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 ...

Is it just me, or does it seem like outlets are always "strategically" located in the exact spot where you want to place a big piece of furniture? Either you have to completely rethink the layout of ...

We use plugs every day, but most of us don't spend a lot of time thinking about them. We know that there are various electrical plug types, even if we're not familiar with the ins and outs of all of ...

You find yourself in an airport or hotel room in another country, and you really need to charge your phone, camera or game system. But what is that strange-looking outlet? It has round holes! And ...

Every smart home reaches a crossroads when deciding on a small yet crucial device: smart plugs or smart wall outlets. Let's get the obvious distinction out of the way — smart plugs are easy to set up, ...

Most smart plugs and their app-based controls are designed for indoor use. For outdoor smart plugs, you need to find a specialized model — which is where our hours of testing at CNET come in handy.

There are 15 standardized types of domestic electrical outlet plugs in use worldwide. The standard North American outlet, for example, has two vertical slots and a round hole beneath them for ...