FIREPLACE, KITCHEN, BATHROOM REMODELING COMPANY OF CANTON MICHIGAN

DUPLEX PLUGS

Home
REQUEST AN ESTIMATE
FIREPLACE REMODELING
KITCHEN REMODELING
BATHROOM REMODELING
Heating and Cooling services
PORTFOLIO
Reviews
SERVICES
STEAM SHOWER
Service Areas
CERAMIC TILE
INTERIOR REMODELING
EXTERIOR REMODELING
Warranty
Terms and Conditions
Tips
COST vs VALUE
NKBA-MEMBER
site map

BACK TO ELECTRICAL SERIVCE

 

Duplex receptacles are the most common wiring device. Many types are available. The traditional duplex outlet has screw terminals around which wire is wrapped to make contact. Then the screw is tightened. Some have holes designed to receive and hold a stripped wire conductor. That eliminates wrapping the wire around a screw contact and tightening the screw. Other receptacles have both screw terminals and insert holes. Some are side wired. Others are wired at the back.

 

Many duplex receptacles have a removable tab between the screw terminals on each side. Remove the tab to isolate one part of the receptacle from the other. These are commonly used for switched outlets. Some residential rooms are wired so that a switch by the entrance controls one or more outlets where table lamps will be installed. Outlets with tabs can also be wired to two different circuits.

 

Clock hanger receptacles are usually mounted high on a wall. They have a recessed single outlet for a clock. They also have a tab to hold the clock. This is a decorative item, so many colors and styles are available. Clock hanger outlets are usually connected to an unswitched circuit.

 

Locking receptacles come in a variety of sizes and configurations. Each service load capacity has a different size and configuration as set by NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers' Association) standards. They're made that way so that appliances that use the receptacles can use only receptacles rated at the correct capacity. Locking receptacles can be wall-mounted in a box or may be attached to an extension cord.

 

Be careful when selecting trim plates for locking receptacles. The size of the receptacle face varies with the service rating. A 20-amp, 4-wire receptacle is larger than a 20-amp, 3-wire receptacle. Locking receptacles are commonly called twist-lock devices because they must be rotated or twisted when inserted and removed.

 

Standard-grade devices used in residences will be the least expensive because they're made in great quantity and carried by every electrical supplier. Less common devices are made to meet special requirements and constructed of special materials. For example, switches and trim plates made of nylon are intended for heavy use. They cost more than standard residential-grade devices and may not be stocked by your local supplier.

 

Every modern wiring device has a voltage and amperage rating. This rating has an effect on cost. Usually, the greater the ampacity and voltage rating, the higher the cost.

 

Devices intended to meet exacting specifications or to serve in special applications are said to be specification grade. Usually these devices are made with more expensive contact material, are designed with special features, or are built to be particularly durable. That increases the cost, often to several times the cost of the standard-grade device. But the added cost may be a good investment from the owner's standpoint. For example, one specification-grade convenience outlet has contact material with better shape-retention characteristics. That ensures better electrical contact after years of hard use. You've probably seen duplex outlets that will hardly hold an electrical plug in place after a year or two of service.

 

Most manufacturers offer wiring devices with smooth surfaces that stay cleaner longer -- and are easier to clean when they do get soiled. Older switch covers had decorative grooves that accumulated smudges and were hard to clean.

 

Standard colors for wiring devices are ivory, white and brown. Other colors are available but will cost more.

 

Some devices have built-in grounding. There are two common types of grounded devices. One has a screw or terminal for attaching a ground conductor. The other has a special spring on one of the mounting screws. This spring provides a positive ground through the device frame to the mounting screw and on to a metal-backed outlet box. Automatic grounding devices cost a little more but install a little faster than the type with a grounding terminal or grounding screw, because the electrician saves one connection

Electrical, electrician

Horizontal Divider 7

PARKO HOME RENOVATIONS, 
Phone: (734) 812-3884
 
 
43812 Leeann Lane
Canton, Michigan 48187
Written "By Ron Parko"
Author