slot, the larger of which is called the [[neutral line]], and the smaller called the [[hot line]] (see figure 2). The neutral is connected by a [[wire]] to ground, so its [[voltage]] is 0 [[volt\|V]]. Instead, the hot slot supplies the voltage required to draw current, and when a plug is inserted into the socket, the energy flows in from the hot slot, through the circuit, and ends at the neutral, which disperses the energy into the ground.<ref name=A>(2014, Jul. 24). ''What is the difference between two- and three-pronged plugs?'' [Online]. Available: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/everyday-tech/question110.htm</ref> Of course, to complete the circuit all the way back to the generator, the neutral is also connected back to the original [[Distribution grid\|distribution system]] in addition to being grounded at multiple locations.<ref name=B>(2014, Jul. 24). ''Household Wiring'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/hsehld.html</ref>

	The benefit of polarization is that polarized plugs can only be inserted in one orientation, so the [[switch]] to turn any device connected to the socket on or off can be built into the hot lead. In a non-polarized plug, the switch may only open the circuit at the neutral lead, which means that most of the internal circuitry of the device is still considered "hot" and can lead to [[shock hazard]]s.<ref>(2014, Jul. 24). ''Polarized Receptacles'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/hsehld.html#c2</ref>		The benefit of polarization is that polarized plugs can only be inserted in one orientation, so the [[switch]] to turn any device connected to the socket on or off can be built into the hot lead. In a non-polarized plug, the switch may only open the circuit at the neutral lead, which means that most of the internal circuitry of the device is still considered "hot" and can lead to [[shock hazard]]s.<ref>(2014, Jul. 24). ''Polarized Receptacles'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/hsehld.html#c2</ref>

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported: Doing upload, largely of old redirects.

2018-06-04T16:52:29Z

1 revision imported: Doing upload, largely of old redirects.

← Older revision	Revision as of 16:52, 4 June 2018
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Jmdonev at 20:02, 1 June 2018

2018-06-01T20:02:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:02, 1 June 2018
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	[[Category:Done ~~2015~~-08-21]]		[[Category:Done 2018-06-01]]
	<onlyinclude>'''Electrical outlets''' (also known as '''outlets''', '''electrical sockets''', '''plugs''', and '''wall plugs''') allow electrical equipment to connect to the [[electrical grid]]. The electrical grid provides [[alternating current]] to the outlet. There are two primary types of outlets: domestic and industrial.</onlyinclude> While not obvious from looking at them, the two sides of an electrical outlet represent part of a 'loop of [[wire]]' and plugging an electrical device into that outlet completes that [[circuit\|loop]], which allows [[electricity]] to flow through the device so it can operate.		<onlyinclude>'''Electrical outlets''' (also known as '''outlets''', '''electrical sockets''', '''plugs''', and '''wall plugs''') allow electrical equipment to connect to the [[electrical grid]]. The electrical grid provides [[alternating current]] to the outlet. There are two primary types of outlets: domestic and industrial.</onlyinclude> While not obvious from looking at them, the two sides of an electrical outlet represent part of a 'loop of [[wire]]' and plugging an electrical device into that outlet completes that [[circuit\|loop]], which allows [[electricity]] to flow through the device so it can operate.

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	[[File:Three-pronged outlet.jpg\|thumbnail\|right\|Figure 3. A labelled three-pronged outlet.<ref>Created internally by a member of the Energy Education team.</ref>]]		[[File:Three-pronged outlet.jpg\|thumbnail\|right\|Figure 3. A labelled three-pronged outlet.<ref>Created internally by a member of the Energy Education team.</ref>]]
	Most modern sockets in North America have a grounding slot in addition to the hot and neutral(see figure 3). The grounding wire is connected much like the neutral, as it also connects to a grounded neutral tie block.<ref name=B></ref> The grounding slot is important for devices with a metallic casing or metal-cased power supply, like computers. If a hot wire in the internal circuitry of an electronic device frayed or somehow came into contact with a metallic casing, the entire device would then become a serious shock hazard. However, the grounding wire is directly connected to the casing of the device and will neutralize the risk of shock by diverting current to the ground, which will trip the [[circuit breaker]], and stop the current flow to the device.<ref name=A></ref> Also, the ground prong will be longer than the neutral and hot prongs so that the device is grounded before it ever becomes "[[hot line\|hot]]" or "live."		Most modern sockets in North America have a grounding slot in addition to the hot and neutral(see figure 3). The grounding wire is connected much like the neutral, as it also connects to a grounded neutral tie block.<ref name=B></ref> The grounding slot is important for devices with a metallic casing or metal-cased power supply, like computers. If a hot wire in the internal circuitry of an electronic device frayed or somehow came into contact with a metallic casing, the entire device would then become a serious shock hazard. However, the grounding wire is directly connected to the casing of the device and will neutralize the risk of shock by diverting current to the ground, which will trip the [[circuit breaker]], and stop the current flow to the device.<ref name=A></ref> Also, the ground prong will be longer than the neutral and hot prongs so that the device is grounded before it ever becomes "[[hot line\|hot]]" or "live."
			== For Further Reading ==
			For further information please see the related pages below:
			*[[Electrical transmission]]
			*[[Electrical grid]]
			*[[Electrical generation]]
			*[[Distribution grid]]
			* Or explore a [[Special:Random\| random page!]]

