What is the Difference Between Outlet, Socket, and Receptacle? . When dealing with electrical wiring and home appliances, terms like “outlet,” “socket,” and “receptacle” are often used interchangeably. However, each of these has a distinct meaning in the world of electrical systems. This article will explain the difference between an outlet, socket, and receptacle, their types, and how they function in electrical circuits.

Read More : Why Are Outlets and Receptacles in Hospitals Upside Down?
What is an Outlet?
According to NEC, An Outlet is a point which is used to provide electric supply (by taking out the current for further utilization) to the electrical appliances, devices and equipment.
For example, an outlet is a point into which electrical cords and plugs are plugged to power ON a device.
Outlets (generally known as wall outlets) are devices used for supplying electric power directly from your home’s main circuit breaker panel box via insulated copper wires and cables to the appliances.
An outlet is a point that electricity comes out of. For example, An electric power outlet is known as an outlet because power comes out of it to utilize in the electrical equipment.

Read More : What Are the Different Colors Electrical Outlets Used For?
Types of Outlets
1. Standard Electrical Outlets
These are the most common types of outlets found in homes and businesses. They typically provide 120V or 240V of power, depending on the country and specific application.
2. GFCI Outlets
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets protect against electric shocks by shutting off power when they detect an imbalance in the current. They are commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas.
3. AFCI Outlets
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) outlets prevent fires caused by electrical arcing. They are typically required in bedrooms and living rooms to enhance safety.
4. USB Outlets
Modern homes now use USB outlets, which allow you to plug in USB devices directly without an adapter.
Read More : How to Wire and Install a GFCI Outlet?
What is a Socket?
In British English, a socket is a unit installed in the wall where a plug can be inserted to connect the appliance to the main electric supply. Outlet may be used in technical specifications and contexts but it has other meaning and applications too. In short, the Outlet in the US is a Socket in the UK.
Tips : Outlet in the US is a Socket in the UK. Additionally, There are outlets that are not sockets and vice versa. Additionally, sockets may be outlets and vice versa however, not every socket is an outlet and so on.
According to IEC, A Socket is the female receptacle designed for power connectors which is used to connect electrical equipment, devices and appliances to the electric supply.
The official designation of GPO “General Purpose Outlet” is commonly known as “Socket Outlet” in the Australian Standards (AS/NZS 3000). Same is the case for New Zealand.
The official designation in Australia used to be “General Purpose Outlet” (GPO). However, the official designation is NOW “Socket Outlet”.
In the US, a socket is a point into which a light bulb is screwed and fitted. For example, a light socket (bulb holder) etc.
Commonly used in the USA, a socket is typically found inside an appliance or device like a light bulb or lamp holder; it is designed specifically for connecting the device into an outlet so that power can be supplied from your home’s mains supply system.

Read More : How to Find the Number of Outlets on a Single Circuit Breaker?
Types of Electrical Sockets
1. Two-Prong Sockets
These sockets have two slots and are not grounded, making them less safe than three-prong alternatives.
2. Three-Prong Sockets
These sockets have an extra grounding slot, providing better protection against electrical shocks.
3. Smart Sockets
These modern sockets can be controlled remotely via a smartphone or smart home system.
Read More : How to Wire a 120V Simultaneous Water Heater Thermostat?
What is a Receptacle?
According to NEC article 100, A Receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug. For example, a single receptacle outlet, an outlet having two receptacles and so on (see the above image for more clarification).
Tips : A receptacle can be an outlet but an outlet can’t be only a receptacle.
A socket (also known as a receptacle) is a point where plugs are inserted, fitted or simply an electrical equipment plugged into it. For example, a light socket – NEC (bulb holder in IEC) is known as a socket because a light bulb (lamp) is inserted into it.
Tips : Outlets, Sockets & Receptacles are the same in the Canadian National Codes (CNC) as the American National Electrical Codes (NEC).

Read More : How to Wire 277V and 480V 1-Phase and 3-Phase Commercial Main Service Panel?
Types of Electrical Receptacles
- Single Receptacles: Designed for one plug only.
- Duplex Receptacles: The most common type, allowing two devices to be plugged in at once.
- Tamper-Resistant Receptacles: Designed with safety mechanisms to prevent children from inserting objects.
Differences Between Outlet, Socket, and Receptacle
Feature | Outlet | Socket | Receptacle |
---|---|---|---|
Definition | A general access point for power | A physical opening where a plug is inserted | The part of an outlet where the socket resides |
Usage | Describes the entire power supply point | Specifically refers to the plug-in slot | Refers to the physical device housing the socket |
Example | A wall outlet in a home | A light bulb socket | A duplex receptacle in a kitchen |
Main Difference Between Outlet, Socket and Receptacle
As the above statement may be ambiguous because of the fact that power also comes out of the socket to the electrical appliance, you may use (and consider) the specific terms instead e.g. power outlet, light outlet, smoke alarm outlet, light socket and so on especially in technical documents.
As a conclusion, the terms “Outlet, Socket & Receptacles” in electrical trade and wiring installations are different with specific characteristics and applications in the US.
Read More : What Are the Types of Switches – Construction and Working
- A Receptacle: Each individual power jack on an outlet is a receptacle. For instance, a 120V, 15A duplex GFCI outlet is an outlet having two receptacles).
- An Outlet: It is a point which has one or more power jacks. For example, a 15A, 120V duplex outlet (It is a One outlet with two receptacles).
- A Socket: It is a point where a device is inserted e.g. A light bulb inserted in the light socket (bulb holder).
In summary, the main difference between a socket and an outlet is that a socket is the female component of an electrical connection (such as light socket), while an outlet refers to the complete electrical connection, including receptacles, socket and the plug or connector.
Read More : Why Cant We Store AC in Batteries instead of DC?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are outlet and receptacle the same thing?
No, an outlet refers to the entire electrical power point, while a receptacle is the component where the plug connects.
2. Can I replace a two-prong socket with a three-prong socket?
Yes, but you must ensure the wiring supports proper grounding.
3. Why do some outlets have reset buttons?
These are GFCI outlets, designed to protect against electrical shocks.
4. What is the safest type of electrical outlet?
GFCI and AFCI outlets provide the highest level of safety.
Related Topics
-
What Is the Difference Between AC and DC Motors?
-
What Is the Difference Between Sensor and Actuator?
-
What Is the Difference Between Analog and Digital Multimeter?
-
Difference Between Single Phase and Three Phase Transformer
-
Difference Between Schottky Diode and Shockley Diode
-
What is the Difference Between Clipper and Clamper Circuits?
-
Difference Between Electric Current and Electric Charge
-
What is the Difference Between AC and DC Resistance?
-
What is the Difference Between Analog and Digital Circuit?
-
What Is the Difference Between GFCI and AFCI?
-
What is the Difference Between AC and DC Generator?
-
What Is the Difference Between Contactor and Starter?
-
Difference between BJT and FET Transistors