Get It Right the First Time: A How-To Guide for Matching Power Outlets & Plugs

Posted on August 29, 2016 By Alison P

Matching appliances and electronics to the correct power source is an understandable concern. Nobody wants to purchase a new appliance and bring it home only to find the plug and socket do not match.

Understanding your home's plug types and electrical needs can be a little confusing, so eliminate that stress by learning more about the different options you may find in your home.

110 volts vs. 220 volts

These are the 2 distinct types of power sources you will find in your home. The important difference is the amount of potential energy, or voltage, the socket is able to supply to the device plugged into it.

The most common electrical outlet in any home is a 110 volt. Sometimes you may hear 110 volt plugs referred to as 120 volt. Do not be confused by this; think of them as one and the same.

There are a few variations of the 110 volt outlet based on the size of the breaker associated with the circuit, which is measured in Amps. The 2 most common variations are 15 Amp and 20 Amp.

110 Volt 15 Amp

The most basic is the 110 volt 15 amp outlet. This is suitable for the majority of your electronic needs, such as TVs, microwaves, and small air conditioners.

110 Volt 20 Amp

A horizontal pin is an obvious indicator that this type of outlet is required. You can plug in a smaller device that does not need 20 amps because it still offers the 2 vertical inputs. If your appliance strictly needs 20 amps to power it, the horizontal pin will prevent you from plugging it into an incompatible 15 Amp socket. Small dryers and washers often use this socket.

With the increased electrical demands of larger appliances, such as electric ranges, the power supply is doubled by combining 2 circuits and creating a 220 volt outlet. Simply stated, this supplies more power. Just like with 110 volt, 220 volt devices may alternatively be referred to as 230 or 240 volt.

Like the 110 volt outlet, there are a few variations of the 220 volt outlet based on the size of the breaker and measured in Amps. However, in this case there are 3 common variations: 15 Amp, 20 Amp and 30 Amp.

220 Volt 15 Amp

More powerful appliances increase the demand on your electrical system. Power is doubled to keep up, and therefore 220 Volt plugs are used. These are larger plugs than normal 110 Volt, and it would be impossible to confuse the two. Washers, dryers, and commercial-sized air conditioners commonly use this plug.

220 Volt 20 Amp

If your appliance demands a larger 20 Amp circuit, you will need this socket in your home. You may plug in smaller 15 Amp appliances to this socket but not vice-versa. The vertical pin on the appliance's plug will prevent that.

220 Volt 30 Amp

This is a very large plug with a dedicated circuit that is meant for appliances that demand the highest electricity, such as a range or split unit air conditioner. This socket looks similar to the 220 volt 15 Amp socket but is larger and is mounted by itself with no option to plug in additional appliances.

220 Volt 15 Amp

220 Volt 20 Amp

220 Volt 30 Amp

As you can see, each of the various outlet types has a distinctly different look that needs to match the plug on your new appliances or electronics. It's designed this way to make it extremely difficult to use an outlet that is incompatible with your appliance. To be sure you get it right, check your existing outlets before you make a new purchase. Take a photo of the outlet you intend to use and then refer to it as you shop!