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 ...

John Carlsen has more than a decade of experience testing and reviewing home tech products, with a major focus on smart home security. He earned his BS in journalism from Utah Valley University. In ...

Wall outlets might not steal the spotlight when it comes to smart home upgrades, but they're more important (and more advanced) than ever. As our homes fill up with devices, from phones and tablets to ...

Outlets and receptacles. What's the difference? Which one goes where? Our expert is here to clear up the confusion.

Switches controlling line-to-neutral loads must have a neutral conductor installed at a switch serving bathrooms, hallways, stairways, or rooms suitable for human habitation or occupancy, as defined ...

The requirements of Art. 404 apply to switches of all types, including snap (toggle) switches, dimmer switches, fan switches, knife switches, circuit breakers used as switches, and automatic switches, ...

What do a cool home, a chilled beverage, a television show and clean clothing have in common? They are all made possible by some form of energy. For most Americans this source of energy is electricity ...

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 ...