Lowes Electrical Plugs (2024)

FAQs

What if I don't have enough electrical outlets? ›

If your outlets are in inconvenient locations, or if you don't quite have enough plug space for your needs, you have two basic options: power strips and outlet extenders or extension cords. Power strips and outlet extenders both add more plugs to a single outlet.

The average homeowner often believes these two electrical terms are interchangeable. In reality, they actually aren't the same thing. The term outlet refers to the actual box where receptacles are present. Receptacles are openings in the box into which you can plug your electronics.

It is acceptable to connect two or three gadgets into one electrical outlet, but it's also important to take the amperage of your circuit breaker into account beforehand (we'll discuss more about this later in the article).

Go to the hardware store and buy an adapter for 49¢. You could also change the outlet for about $1.50. But that's a lot of work. Even more work but more permanent is to grind the shoulders off the offending plug blade.

Use an Extension Cord

Extension cords can be a quick solution when you don't have enough outlets. The length of the cord enables you to run power to far-away appliances. If you use an extension cord, be sure not to overload it. If an extension cord gets overheated, it can cause fires.

A good rule of thumb is to assume that there will be a maximum power draw of 1.5 amps for each outlet, allowing 10 outlets for a single 20-amp circuit.

A plug is the connector attached to an electrically-operated device, often via a cable. A socket (also known as a receptacle or outlet) is fixed in place, often on the internal walls of buildings, and is connected to an AC electrical circuit.

15A outlets are the most common in residential properties and power low-amp appliances like lamps, TVs, and fans. 20A outlets are generally found in kitchens and laundry rooms and power appliances that use lots of electricity, such as fridges and washing machines.

Even though outlets have two plug-ins, never plug two temporary extension cords into one outlet. The power pull can be dangerous. Electrical resistance is higher with the addition of one extension cord. Connecting two extension cords or plugging two into one outlet results in heat generation that poses a fire risk.

Is 1500 watts a lot for an outlet? ›

The National Electrical Code requires that all major appliances have dedicated circuits. Major appliances include refrigerators, stoves, washers & dryers, and some space heaters. Space heaters can range from 400 to 1500 watts, but a good rule of thumb is that the maximum watts per outlet should never exceed 1500 watts.

Firstly, safety is paramount. Using the wrong type of wall outlet extender or overloading it with too many devices can lead to overheating, electrical fires, or damage to your devices. Secondly, the right outlet extender can help you maximize the use of your available outlets.

While older outlets have a tendency to be loose and can let cords slip right out or fail to provide an unhindered power supply, newer outlets tend to be overly tight. Fortunately, repeated use of these features will gradually break them in so that inserting plugs and taking them back out again is no longer a challenge.

Causes of a Loose Outlet

Loose outlets may become a problem over time if the contact points start to wear down. The contact points in the outlet's receptacle may wear out and then won't be able to grip the prongs of a standard plug. Loose outlets may also be due to faulty wiring or other electrical problems.

Overloading a circuit, old outlets, and improper installation could all cause outlet sparks. Short, quick sparks when plugging in a device are normal, but frequent and continuous sparks need to be examined by a qualified electrician. If an outlet is sparking, immediately shut it off, discontinue use, and call a pro.

The National Electrical Code's guidelines don't specify a specific limit to the number of outlets you can install on a single circuit. This is because the number of outlets matters far less than what those outlets are used for.

You can add a new outlet quickly and easily without tearing open a wall, if you already have an electrical outlet in the other side of the wall. No extra holes. No messy patching and repainting.

Try Multi-Lines, colorful extension cords (available in white, blue or pink) that stagger their outlets along the length of the cord, offering you three plugs in three different places for each one you plug in to the wall.

Anywhere from 2 to 5 percent of residential heat loss comes from electrical outlets and switches on outside walls. There are many ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home by way of weatherization and insulation.