Replacing a Wall Outlet? Here Are the 7 Outlet Types to Consider

Smart home upgrades don't just involve fancy, big-ticket items; your wall outlets deserve attention, too. As our homes fill up with devices, from phones and tablets to smart speakers and security systems, it is becoming essential to replace traditional outlets with smarter, more efficient options that better match our power needs. Over time, outlets wear out: They lose their grip, become inconvenient, or even pose a safety risk. Luckily, there are modern solutions. Whether you want to add USB ports, automate appliances or simply boost safety, replacing outdated outlets with newer models can make a big difference. There are quite a few options, which can make choosing the right one tricky. To help you find the right fit for your space, here's a breakdown of the seven most common wall outlet types found in US homes, and how each one can serve your lifestyle. Most of these can easily be installed without professional assistance, as explained by several homeowners on Reddit , so upgrading shouldn't take long. Standard electrical outlets A standard three-prong outlet provides 120 volts of electricity with a maximum current of 15 amps. A standard 3-prong outlet is the most common and cheapest type of electrical receptacle you can buy. It rarely costs more than a dollar or two, though some colors cost extra. Choosing a rectangular outlet design generally increases the price as well. It's usually cheaper to buy standard outlets at your local hardware store. Hold off on getting them online unless you buy in bulk. If you live in an old house with two-prong outlets, you should consider hiring an electrician to upgrade your wiring to use three-prong receptacles during your next renovation. 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 risk of power surges and electrical shocks is higher. That lack of ground connection is a big reason why modern homes exclusively use three-prong plugs. Although old two-prong wiring is often safe, the added safety of three-wire outlets and their compatibility with grounded appliances is worth the cost of upgrading in historic homes. Tamper-resistant outlets Most outlets come in a tamper-resistant version like this switched outlet. We teach our children not to stick things into electrical outlets from a young age, but tamper-resistant outlets recognize that sometimes curiosity gets the better of kids. These outlets have a built-in plastic shutter that seals the slots unless you insert a two-prong plug. This makes it less likely for a stray key to enter the outlet and cause an electrocution. The electrical code has required tamper-resistant outlets in new homes since 2008, so they might be necessary upgrades to pass inspections after extensive remodeling on older homes. High current outlets You can identify 20-amp receptacles by the T-shaped slot on one side. Some large appliances need additional electrical current to function properly, so a 20-amp outlet is often necessary. The different shape of...

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