	==References==		==References==
	<references/>		<references/>
	[[Category:Uploaded]]		[[Category:Uploaded]]

J.williams: 1 revision imported

2015-08-26T21:30:50Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 21:30, 26 August 2015
(No difference)

Jmdonev at 02:34, 22 August 2015

2015-08-22T02:34:19Z

New page

[[Category:Done 2015-08-21]]
<onlyinclude>'''Electrical outlets''' (also known as '''outlets''', '''electrical sockets''', '''plugs''', and '''wall plugs''') allow electrical equipment to connect to the [[electrical grid]]. The electrical grid provides [[alternating current]] to the outlet. There are two primary types of outlets: domestic and industrial.</onlyinclude> While not obvious from looking at them, the two sides of an electrical outlet represent part of a 'loop of [[wire]]' and plugging an electrical device into that outlet completes that [[circuit|loop]], which allows [[electricity]] to flow through the device so it can operate.

==Domestic sockets==
[[File:Sockets.png|thumbnail|right|Figure 1. Outlet layouts from around the world.<ref>(2014, Jul. 23). ''File:Plugs.png'' [Online]. Available: http://wikitravel.org/shared/File:Plugs.png</ref>]]
Domestic electrical outlets supply 120 [[volt]]s in North America and 220-240 volts in Europe, with most nations having outlets supplying voltages similar to one of those two values. Socket size and shape vary greatly from country to country (see figure 1), and for more information on the various sockets and plugs used around the world, visit [http://worldwanders.com/elec.htm World Wanders]. These differences don't change the basic design for creating a [[circuit]] to draw [[electricity]] from the grid. Throughout these different designs some fundamental components remain the same for most types of sockets.

===Polarization===
[[File:Polarized outlet.png|thumbnail|right|Figure 2. A labelled diagram of a polarized two-pronged outlet.<ref>Created internally by a member of the Energy Education team.</ref>]]
Most outlets are polarized for safety. Polarized plugs can only be inserted into them one way (which seems annoying, but is actually an important safety feature). In North America, this is accomplished by having two differently sized slots in addition to the rounded grounding slot, the larger of which is called the [[neutral line]], and the smaller called the [[hot line]] (see figure 2). The neutral is connected by a [[wire]] to ground, so its [[voltage]] is 0 [[volt|V]]. Instead, the hot slot supplies the voltage required to draw current, and when a plug is inserted into the socket, the energy flows in from the hot slot, through the circuit, and ends at the neutral, which disperses the energy into the ground.<ref name=A>(2014, Jul. 24). ''What is the difference between two- and three-pronged plugs?'' [Online]. Available: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/everyday-tech/question110.htm</ref> Of course, to complete the circuit all the way back to the generator, the neutral is also connected back to the original [[distribution system]] in addition to being grounded at multiple locations.<ref name=B>(2014, Jul. 24). ''Household Wiring'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/hsehld.html</ref>

The benefit of polarization is that polarized plugs can only be inserted in one orientation, so the [[switch]] to turn any device connected to the socket on or off can be built into the hot lead. In a non-polarized plug, the switch may only open the circuit at the neutral lead, which means that most of the internal circuitry of the device is still considered "hot" and can lead to [[shock hazard]]s.<ref>(2014, Jul. 24). ''Polarized Receptacles'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/hsehld.html#c2</ref>

===Grounding===
[[File:Three-pronged outlet.jpg|thumbnail|right|Figure 3. A labelled three-pronged outlet.<ref>Created internally by a member of the Energy Education team.</ref>]]
Most modern sockets in North America have a grounding slot in addition to the hot and neutral(see figure 3). The grounding wire is connected much like the neutral, as it also connects to a grounded neutral tie block.<ref name=B></ref> The grounding slot is important for devices with a metallic casing or metal-cased power supply, like computers. If a hot wire in the internal circuitry of an electronic device frayed or somehow came into contact with a metallic casing, the entire device would then become a serious shock hazard. However, the grounding wire is directly connected to the casing of the device and will neutralize the risk of shock by diverting current to the ground, which will trip the [[circuit breaker]], and stop the current flow to the device.<ref name=A></ref> Also, the ground prong will be longer than the neutral and hot prongs so that the device is grounded before it ever becomes "[[hot line|hot]]" or "live."

==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Uploaded]]