Definition of Grounded Receptacles

A grounded receptacle is a power outlet that has the additional third rounded or u-shaped prong for three-pronged plug-in adapters. A grounded receptacle is connected internally to a supporting strap.

Ground

A grounding receptacle provides a ground through both an outlet box along with the grounding conductor, raceway, wiring system or armour.

Purpose

A grounded receptacle allows electrons to be safely transferred to the ground. This helps prevent any potentially dangerous electrical surges.

Older Homes

Most older homes do not include grounded receptacles due to the lack of high powered electrical appliances in the past. There are several techniques that can be used to update your home's electrical outlets.

Reasons for Use

There are three main reasons why grounded receptacles are used today: fault protection, signal reference and lightning protection. All of these reasons pertain to safety.

Types

There are different types of systems that a grounded receptacle may be used on, which include an ungrounded system, a solidly grounded system, resistance grounded, reactance grounded, and a ground fault neutralizer.

References

• EC & M: Electric Receptacles
• Encyclopedia 2 The Free Dictionary.com: Grounding Receptacle

Resources

• Reliability Consultant.com: Receptacle Wiring