While standard receptacles typically use three wires -- hot, neutral and ground -- you'll occasionally find 2-prong outlets in older homes. Since this type of outlet lacks a ground connection, the ...

Lauren is a writer and architectural designer living and working in Brooklyn, NY. In addition to being a writer at Forbes, she works as a freelance architectural designer specializing in residential ...

Sarah Mitroff has worn many hats at CNET, including Senior Mobile Editor and Managing Editor of Health and Wellness. Currently, she is a freelance editor. Throughout her career, she's written about ...

Chance are you know about smart outlets and outlets with integrated USB ports, but you might be surprised at how many different outlets you can buy and install in your home. Of course, they’re all ...

Most electrical outlets are installed vertically, with one receptacle oriented above the other. But if you take a close look around your house, you'll probably find at least a couple mounted ...