The Best Electrical Outlets

Buying Guide for Electrical Outlets

Why buy an electrical outlet?

Suppose you are a homeowner or manage multiple properties at some point. In that case, you will need to replace your old, faulty electrical outlets. Investing in updated equipment will significantly promote everyone’s safety and well-being. Even if your new apartment or house is furnished with all the trimmings, including wall outlets or electrical receptacles, it makes sense to have some extras on hand. They’re constantly in use for plugging in appliances in the kitchen, alarm clocks in the bedroom, TV in the living room, cell phones charging on the counter, and a lot more. If an outlet dies on you, it’s nice to have a backup on hand. It makes sense to buy new electrical outlets to childproof your home, upgrade to better power capacity, or plug in lights on your patio or front porch.

What should you look for in an electrical outlet?

• Safety: It is now impossible to tamper with most electrical outlets because they feature protective coverings that prevent you from shocking yourself. Also, many units are incredibly intuitive and provide continuous ground fault protection. Some more advanced outlets are fire-resistant and can hold up in harsh conditions.
• Simple Design: Electrical outlets are now easy to replace and install, even if you lack experience doing the work. Standard installations usually take minutes to complete, and almost every outlet is sold with wall plates.
• Reliability: Newer electrical outlets are now incredibly resistant to corrosion. You can install them in a wide range of settings. More unique units are also much more long-lasting; they can withstand a lot of use without experiencing any issues or breakdowns. Some wall plates are polycarbonate, a material that ensures excellent durability and protection. Look for these features in a new outlet.

When should you replace electrical outlets?

Signs that it’s time to replace an electrical receptacle largely involve overheating. If your outlet feels hot to the touch or you see sparks when you plug a cord in, it’s time. Check your current outlets to see if they’re out of date or showing signs of age because either could lead to hazardous events. If they’re ungrounded, cracked, or unable to hold a plug, you should replace them for your family’s safety and for appearance.

Our Picks for the Best Electrical Outlets

Pros: What lifesavers! These ingeniously designed wall outlets have two high-speed 4.8A USB outlets and two USB ports each, giving you the option to charge your USB 2.0 devices free of power strips and adapters. They also feature tamper-resistant shutters and over-current protection to prevent device damage. The folks at EverElectrix even thought to wire the back and side receptacles for easier installation and yet another safety measure. The wall outlets have a 15-amp, 125VAC rating, and are NEC compliant.

Cons: Some users say the EverElectrix wall outlets are too big for their existing electrical boxes. You may want to measure your current outlet to make a better-informed purchase.

Bottom: These outlets are one of the best buys if you want to maximize desk space. You could add the two electrical receptacles to charge your family’s array of devices, from smartphones to tablets and more. The product comes with wall plates and screws.

 

Pros: If you have a baby on the way and want to childproof the house in preparation, the 10-pack of 15 amp tamper-resistant duplex wall outlets may be worth consideration. They’re made of fire-resistant and high-impact resistant material to prevent potential hazards. They look nice, too, honestly. The clean, white wall outlets feature non-fade gloss for a modern design. Each outlet features two spring-loaded shutters that close when you remove a plug; no hairpins are allowed.

Cons: Some folks struggle with installing these outlets. Some complaints regard the quality of the screws; others say the cover plates are too small.

Bottom Line: Duplex outlets like these are always helpful in homes or offices where you want to avoid adding power strips. The safety features are ideal for family homes, protecting curious kids from electric shock and adults.

 

Pros: These duplex outlets stand out for their clever construction. The shallow body provides space for optimal wiring, offering both backstab and side options. You can use the break-off plaster ears to keep the top plug live and the bottom plug for switch-controlled items like lamps. The thermoplastic body ensures the outlet won’t overheat and prevents wear and tear. 

Cons: You may find that the tamper-proof construction makes them more challenging to use. Some users say they need to wiggle the plug a bit to get it to fit.

Bottom Line: Just because they’re just wall outlets doesn’t mean they have to look drab. The non-fade gloss finish and thermo-resistant material keep these looking bright. This ENERLITES 10-pack makes a high-quality, safe, and affordable buy for any residential setting.

 

Pros: If a finicky outlet that doesn’t hold a plug has been on your mind, this UltraPro GE duplex receptacle may work out as a replacement. You don’t have to invest in a package of 10, only one outlet. And you shouldn’t need an electrician, as this DIY replacement outlet features a self-grounding clip that makes the process easier and safer. While you’re at it, check all your outlets. If any feel warm to the touch, are cracked, or old and yellowed, it’s time to switch them out. This product features a 125VAC/15A maximum electrical rating. It supports most household appliances, making it great to have on hand to replace a bad outlet anywhere in the house.

Cons: As you can see from the product image, the outlet has no back wire setup for clamping the wire beneath the screw inside.

Bottom Line: This replacement receptacle has the UL certification, so it’s deemed safe and high-quality by experts. That should give you a bit of comfort. With its heavy-duty construction, this outlet will last you longer than the outlet you’re replacing.

 

Pros: As a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet, the ANKO tamper- and weather-resistant outlet adds a second layer of security against electrocution. When a ground fault is detected, the GFCI cuts power immediately. A green LED indicator light illuminates when the outlet is working correctly, and a red LED indicator light signals if the ground fault protection isn’t working. Every 40 seconds, the outlet performs a self-test, so you’ll see its most up-to-date status. But if you want to perform a manual test, press the TEST button. If the GFCI trips, press RESET, and you’re ready to go! The ANKO also has a thermoplastic case with a nice white gloss for good looks indoors or outdoors on the deck. The outlet features enhanced corrosion and UV-resistant components.

Cons: The green and red LED lights are not as bright as expected.

Bottom Line: People love the multipurpose outlet because of the GFCI construction. It allows you to relax outdoors in a patio chair with your phone plugged in, knowing that a bit of moisture won’t ruin your afternoon.

Final Thoughts

One of the safe and visually-appealing outlets we reviewed could be just what you need to update the ones in your home.