Outlet

An outlet is the electrical connection point where you plug in appliances, devices, and lighting throughout your home. From standard receptacles to GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms, these components keep your household running safely and efficiently. Whether you need new installations, upgrades, or repairs, Angi connects you with pros who can handle the job and provides helpful guides to support your project.

Related to Outlet Service

Outlet Service Articles and Advice
Dan Simms  •  May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install an Outlet in an Unfinished Basement? [2026 Data]
Need to run electricity to your basement? Learn about the cost to install an outlet in an unfinished basement and what factors affect your project cost.
Alison Kasch  •  May 22, 2026
What Do GFCI Electrical Outlet Buttons Do?
Reset and test buttons often indicate a GFCI outlet, which cuts off electrical currents to prevent possible shocks. These work like a circuit breaker but only affect certain outlets. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about GFCIs here.
Allie Ogletree  •  May 22, 2026
Everything You Need to Know About the Types of GFCI Outlets
There are many types of GFCI outlets, but knowing which is best for your home can be a challenge. Here’s a guide on the 10 most common GFCI outlets.
Allie Ogletree  •  May 22, 2026
Don’t Know Where to Put Electrical Outlets? Check Out These 8 Ideas
Putting electrical outlets in the right places all across your home can make your life a lot easier. Check out this guide on where to put electrical outlets.
Christopher Murray  •  May 22, 2026
Do Kitchen Islands Need Outlets? Yes, and Here’s Why
A kitchen island outlet offers convenience for food prep and entertainment. To stay up to code, outlets are required for certain size islands.
Kelly Weimert  •  May 21, 2026
6 Easy Steps for USB Outlet Installation
Installing a USB outlet yourself can save you money while conserving outlet space. This guide walks you through a basic USB outlet installation from start to finish.
Annie Sisk  •  May 21, 2026
Do the Light Fixtures in My Home Need to Be Grounded?
Installing a new light fixture in your home? Find out whether it needs to be grounded and how to get that done.
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  May 21, 2026
What Is a Coax Outlet?
What is a coax outlet used for in your home? This simple plate brings cable and internet to your home when connected to a coax cable.
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Common Outlet Service Questions

If only half of your outlet works, there are usually two possible causes: faulty wiring or a half-hot outlet. The first thing you'll want to do is check the circuit breaker panel to ensure that it's not tripped. If your circuit breaker isn't tripped, turn off the electricity and inspect the wiring to see if anything has come loose or corroded. 

If you have a half-hot outlet, it means half of the outlet is controlled by a switch somewhere on the same circuit, which should be nearby. This is an intentional electrical design commonly found in rooms without overhead lights.

Yes, an AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter) outlet also has line and load terminals, although it uses different technology than a GFCI and offers a different kind of protection. AFCIs monitor for internal arc faults, a type of wiring problem that can start an electrical fire.

The best place to put an electrical outlet depends on your needs. A good rule of thumb is to install outlets every 6 feet in large rooms. Hallways over 10 feet long need one electrical outlet minimum. 

If you find yourself needing extra plug-ins for all of your gadgets, you may want to increase the number of electrical outlets in your room. When adding outlets, keep in mind that older homes could have outdated electrical panels. In these cases, you may need a pro to upgrade you from 100-amp to 200-amp service before increasing the power load.

Though they may seem similar at a quick glance, outdoor electrical outlets are different from indoor electrical outlets in that they have extra safety precautions to prevent electrical hazards. These include GFCIs, which some indoor outlets have, and a watertight cover that allows you to use electricity from the outlet even on a rainy day.

A 3-prong, 15-amp, 120-volt outlet is standard in the U.S. These have two vertical slots and a U-shaped grounding hole, which suits most home electronics, from televisions to microwaves. Three-pronged outlets are safer than 2-pronged ones, as the third wire, known as the grounding wire, helps prevent shocks and electrical fires.