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The most common type of electrical outlet is a 3-prong outlet, which has two flat blades (one is wider than the other) and a round grounding pin. Older homes typically have 2-prong outlets that aren’t as safe as more modern options and are generally not up to current electrical codes.  Other outlets you can find in your home include 20A, 125 volt varieties for larger appliances like refrigerators or washing machines. 

There are also GFCI outlets, which protect against electrical shock in wet areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens, and arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) outlets, which protect against electrical fires caused by arcing.

Three-way switches are only replaceable with three-way switches. A single-pole switch won't work if you replace one or more of a pair of three-way switches. By electrical code, three-way switch configurations are necessary at the top and bottom of a staircase between residential floors.

According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), GFCI outlets should be installed in wet or damp locations where they might be splashed with water or other liquids. This is to protect against ground faults, which are more common around water. Specific areas that require GFCI outlets include kitchens (especially near counters), bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, garages, and all outdoor receptacles. Depending on local electrical codes, you may need at least one GFCI outlet in these rooms, or every outlet in the area may need to be GFCI protected.

Rewiring an electric system in a house typically ranges between $2,000 and $9,000, but a simple project can cost as low as $1,500. More complex upgrades run $10,000 or higher. The price depends on the size of your home, how accessible the wiring is, the cost of materials, and local electrician fees.