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 ...

Here's the thing about electrical outlets: they're everywhere in our homes, yet most of us rarely think twice about them until something goes wrong. You rearrange furniture, push that heavy sectional ...

Q: When I plugged my cell phone charger into a kitchen outlet, my phone didn’t start charging as it normally does—rather, it seemed that this one electrical outlet was not working. Is there something ...

When you purchase a home, you may notice large boxes covering the outdoor electrical outlets. This is a weather-resistant receptacle outlet box, and it's one of the most common electrical outlets ...

Most outlets have a limit of 1,800 watts, with 1,500 watts cited as a safe maximum. This is enough for multiple device chargers, for example.

Q: I want to install an additional electrical outlet in my bedroom. On the other side of the wall is another outlet in about the same place as where I want to add the new one. Can I tap into 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 ...

This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. INDIANAPOLIS – This Home Zone is about ...

Chances are, you only have a few outlets near your desk and they're probably behind it, not to mention full of surge protectors and other devices. If you need easy access to a few open outlets, you ...

We independently review everything we recommend. We may make money from the links on our site. Learn more› By Rachel Cericola Rachel Cericola is a writer covering smart home. In addition to testing ...

Power strips are a common and convenient way to provide additional sockets, but experts warn that there are certain household items you should never plug into one.

It’s probably no secret that your outlet is capable of causing a fire, but the dangers may be higher than you think, especially if you live in an older home. You may think outlet-related fires only ...