Electrical Receptacles
Sometimes referred to as outlets or wall sockets, electrical receptacles interface between electrical equipment and an electrical supply source by accepting plugs and transmitting energy currents to the equipment. Electrical receptacles have an array of slots, designed to accept varied plug types that match the electrical receptacle's slot configuration. As a result, electrical receptacles are called "females" and
electrical plugs are called "males". Examples of different plug types include: straight or non-locking electrical receptacles, which are inserted at 90ยบ to the place of the matching device face; and locking receptacles, which fix or lock a plug into the plane when the plug is inserted and then rotated. Available in many different designs and styles, electrical receptacle meet a wide range of applications including window air conditioners, clothes dryers, water heaters, medical equipment, assembly machinery and electrical equipment. Electrical receptacles serve industries such as commercial, retail, industrial manufacturing, electronics, laboratory, medical and residential.
Electrical receptacles consist of insulating materials, such as nickel, silver, plastic and galvanized steel, typically with two slots and a grounding hole. Designed to receive a conventional electrical cord and plug, these GFCI electrical receptacles run on the United States standard 120-volt system. However, heavy-duty 240-volt receptacles can be designed for equipment that requires a higher voltage such as electric ranges. There are different types of voltages that run through electrical receptacles, including live or phase, neutral and earth/ground. Live or phase transmits an alternating current of energy from the electrical receptacle to the electrical equipment. Neutral returns the current of energy from the electrical equipment and back to the electrical receptacle. Earth/ground is solely intended to transit the current of energy when connected to electrical equipment that has developed an insulation fault. The majority of electrical receptacles run on alternating current or AC power. AC power is an electrical current the reverses direction frequently and is highly versatile because the voltage can be altered through a transformer to suit varied transmission needs.
Electrical receptacles can present shock and electrical hazards to users due to deterioration or damage which can result in injury, death and/or electrical fires. Electrical receptacles deteriorate from frequent usage, which is especially prevalent in kitchens and bathrooms. Electrical receptacle injuries and deaths are monitored by the US Consumer Safety Commission, who estimates that each year there are about 3,900 injuries that resulted from electrical receptacles that required emergency room treatment. In addition, electrical receptacles are involved in 5,300 fires every year, in which there are 40 deaths and 110 injuries. However, there are new technologies are coming out to try and lessen the potential hazard of using electrical receptacles such as polarization. Polarized electrical receptacles accommodate asymmetrically-sized plugs that are currently used on appliances. Also, tamper resistant and corrosion resistant electrical receptacles are developed to withstand harsh environments.
|
|
|
|
|
Electrical Receptacles Image
Provided by Americord
|